Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize 2026

Following the success of last year's prize, Craft is delighted to continue our partnership with Mud Australia to present the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize 2026.

The Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize (SSCP) was established in 2020 by Mud Australia Founder and Creative Director, Shelley Simpson, to support and champion the next generation of Australian ceramicists.

Presented in partnership with Craft Victoria, the annual prize is open to ceramic artists working across functional ware, fine art, handcrafted objects and broader commercial ceramic practices. Alongside a $10,000 cash prize, shortlisted finalists will be exhibited at Craft Victoria as part of a dedicated exhibition celebrating contemporary Australian ceramics.

“The visual and plastic arts are an integral part of our culture and overall social wellbeing. This sector has long been under-valued and poorly funded. I love ceramics (of course) so I’m really excited and happy to help provide a platform and financial support for our emerging ceramicists.”

— Shelley Simpson

Now in its sixth year, the annual prize is open to ceramicists across Australia, celebrating innovative, sustainable and emerging talent through a series of awards designed to support and accelerate creative practice.

This year, shortlisted finalists will once again be exhibited as part of a dedicated exhibition hosted at the Craft Victoria gallery in Melbourne, celebrating the breadth and future of contemporary Australian ceramics.

Finalists will be selected by Founder, Designer and Creative Director of Mud Australia, Shelley Simpson and Nicole Durling, Executive Director of Craft Victoria.

Read about last year's exhibition and award winners.

Congratulations to this year's finalists:

Ellie Singe, Jade Power, Josefina Barcelo, Josina Pumani, Kaz Davis, LeShaye Swan, Mason Reed, Narelle White, Nastja Zarić, Raphy, Remy Pajaczkowski-Russell, Samantha Mackie, Steve Lees, Tai Snaith.

Highly commended applicants:

Aileen Corbett, Callum Kent, Gillian Martin, Jack Parnaby, Jo Lauritz, Joshua Searle, Matthew Winstanley, Sam Ward, Tantri Mustika