25 March 2018

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is delighted to announce the seven shortlisted artists who will present work in the 2018 Indigenous Ceramic Award (ICA) in August this year. The Award celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of the ceramic medium by Indigenous artists and art collectives and acknowledges the unique talents of ceramic artists.

The winner of the $20,000 acquisitive prize will be announced at the exhibition’s official opening event on Saturday 25 August 2018 at SAM.

The 2018 ICA is the sixth in the series of SAM’s biennial Awards, showcasing new and exciting developments in the field. It contributes to the Art Museum’s significant holdings of Indigenous ceramic art, and provides cultural exchange opportunities for Indigenous artists from regional Victoria and around Australia.

The 2018 shortlisted artists are:

• Dean Cross, Worimi, ACT

• Jackie Wirramanda, Wergaia, VIC

• Jan Goongaja Griffiths, Miriwoong/Ngarinyman – Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, WA

• Janet Fieldhouse, Torres Strait Islands, QLD

• Jock Puautjimi, Tiwi – Tiwi Design Aboriginal Corporation, NT

• Penny Evans, Gamilaraay/Gomeroi, NSW

• Yhonnie Scarce, Kokatha/Nukunu, SA

The seven shortlisted applicants have been invited to present a substantial body of new work for display at SAM from 25 August to 11 November 2018. Accompanying the exhibition will be a series of public programs and associated events that will provide skills and knowledge exchange. A full colour exhibition catalogue will also be produced and available for purchase from the SAM shop.

Judging the finalist in the 2018 ICA are: Stephen Gilchrist, Associate Lecturer of Indigenous Art, University of Sydney; Genevieve Grieves, Manager, First Peoples Department at Museums Victoria; and Dr Rebecca Coates, Director, Shepparton Art Museum.

The 2018 ICA’s Project Curator is Belinda Briggs, Community Engagement Officer – Indigenous, working with Anna Briers, Curator, Shepparton Art Museum.

Previous Awards winners include, Kaiela Arts artists, Jack Anselmi and Cynthia Hardie in 2016, Bankstown Koori Elders Group in 2014, Janet Fieldhouse in 2011 and 2007 and Danie Mellor in 2009.

The 2018 ICA is developed in partnership with the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation and Mr Allan Myers AC QC.

Important Dates:

For further information, print quality images, or to arrange interviews with SAM staff, please contact Medialink:

Katrina Raymond (03) 96633222 or email katrina@medialinkproductions.com

Louis Raymond (03) 96633222 or email louis@medialinkproductions.com