PSA: Applications are now open for The Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize, an inaugural award specifically designed to help support the next generation of Australian ceramicists.

Created by Shelley Simpson, founder of the iconic Australian porcelain and homewares brand Mud Australia, the prize seeks to award a student ceramicist entering their final year of a vocational or tertiary (Masters, Bachelor or Diploma) degree with $10,000 (!) and a 3-month paid internship at Mud Australia’s production studio in Sydney. Applicants are not limited by practice and are encouraged to apply if they are from functional, small-scale, fine art, handcrafted, or commercial ceramics fields. The program strongly encourages First Nations ceramicists to apply.

Entrants will be judged on an original ceramic project submitted by the student by Thursday, 30th November. Designs will be judged on a range of considerations including originality, aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, sustainability and community focus.

There are two additional prizes up for grabs –  $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third. All three winners will also conduct a 3-month paid internship at Mud, which is a pretty incredible opportunity (have a look at our profile on their studio from a few years ago here). What a bounty!

Applications for The Shelley Simpson Ceramic Prize close at midnight (AEST) on Tuesday, 30th November 2020. See here more information including criteria, eligibility and how to enter.