North Coast Ceramics' Annual Award for Contemporary Ceramic Excellence.
Surface 2026
We’re excited to announce the next chapter of our annual ceramics award, now reintroduced under our new name.
This new title marks a fresh direction for the award as it evolves into a consistent and recognisable national platform.
FIRST PRIZE IS NOW $3000! & Student Prize $500
SURFACE steps away from the constraints of a yearly theme, opening the door to greater artistic freedom.
Now open to all ceramic artists and sculptors residing in Australia, welcoming a broader community of makers to showcase the richness and diversity of contemporary ceramic practice.
Whether you're a student, emerging or established, we invite you to engage, experiment, and contribute to this dynamic exhibition celebrating the enduring art of clay.
Key Dates
Entries Open: Friday, 3rd October 2025
Entries Close: Friday, 1st December 2025
Finalists Announced: Notified via email – Thursday, 2nd January 2026
Exhibition Opening Night: 6pm Friday, 23rd January 2026
Exhibition Ends: Friday, 1st February 2026
Delivery of Work: Thursday, 22 January 2026 (between 8am – 4pm)
Collection of Unsold Work: Sunday, 1st February 2026 (between 10am – 4pm)
Entry Requirements
Open to all ceramicists and sculptors living in Australia
Submitted works must be at least 70% ceramic
Maximum dimensions: 1000mm x 1000mm x 1000mm
Maximum weight: 20kg
Submit an artist's statement and details of your work
Include 3 JPEG images (max. 5MB each) showing front, side, and back views
Multiple entries welcome (submit one entry form per work)
Entry Fee: $40 per work
Additional Information
Finalists' works will be exhibited at Mullumbimby Civic Hall, NSW
Local finalist artists are requested to contribute to gallery staffing during the exhibition
NCC takes all care but no responsibility for works
A 25% commission applies to all sales during the exhibition
Finalists will be notified by email
All unsold works to be collected in person on 1/2/26, or works will be posted to the artist once the artists payment of freight invoice is received.
More details, including how to enter, prize information, and judging panel, will be announced soon. Stay tuned.
North Coast Ceramics thanks the following sponsors of the 2025 NCC Inaugural Ceramic Award.
