by Carole Epp | Jun 15, 2026 | call for entry
Gordon Baldwin’s exhibition “Little hard clouds becoming vessels”
Applications are now open for the sixth edition of the Officine Saffi Award, the international prize dedicated to the promotion of contemporary ceramics in the work of artists, designers, and craftspeople committed to this medium.
Participation is free of charge and offers the opportunity to be selected for the Main Prize of €10,000, seven Residency Prizes developed in collaboration with leading international institutions, a Young Artists acquisition Prize as well as the chance to exhibit one’s work in the finalists’ exhibition.
For its 6th edition, Officine Saffi Award invites the submission of works inspired by the theme Forms of Belonging. The theme explores the human need for belonging, questioning how—within an increasingly aggressive social and political context—the material world can become a space of recognition, generate a sense of proximity, and make us feel part of a shared human community. Due to its intimate, everyday, and relational nature, ceramics emerge as a privileged language for this investigation: a silent presence that inhabits the time of our lives.
by Carole Epp | Jun 15, 2026 | residency opportunity
Our 2027 Potter in Residence Open Call is now live.
This is a year-long opportunity for a maker working in clay to spend time with us at County Hall Pottery, develop their practice, and become part of the life of the studio.
We welcome applications from artists, designers, potters, ceramicists, craftspeople, functional makers, fine artists, and other practitioners working through clay.
The residency offers dedicated studio space, seven-day studio access, use of our facilities, free use of kilns, recycled clay and standard studio materials, professional support, paid teaching opportunities, and a solo exhibition in December 2027.
It is both a supported studio residency and a fixed-term role. The resident will contribute 20 hours per week to the studio, gallery, teaching programme, exhibitions, events, and wider County Hall Pottery community.
Applications are open from 1 June until midnight on 30 July 2026.
How to Apply?
1. Read the full open call and application guidance via the link.
2. Please submit your application (pdf) in here
by Carole Epp | Jun 4, 2026 | call for entry
Entries are open for the $10,000 national, acquisitive Clunes Ceramic Award 2026 exhibition, showcasing outstanding contemporary ceramic practice, in partnership with the @artgalleryofballarat and @castlemaineartmuseum, supported by the Hugh D. T Williamson Foundation.
Commendation Awards also presented alongside the major $10,000 prize at the opening event.
The successful Award is celebrated for its creativity and innovation, attracting ceramicists from across Australia.
▪️Entries Close: 9 Aug
▪️Finalists announced by: 21 Aug
▪️Exhibition opening: 3 Oct
▪️Exhibition: 4 Oct – 1 Nov
Exhibition: Esmond Gallery, The Warehouse, Clunes, Victoria.
Further information and terms & conditions 👉 clunesceramicaward.org.au
Images from left to right –
▪ Mahala Hill, 𝘔𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘐𝘐, Winner Clunes Ceramic Award 2022, Collection: Castlemaine Art Museum
▪ Vanessa Lucas, 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘑𝘶𝘨𝘴, Winner Clunes Ceramic Award 2017, Collection: Art Gallery of Ballarat
▪ Dean Smith, 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘯 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘐, Winner Clunes Ceramic Award 2013, Collection: Castlemaine Art Museum
▪ Andrea Barker, 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴, Winner Clunes Ceramic Award 2019, Collection: Art Gallery of Ballarat
by Carole Epp | May 6, 2026 | to read
Sharif Farrag’s work on view with Jeffrey Deitch at Frieze Los Angeles 2026. Photo by Charles White/JW Pictures. Courtesy of the artist and Jeffrey Deitch, New York and Los Angeles.
“But the question remains as to whether prices remain modest for ceramics despite the lengthy tradition and the current acceptance of the material in high-art venues.”
One of those art world articles for those interested in the prices ceramics are going for these days in the art market.
Read the full article:
– By – Brian Boucher for Artnews
Drop your thoughts in the comments.
