Craft Marks the 30th Anniversary of Fresh! Awards

Keeping it fresh since 1993: Craft marks the 30th  anniversary of the career-making awards and exhibition –  showcasing the next wave of talent in contemporary craft  and design.  

An annual fixture on the Craft calendar, Fresh! showcases the energy, skill  and innovation of some of the best graduating students from craft, design  and fine art disciplines. The awards and accompanying exhibition provide  an important platform for Victorian graduates beginning their careers  as makers to exhibit their work, and offers insight into new directions of  contemporary craft and design. 

“From its inception, Fresh! has been a career-defining moment for many of  the finalists, with numerous having gone on to influence the direction of the  cultural and creative sectors. Craft takes immense pride in the critical role  we have as an incubator for the future creative innovators and leaders.”

“We warmly thank the ongoing generosity of our Fresh! supporters. This year we welcome  The Macfarlane Fund’s visionary support of The Desa Artist Residency Award, providing a  transformational opportunity to an emerging artist,” said Craft Executive Director Nicole Durling.

Each year, Craft and an invited team of craft and design professionals and visual artists view graduate  exhibitions across Victoria to search for the freshest emerging makers. The 2023 selection panel included  artist and potter James Lemon, experimental designer Isabel Avendano-Hazbun, artist and jeweller Zaiba Khan, Craft’s Curatorial and Exhibitions Manager Eliza Tiernan and Programs and Engagement  Coordinator Anni Hagberg.

Highlights of Fresh! include:

• Blomley Cashman Design Office’s Dining Stand – an ingenious adjustable stand offering an alternative  experience to the traditional chair and table. The stainless steel band cradles meal and beverage, while  the dished top holds cutlery and napkin.
• Spanish-born artist and silversmith Mariana Blanco explores how digital technology can be worn on the  body. The result: a finely crafted metal brooch that holds a digital projector.
• The awards recipients will be selected by the Fresh! prizes sponsors and announced following the  opening event and awards presentation evening on Thursday 16 March.

Key details

• Fresh! 2023: Running from 11 Mar until 29 Apr 2023. More information.
• Opening event: Thursday 16 March 2023, 6-8pm. Craft, Watson Place (off Flinders Lane). RSVP here.