MAKE Award- Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design

An initiative of the Australian Design Centre (ADC) launched last year, MAKE AWARD: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design is the richest non-acquisitive prize for craft and design in Australia.

Geelong Gallery and ADC will present this major new award celebrating innovation in contemporary craft and design from Saturday 10 August at Geelong Gallery.

A total of 187 entries were received across the fields of ceramics, glass, furniture, metal, jewellery, textiles and fibre. The 30 finalists are designer/makers with a high level of skill either working with materials that are new to their practice, new or traditional materials, or working in new and innovative ways.

The winner of the 2023 MAKE Award is Vipoo Srivilasa, receiving a cash prize of $35,000. Second Prize was awarded to Jessica Murtagh, receiving $10,000, and Liz Williamson received a high commendation from the judges.

Geelong Gallery is delighted to have acquired Murtagh’s work, Self-checkout of Sisyphus. This Adelaide-based, early career artist has quickly gained a reputation for her outstanding work in glass. Specialising in blown glass, Murtagh uses sand carving and engraving techniques to create 21st century narratives that draw inspiration from classical artefacts and ancient Athenian ceramic amphoras, which often depict scenes of daily life. Self-checkout of Sisyphus will be displayed for the first time since its acquisition at Geelong Gallery as part of the MAKE Award.

Judges for the award were Lisa Cahill, CEO and Artistic Director, Australian Design Centre, Hyeyoung Cho, Chairperson, The Korea Association of Art and Design and Jury Member Loewe Craft Prize, Brian Parkes, CEO, JamFactory and Jason Smith, Director & CEO, Geelong Gallery.

Jason Smith, said it was a privilege to be part of the expert panel responsible for selecting and awarding the inaugural MAKE Award. He added that ‘the Gallery’s collaboration with ADC, and its presentation of the MAKE Award were especially relevant for Geelong Gallery as it continues to assist the City of Geelong lead in its designation as a UNESCO City of Design.’

The MAKE Award Finalists

Luke Abbot, Kelly Austin, Andrea Barker, Julie Blyfield, Samuel Burns (Sabu Studio), Lisa Cahill, Cobi Cockburn, Csongvay Blackwood, Carly Tarkari Dodd, Evan Dunstone, Gretal Ferguson, Hannah Gason, Minqi Gu, Rowena, Juliana & Angela Foong (High Tea with Mrs Woo), Kumuntjai Napanangka Jack, Cara Johnson, Sherrie Knipe, Korban/ Flaubert, Johannes Kuhnen, Ruth Ju-shih Li, Brenda Livermore, Nick Mount, Jessica Murtagh, Kenny (Yong soo) Son, Studio Ventana X Tim Noone, Vipoo Srivilasa, Bic Tieu, Angela Valamanesh, Liz Williamson, Damien Wright & Bonhula Yunupingu.

For more information, visit geelonggallery.org.au