The Griffith Regional Art Gallery is now accepting entries for the National Contemporary Jewellery Award (NCJA), held every two years. This competition is open to contemporary jewellery practitioners from across Australia.
The NCJA is a prestigious national prize that highlights the innovative and unique work of Australia’s top jewellers. Established in 1992 by the Griffith City Council, the award aims to showcase contemporary jewellery and expand the National Contemporary Jewellery Collection, which is housed at the Gallery. The prize includes a $5,000 cash award and inclusion in the National Contemporary Jewellery Collection, as well as a $1,000 Design Excellence Award.
Margaret Andreazza, Manager of Griffith Regional Art Gallery, expressed excitement about the upcoming event. “We are thrilled to invite Australia’s contemporary jewellery community to participate in this significant exhibition. Over the past 30 years, we have seen incredible entries, and we look forward to this year’s submissions,” she said.
This year’s judges are Dr. Rohan Nicol, Head of Discipline – Art at the University of Tasmania, and Leeanne Santoro, Curator of Sharing the National Collection at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Ray Wholohan, the Gallery’s Coordinator, praised the judges’ expertise, stating, “We are privileged to have such esteemed judges for the 2024 NCJA. Their extensive experience and deep understanding of contemporary jewellery practices are invaluable to our collection.”
Ms. Andreazza wished all participants good luck in the 2024 award. She encouraged interested artists to visit the Gallery’s website and Facebook page for entry forms, terms, and conditions. “These resources include essential information and dates for the upcoming award. For further details, please contact our Gallery staff,” she added.
The finalists’ work will be displayed at the NCJA Exhibition at the Gallery, starting 9 November this year. The winners will be announced at a gala opening event on Friday, 8 November 2024.