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The Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize (SSCP) was introduced in 2020 by Mud Australia Founder and Creative Director, Shelley Simpson.
“Visual arts are an integral part of our culture and overall social wellbeing. This sector has long been under-valued and poorly funded. With no change in sight it’s up to individuals and businesses with the foresight and capital to step up and do what they can to reverse the decline. The emerging generation of ceramicists are really inspiring. Their work touches all the right areas: environmental, social, visual and practical! After personally watching my daughter financially struggle with her investment in her final year of fine art studies, despite our support, I realised others may not be so lucky. It is my hope that this award will nurture and support some of our brightest ceramicists in the years to come.”
What is the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize?
The mission of the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize (SSCP) is to support the next generation of Australian ceramicists. These artists may be working across functional, small-scale, fine art, handcrafted or more complex commercial pursuits with ceramics. As of 2023, the annual prize is now open to all Australian ceramics artists.
Prizes & Eligibility
First Prize: $10,000
Second Prize: $2,000
Third Prize: $1,000
The first prize winner will be offered a mentor-mentee relationship with Shelley Simpson to commence in 2025.
2025 Key Dates
Applications open — 6 January
Applications close — 24 January
Finalists announced — 7 February
Winners announced — 21 February
Pictured: Alfred Lowe, 2024 SSCP Winner. Photography by Henry Trumble.
Pictured: Alfred Lowe, All dressed up for the Gathering I, 2024, hand built stoneware with sgraffito and raffia. Photo by Sam Roberts courtesy of The APY Art Centre Collective
Pictured: Cassie Hansen, 2023 SSCP Winner. Photography by Nikita Hederics.
Pictured: Cassie Hansen's winning entry.
Pictured: Shelley Simpson with SSCP 2022 winner, Phaedra Davy.
Pictured: Phaedra Davy's winning entry.
Winning the SSCP has given me a confidence boost and a sense of reassurance that I am on the right track. In winning the prize, I have been able to work with materials and purchase equipment that I previously couldn’t afford. This has allowed me to focus and refine what my work explores rather than having to worry about how to achieve a certain aesthetic without the right materials.
