Meet the 2026 Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize Finalists
Entries have now closed for the sixth annual Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize. The depth and breadth of applications received was exceptional.
Since 1994, Mud Australia has created elegant and timeless porcelain homewares.
The original Mud Australia store opened in Woollahra in 2007. Since then we’ve opened 14 stores globally.
Established to celebrate exceptional creative practice, the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize awards a $10,000 grant to support the winner in developing and advancing their work.
The following finalists were chosen by Shelley Simpson and Nicole Durling of CRAFT, based on the following criteria originality, ingenuity, aesthetics, craft, sustainability and community focus.
The finalists’ work will be exhibited at CRAFT throughout September, offering the public an opportunity to experience the creativity, techniques and forms represented by this year’s shortlist.
Congratulations to this years finalists:
Ellie Singe, Jade Power, Josefina Barcelo, Josina Pumani, Kaz Davis, LeShaye Swan, Mason Reed, Narelle White, Nastja Zarić, Raphy, Remy Pajaczkowski-Russell, Samantha Mackie, Steve Lees, Tai Snaith.
See the finalists work in the gallery, below.
Highly commended applicants:
Aileen Corbett, Callum Kent, Gillian Martin, Jack Parnaby, Jo Lauritz, Joshua Searle, Matthew Winstanley, Sam Ward, Tantri Mustika
This year, we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response to the prize, with a record number of submissions from communities across Australia.
It’s been a privilege to discover so many works, stories and perspectives from around the country. Follow us on social to see where this year’s works and artists go next, and to be the first to hear when applications open for next year’s prize.
Discover past winners and read about their journeys since winning the prize.
