2026 biennial North
Queensland
Ceramic Awards

Paul Davis:

For Townsville to be able to draw the best of the ceramicist in the country and showcase here is quite remarkable.

Welcome to the 2026 biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards.

Cr Liam Mooney:

The North Queensland Ceramic Awards is back at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Now, these awards are one of our region's longest running and most prestigious cultural events. Celebrating its landmark 45th year this year.

Jo Lankester:

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in the City of Townsville art collection is very well known for its ceramics.

Emerging artist get the same opportunity as really well established Australian practitioners.

Paul Davis:

You don't have to travel south to one of the bigger galleries in Sydney or Melbourne, and you're going to see the best of what Australia has to offer in ceramics at the moment.

One of the things that I look at when I judge ceramic exhibitions is whether or not the piece actually draws the observer into the piece. Does it have an emotional as well as a technical element to it? And I kept being drawn back to this piece because it actually has all of the things that I look for when I'm judging a ceramic form.

Cr Liam Mooney:

Visitors will get to experience the incredible diversity and evolution of Australian ceramics all the way from traditional pottery through to bold modern sculptural masterpieces.

Paul Davis:

The diversity of the entries is the most inspiring bit about it.

Jo Lankester:

You'll find in this exhibition there's a lot of lecturers and leading practitioners nationally that show alongside emerging artists.

Paul Davis:

Each piece that's been chosen for this exhibition is here on its merit. It's here because it's an outstanding piece.

Jo Lankester:

In one sentence, I describe the North Queensland Ceramic Awards as a juxtaposition between new contemporary ceramics with the old traditional methods of craft.

Paul Davis:

This is what's going to help cement ceramics as a major force in the arts.

Winners:

• Emma J V Parker, Lost - City of Townsville Art Collection Award
• Geoff Thomas, Anagama Jar - EV2 Sportswear Award
• Fliss Dodd, Stronger Together - Rainword Family Award

A special thanks to:

• all entrants and finalists
• the judge, Paul Davis
• the selection panellists, Dianne Peach, Edward O'Brien and Dr Judith Hamilton
• our presenting partner North Queensland Potters Association Pty Ltd and our sponsors EV2 Sportswear, the Rainford family and Pack & Send
• Townsville City Council staff and all patrons of the Gallery for your ongoing support.