This highly regarded national, biennial acquisitive award will culminate in a major exhibition at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, celebrating the craftmanship, concept and originality behind the contemporary jewellery practice in Australia.
Established in 1992 by Griffith City Council, the NCJA has become a cornerstone event in the Australian contemporary craft calendar, showcasing exceptional work while building the Gallery’s significant National Contemporary Jewellery Collection. The 2026 award continues this legacy, inviting artists working across contemporary jewellery to submit their most eligible pieces.
The award features two prizes: a $5,000 acquisitive award, with the winning work entering the Gallery’s permanent collection, and Design Excellence Award (non-acquisitive) of $1,000, recognising outstanding innovation and craftsmanship. Judging panel details will be announced in due course.
Artists looking to enter the award are encouraged to review the full entry criteria, conditions and key dates on the gallery’s website before registering.
Entries close on Friday 11 September 2026.
The NCJA exhibition will be on display at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery from Saturday 14 November, until Sunday 20 December.
Image credits:
2024 NCJA Winner Juanita McLaughlan, Dhurrin / green unripe, 2024, Woollen blanket bush dyed, possum fur/skin, cotton thread. Image by Ginette Guidolin.
2022 NCJA Winner Katherine Hubble, Cultured Pearl, 2022, Polypropylene, vinyl, 3D printed resin, pvc, freshwater pearls, thread, gold. Image by Fred Kroh.
2020 NCJA Winner Halie Rubenis, White Bread, 2020, White bread and LDPE. Image courtesy of the artist.
2018 NCJA Winner Michela Pegum, Subtle Body Neckpiece & Brooch, 2018, Silk, copper, steels. Image by Matthew Stanton.
2016 NCJA Winner Claire McArdle, Snorkel (whistle), 2016, Neckpiece of agatised fossil coral, wood, cord. Image courtesy of the artist.
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