More than 90 pieces of ceramic art will be judged by acclaimed ceramics artist Dianne Peach for the 50th anniversary of the North Queensland Ceramic Awards tonight (Friday 22 July).
The awards run biennially and showcase both well-known and emerging artists.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the awards were part of Council's considerable investment into arts and culture across Townsville.
"Council committed $39.5 million towards culture, lifestyle and wellbeing in its 2022/23 budget. As part of this commitment we are working towards elevating the reputation of Townsville as the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia," Cr Hill said.
"The North Queensland Ceramic Awards is a nationally-recognised competition that brings a high calibre of both established and emerging artists' work to Townsville.
"The awards have grown and are now recognised as one of the premier prize events in Australia."
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the awards had attracted a huge number of entries.
"The North Queensland Ceramic Awards have attracted 153 entries from 113 artists this year, with 92 successful entries from 76 artists," Cr Greaney said.
"This is an outstanding result and each successful entry is now ready to be judged by Dianne Peach, who certainly has a difficult decision ahead of her. The winning artist will be presented the City of Townsville Art Collection Award of $10,000. This is an acquisitive award which means Council will be able to display the winning piece for years to come.
"I'm encouraging anyone who's interested to come along to the official launch from 6pm on Friday and to hear the winners' announcement. For those interested in knowing more about the judging process, head along to the Judge's Floor Talk with Dianne Peach from 10.30am on Saturday."
The North Queensland Ceramic Awards will be showcased at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery until September 25. Entry is free.
Visit our North Queensland Ceramic Awards web page
