Congratulations to the 2023 Winners of Australia’s newest national design award: the brand-new MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design. A first of its kind in Australia, and an initiative of Australian Design Centre, the award celebrates innovation in contemporary design across all fields from fashion to furniture, jewellery to woodwork, textiles to glass.
Vipoo Srivilasa, Diverse Dominion Deities, 2023. Photograph: Simon Strong
First Prize was awarded to Melbourne designer Vipoo Srivilasa, receiving a cash prize of $35,000 for his work, which was “complete in its composition and stands out beyond all other works in the competition for innovation, creativity and the progression of his individual practice,” said Lisa Cahill, CEO and Artistic Director, Australian Design Centre.
Second Prize was awarded to Adelaide designer Jessica Murtagh, receiving a cash prize of $10,000.
Highly Commended accolade awarded to Sydney designer Liz Williamson, who, “following in the long lineage of artists such as Grayson Perry, Sin Ying Ho and more, Jessica Murtagh, adds Cahill, “is using the ancient classical vessel to reflect on her observation of a fast changing society. This glass piece is unique in technique and concept. Liz Williamson is a much respected figure in the Australian craft scene. Overall, the work appears simple and effectively composed. With long observation one can see the artist’s intended details, making it a remarkable piece.”
Jessica Murtagh, Self checkout of Sisyphus (detail), 2023. Photograph: Jesse Reago
The award celebrates the richness and diversity of creative talent in craft and design practice in Australia and shines a spotlight on the energy and innovation in craft and design practice. Designer makers working across the fields of ceramics, glass, furniture/woodwork, metalwork, textiles and fibre, and contemporary jewellery submitted their entries, with thirty finalists selected by a judging panel comprising Lisa Cahill, CEO and Artistic Director, Australian Design Centre; Hyeyoung CHO, Chairperson, The Korea Association of Art and Design and Jury Member Loewe Craft Prize; Brian Parkes, CEO, JamFactory; and Jason Smith, Director, Geelong Gallery.
Finalists’ works are on display at the Australian Design Centre, Sydney, from 28 September to 22 November 2023. The exhibition will tour to JamFactory, Adelaide, from 15 December to 28 April 2024, followed by Geelong Gallery, Victoria, from 10 August to 27 October 2024.
