Image: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Melbourne
The 2026 biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards will open at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville on 19 September, presenting ceramic work by established and emerging artists from across Australia through 17 January 2027. The winner of the $10,000 City of Townsville Art Collection Award will be announced at the exhibition launch that evening.
The award offers artists an opportunity to become part of the City of Townsville Art Collection and contributes to the continuing growth of its ceramics holdings. The biennial has long sought to bring high-standard ceramic work from around the country before a public audience, while registering the range of ceramics currently being made in Australia.
Ruby Yu-Lu Yeh’s ‘Of Motherhood’ (2024), made in stoneware with iron oxide calligraphy and sprayed glaze, won the acquisitive award in 2024 and entered the City of Townsville Art Collection. Among the 2026 finalists are Lisa Argenton’s ‘High above the Earth’ (2025), Avi Amesbury’s ‘Elements of Place #1’ (2026) and Diane Quick’s ‘Autobiographical Delirium’ (2025).
The launch begins at 6pm on Saturday 19 September, with speeches and the winner’s announcement scheduled for 6.30pm. It is free to attend and requires no booking.
Ceramicist Paul Davis will give a free judge’s floor talk at the gallery at 10.30am on Sunday 20 September, offering an expert ceramicist’s perspective on works in the exhibition.
