This is your chance to break the mould and challenge traditional clay practices. Whether you work solely with clay or incorporate it into your mixed media art, we welcome you to showcase your innovative techniques in both two and three-dimensional pieces.

With a top prize of $8,000 and two runner-up cash prizes of $1,000 each, generously sponsored by Forsyth Barr, Pushing Clay 2026 aims to inspire and invigorate artists to push their limits and innovate their practise.

Arts Council Nelson are committed to building an archival record of contemporary New Zealand ceramics, as presented through the generous Pushing Clay exhibition and award.

This Award celebrates originality, with an emphasis on works that stretch the boundaries of traditional practice, and embrace the contemporary, conceptual and unconventional possibilities of working with clay.