Griffith Regional Art Gallery has announced the 21 finalists in the 2026 National Contemporary Jewellery Award (NCJA), with the winners to be revealed at a special exhibition opening and awards evening on Friday 13 November.
Recognised as one of Australia’s leading contemporary jewellery awards, the NCJA celebrates excellence and innovation in contemporary jewellery practice through two prize categories: the National Contemporary Jewellery Award, a $5,000 acquisitive award, and the Design Excellence Award, a $1,000 non-acquisitive award.
This year’s finalists are, Belinda Newick, Bic Tieu, Bridget Kennedy, Catherine Large, Claire Townsend, Courtney Jackson, Eli Giannini, Elisa Zorraquin, Emily Valentine, Flynn Parker-Greer, Gabbee Stolp, Helen Dilkes, Katheryn Leopoldseder, Liv Boyle, Melissa Cameron, Michelle Cangiano, Oliver Smith, Sarra Tzijan, Thao Bui, Yuan Wan and Zoe Veness.
The finalists’ works will form the 2026 NCJA exhibition at Griffith Regional Art Gallery, showcasing some of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary jewellers.
The finalists were selected by an esteemed judging panel comprising Professor Rohan Nicol (Ph.D.), Dr. Mark Edgoose and Anne Brennan.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery Coordinator Melanie Toscan said the calibre of entries received this year was outstanding.
“We received some amazing entries from all over the country. The judges had their work cut out for them narrowing it down to the 21 finalists,” Ms Toscan said.
“The finalists’ work will make up the 2026 NCJA exhibition and our team are very excited to be working with the high standard of the nominated pieces that will be included.”
