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Contemporary Wearables Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition is the focus of Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery's contribution to promoting excellence in contemporary adornment. The Award was established in 1989, with the aid of the Toowoomba Gallery Society Inc., and is a forum for experimental and innovative contemporary jewellery and object practice. Acquisitions from the Award have made a significant contribution to building one Australia’s leading contemporary jewellery collections housed at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

The jury for 2021 includes:

Dr Elizabeth Shaw, Contemporary Jeweller and Senior Lecturer, Head of Jewellery and Small Objects Department, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University

Marian Hosking, Contemporary Jeweller and former Head of Gold and Silversmithing Departments at both RMIT and Monash University 

Dr Nicholas Bastin, Contemporary Jeweller and Lecturer Gold and Silversmithing, School of Art, RMIT University

All pieces selected for exhibition are eligible for awards and acquisition for the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery - Toowoomba City Collection. Up to $15,000 is available for acquisitions.

2021 Awards:

Award winner $6000

Runner-up $3500

Student award $1500

Award winners will be chosen by Barbara Heath, one of Australia’s leading contemporary jewellers and the appointed judge for 2021. Awards and acquisitions will be announced on Friday 3 September at 5.30pm. Click here for more details.

Contemporary Wearables is proudly supported by Toowoomba Regional Council.

Exhibition on display 4 September - 31 October 2021

Image: 2019 Award Winner Melissa CAMERON / Corporate entity / corporeal entity 2017 / Neckpiece: stainless steel, vitreous enamel, titanium / 10.5 x 10.5 x 1.0cm; 76.0cm chain / Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery – Toowoomba City Collection 2339 / Purchased 2019 with funds donated by Toowoomba Gallery Society Inc., 2018 / © Melissa Cameron