Craft Victoria opens 2025 Fresh exhibition and announces award winners

Craft Victoria's annual Fresh! exhibition is now showing, with seven graduates of contemporary craft and design being showcased. At the exhibition opening on 6 February, with five prizes, including the InteriorsAu Emerging Maker Prize were announced.

The program, which began in 1993, celebrates recent Victorian graduates working across textiles, cceramics, glass, metal and other mediums. The graduates are chosen by a panel and culminates in their work being shown at Craft Victoria's Melbourne gallery.

This year, seven graduates have been selected:

Five prizes were given out at the opening:

InteriorsAu Emerging Maker Prize This annual prize recognises outstanding emerging talent from the exhibitors of Craft's Fresh! exhibitors. A profile of the winner is published via architectureau.com. Awarded to Lachlan Vasic

The Amaeah Foundation Award Selected by the Amaeah Foundation for emerging talent. Prize of $2,000. Awarded to Qianxun Li

Wardle Craft Prize Selected by partners John Wardle and Meaghan Dwyer. Prize of $1,000, Awarded to Dee Robinson

The Future Leaders Awards A philanthropic initiative promoting leadership, achievement and potential among young Australians, selected by Dr Helen Sykes AM. Prize of $1,000. Awarded to Lachlan Vasic

The Lemon & Friends Award of Excellence This award recognises curious and experimental bodies of work and is selected by James Lemon. Prize of $1,000. Awarded to Lucinda Johnson-Cornes