A celebration of small sculpture
Exhibition dates: 27 August–10 October 2025
The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, established in 2009, is organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University, Victoria. The award celebrates contemporary sculptures from artists around Australia, culminating in an exhibition of finalists' work held in August to October each year at the Deakin University Art Gallery.
A panel, which changes composition each year, shortlists around 40 entries as finalists from an average of 300 entries received annually. The same panel then chooses a Winner and a Highly Commended. The winning work goes into the Deakin University Art Collection.
The finalist exhibition is held for a period of 6-8 weeks at the Deakin University Art Gallery on Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood campus. At the end of the exhibition, a People’s Choice winner is determined by vote from exhibition visitors and the winning artist is awarded a non-acquisitive cash prize.
View the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award 2025 Entry Form
Key Dates
Entries Open: Monday 7 April 2025
Entries Close: Midnight AEST Friday 6 June 2025
Finalists Announced: Friday 11 July 2025
Prizes
- $15,000 Winner (acquisitive)
- $3,000 Highly Commended (non-acquisitive) supported by UniSuper
- $3,000 People’s Choice Award (non-acquisitive)
Judging panel
Each year the judging panel consists of the Senior Manager, Art Collection and Galleries, Deakin University, and two arts industry representatives. The judging panel is announced after the closing date for submissions has passed.
Terms and conditions
The full terms and conditions of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award 2025 will be outlined on the entry form which will be available from Monday 7 April 2025.
Please contact smallsculpture@deakin.edu.au for further information.
Frequently asked questions
Is the stand included in the measurements?
If the stand is needed to make the artwork free standing, it is included in the measurements and considered to be part of the artwork for the purpose of the size requirement. If the stand is integral to the work and the work must be attached to the stand then the stand is included in the measurements
Is the white display plinth included in the measurements?
No. The only thing included in the measurements is the artwork itself and anything needed to make it free-standing. The white display plinth provided by the gallery is not included in the measurements.
Can the work be wall mounted?
No. All works must be free-standing – in other words, must stand up by themselves. Wall mounted works are not eligible.
Can I enter a drawing of what I think my work will look like?
No. There are strict size and weight restrictions that must be met. To avoid disappointment, it's best to submit the actual work.
Can I enter pictures of my other work?
No. Please only submit the actual entry to avoid confusion. There is a limit of three images per entry. Please make sure the entrant’s name is in the file title.
Can I bring my own display plinth?
Yes. Please do so with the understanding that it will be repainted to match the other plinths in the gallery. Please contact gallery staff prior to delivery to discuss.
Can I submit a late entry?
No.
Can I submit an entry by mail?
No, entry forms must be submitted online. Entry forms sent by email or postal mail will not be accepted.
I cannot submit the entry form online.
Please check you have verified your email address by typing in the verification code emailed to your nominated email address. We do this to ensure everyone has entered a valid email address. You must verify your email before submitting the entry form. The code is generated straight away so please check your junk mail/spam folder if it doesn't arrive in your inbox. It will come from “Snapforms”.
Can I enter more than once?
Yes, however there is a limit of three entries per person, as an individual or joint entrant. If you are entering more than one artwork, please submit a separate entry form for each artwork.
Past winners
2024
Brad Gunn, Eggplant is For Everyone. Resin, synthetic fibres, 41 x 32 x 18cm Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2024
Image © and courtesy of the artist. Photo by Fiona Hamilton
Elvis Richardson, An Unsolved Study "The Funeral". Glazed ceramic, 30 x 20 x 15 cm
Winner of the Highly Commended Award in the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2024
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Void_Melbourne. Photo by Fiona Hamilton
2023
Nina Sanadze, Gramophone. Clay, resin, hydrostone, acrylics, glue. Sculpture incorporates a replica of a studio plaster model of a revolutionary by Soviet monumental sculptor Valentin Topuridze (1907-1980), 62 x 24 x 27cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2023
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Daine Singer Gallery, Melbourne
Natalie Tso, your spit is my nest. Saliva and guar gum on isomalt crystals (sugar) coated with nail polish varnish
Winner of the Highly Commended Award in the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2023
Image © and courtesy of the artist. Photos by Simon Peter Fox
2022
Scotty So, Surburbkin in Red, 01. Nylon, metal, 34 x 30 x 15cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2022
Image © and courtesy of the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne
2021
Michael Le Grand, TRANSIT. Painted steel, 12 x 22 x 13cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2021
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Melbourne and Sydney. Photo by Polo Jimenez
2020
The Award was not held in this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019
Kate Ellis, Untitled, Poodle Paw. Beeswax, damar resin, silk thread, acrylic fur, poodle fur. 47 x 13.5 x 17cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2019
Image © and courtesy of the artist
2018
Hannah Toohey, Archaea No. 4. Fabric, stuffing, porcelain, raccoon claws, 37 x 23 x 18cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2018
Image © and courtesy of the artist. Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2017
Richard Stringer, House on Fire. Cultured marble, felt & Perspex, 64 x 56 x 56cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2017
Image © and courtesy of the artist. Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2016
Geoffrey Bartlett, Fusion revisited. Bronze and Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), 70 x 27.8 x 27cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2016
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Melbourne and Sydney. Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2015
Kendal Murray, Provision, Revision, Decision, Division. Mixed media assemblage: timber, porcelain, metal, plastic, paint, resin and pebbles, 30.8 x 18 x 18cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2015
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Arthouse Gallery, Sydney. Photo by Ian Hobbs
2014
Mikala Dwyer, Empty Sculpture, Plastic, air. 68 x 40 x 30cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2014
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney. Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2013
Michael Sibel, Primitive Dance, Bronze. 55 x 29.3 x 21.8cm (in two parts)
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2013
Image © and courtesy of the artist. Photo by Mark Soutter
2012
Lisa Roet, Spider Monkey. Bronze, 45 x 60 x 20cm
Winner of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2012
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Hugo Michell Gallery, Adelaide; Gow Langsford Gallery, Auckland; and Pieces of Eight Gallery, Melbourne. Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2011
Stephen Bird, Boxers, Clay, pigment, glaze. 70 x 38 x 28cm
Winner of Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2011
Image © and courtesy of the artist and Olsen Gallery, Sydney; and The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2010
Robert Hague, Trojan Hammer (200%). Bronze, 24 ct gold powder. 39.5 x 13.5 x 13.5cm
Winner of Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2010
Image © and courtesy of the artist. Photo by Simon Peter Fox
2009
Stephen Benwell, Statue, Grey-Pink Man. Clay, engobe, glaze stains, 23.5 x 9.5 x 9.5cm
Winner of the inaugural Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, 2009
Image © and courtesy of the artist and LON Galleries, Melbourne. Photo by Simon Peter Fox.
Footnotes
*Image: Installation of the 2024 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, Deakin University Art Gallery, August 2024, photography Simon Peter Fox.
Contact us
Please email us if you would like to be added to the award mailing list.
smallsculpture@deakin.edu.au