Robert Foster Metal Prize

13 March – 17 May 2025

Australian Design Centre presents the 2024 Robert Foster Metal Prize in partnership with Craft + Design Canberra.

This award celebrates contemporary Australian metal work and honours the legacy of Robert Foster.

Robert’s resilience and dedication to his craft were unparalleled. His ability to build a community of practice, where cooperation and collaboration thrived, was a testament to his character and values. His influence extended far beyond his own work, shaping the creative journeys of many others. The Robert Foster Metal Prize stands as a tribute to his legacy, celebrating his contributions to the craft and ensuring that his spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence continues to inspire future generations. Associate Professor Rohan Nichol

The finalists have used imagination, innovation and immense skill to deliver an outstanding collection of works demonstrating excellence in contemporary metal work. There is something otherworldly when metal is used in contemporary craft. We think of metal as strong and sturdy, but when used to create art it can be as delicate as a thread and as strong as a sword. Jodie Cunningham

Artists: Sean Booth | Ximena Briceño | Nicholas Burridge | Wayne Guest | Kirsten Haydon | Marian Hosking | Jenny Johnstone | Lindy McSwan | Larah Nott | Sean O'Connell | Beth Sanderson | Oliver Smith | David Walker | Kenny Yong Soo Son

Robert Foster Metal Prize
Larah Nott, Sake Set number 2 2024

Emerging Artist Prize
Jenny Johnstone, Vessels 2024

Image top: Jenny Johnstone, Vessels 2024 Photo: Grant Hancock

Events

Artist Talk: Robert Foster Metal Prize

Robert Foster Metal Prize celebrates contemporary Australian metal work and honours the legacy of Robert Foster. Meet a selection of the 2024 award artists as they discuss their work and creative practice. 

When: Saturday 15 March, 2025, 1 - 2pm
Where: Australian Design Centre
Free Event, bookings essential.

Free gallery tours
Make the most of your trip to Australian Design Centre with a free exhibition tour. The gallery team will introduce you to the current exhibitions and Object Shop.

Find out what's on here
Tour times:
Thursdays, 12.30pm
Book here or call on us on 9361 4555 to make a booking or register at the front desk 10 minutes prior to tour time.