2025 IMAGinE Awards Trophies Hand-Crafted by Alison Williams
17-12-2025
Gumbayngirr woman and multi-disciplinary artist Alison Williams designed the trophies presented at the 2025 IMAGinE Awards, using and expression of her connection to Country to represent these awards.
What started with a conversation between Alison and ACHAA about how the awards could continue to support New South Wales’ artists and makers, ended with her crafting each piece.
17 total of these ceramic awards were made by Alison. Crafted from Raku clay, using coiling and relief impressions to represent unique depictions of Country. In amongst these are diverse displays of Country, including saltwater, bushland, earth and stone; all coming together to create a sense of the beauty and diversity of all Aboriginal nations across New South Wales. The design included a curve in them; Alison’s way of making sure they had a more organic feel and so they also had a sturdiness to them. The decals on each award were screen printed and then fired on to them, a first-time technique for Alison to have apply decals to glazed-ware.
Alison is a proud Gumbayngirr woman, who has been guided by a love of painting and drawing from a young age. After settling on her mother’s Country in the northern lowlands of Gumbayngirr Nation, she established her studio to continue and develop her artistic and and professional practices. During her career, including her time as ACHAA’s Treasurer, Alison has been a staunch spokesperson for the cultural heritage of Australian First Nation’s perspectives.
To make these awards, Alison hired the kiln at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a kiln that is used by her as Creative Director at the attached Wadjar Regional Art Gallery to run workshops that support local artists and makers. She then hand-delivered them to Museums and Galleries of NSW in preparation for the awards.
“It was pretty cool to see them handed out at the IMAGinE Awards” Alison said after attending the awards ceremony. Each recipient was able to take a hand-crafted piece of authentic Aboriginal art alongside their win.
