A new $10,000 Jewellery Award, created in honour of Lynne Kosky, will be the centrepiece of the inaugural Victorian Craft Awards, which celebrate and promote Victoria’s craftspeople.
Supported by the Andrews Labor Government, the Lynne Kosky Jewellery Award - Australia’s most valuable jewellery award - celebrates the legacy of the former Bracks and Brumby Government Minister who passed away in December 2014.
Ms Kosky was a passionate and talented jeweller, who championed and supported local artists, designers and craftspeople both during her political career and in her personal life.
As Minister for the Arts from 2006-2010, she was instrumental in major developments including securing funding for the redevelopment of Hamer Hall.
Ms Kosky also oversaw Melbourne’s successful bid for UNESCO City of Literature status, and the completion of the Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Theatre Company Theatre in Southbank. She served as the Minister responsible for design from 2002 to 2006.
Throughout her life, Ms Kosky enjoyed creative pursuits from dry-stone walling to dressmaking. After retiring from politics in 2010, she took up jewellery design and making, and it became an important creative outlet during her subsequent illness. She completed more than 50 pieces in her final 12 months.
The Victorian Craft Awards are a new biennial program developed by Craft (formerly Craft Victoria) to mark its 45th year. Other award categories include a $5,000 Excellence Award, supported by the Bowness Family Foundation, a $2,000 Ceramic Award, supported by Decal Specialists, and a $1,000 People’s Choice Award, supported by Crivelli Fine Coffee.
Entries for the awards are now open to Victorian craft practitioners at all stages of their careers and across all mediums. A public exhibition of the finalist works will be held in August. For more information visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley
“Lynne Kosky was a champion and supporter of artists, designers and craftspeople, and a devoted and talented ‘maker’ herself.”
“The Labor Government is proud to support this award, which honours a woman who made such a significant contribution to Victoria’s arts and creative industries, and to our entire state.”
“I encourage artists and craftspeople across the state to enter the awards, which celebrate the incredible diversity and creativity of Victorian craft.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020