CAQ MONTHLY CHALLENGE
Monthly Technical Challenge Terms and Conditions
Overview
The CAQ Monthly Technical Challenge is a ten-month professional development initiative designed to encourage experimentation, skill development, and community engagement among members. Each month, participants respond to a technical or conceptual brief using clay as the primary material. All valid submissions go into a major prize draw at the end of the program, with a monthly winner selected and promoted on CAQ social media platforms.
1. Eligibility
Participants must be current financial members of Ceramic Arts QLD (CAQ) at the time of entry.
The challenge is open to all skill levels.
Participants must register for the Monthly Technical Challenge to be eligible for prizes and promotion.
2. Challenge Parameters
A new technical or conceptual brief will be released at the start of each month.
All works must be designed, created, and completed within the nominated month.
Works may be glazed or unglazed unless otherwise specified in the monthly brief.
3. Materials & Techniques
Submissions must be primarily clay-based.
Any clay body, firing method, or surface treatment may be used unless restricted by the monthly brief.
Mixed media elements are permitted provided clay remains the dominant material.
4. Submission Requirements
Participants must submit 1 high-quality image of the finished work on a neutral background.
All submissions must be lodged online by the advertised closing date.
5. Image Use & Promotion
Images must be well-lit, in focus, and free from heavy digital manipulation.
By submitting, participants grant CAQ permission to use images for promotional purposes, including social media, with full artist credit.
6. Timelines
Brief released: Start of each month.
Submission deadline: Final day of the month (11:59pm AEST).
Monthly winner announced: Following month via CAQ social media
7. Prizes
Each valid monthly submission is entered into the major prize draw at the conclusion of the ten month challenge.
One monthly winner will be selected and promoted based on assessment criteria.
Monthly winners will receive:
• A featured interview on the CAQ blog
• Dedicated promotion across CAQ’s Facebook and Instagram platforms
In addition, all participants throughout the year will go into a major end-of-year prize draw, rewarding ongoing involvement and commitment to ceramic practice.
8. Assessment Criteria
Submissions are assessed against the following:
1. Response to the Brief – clarity and relevance to the challenge
2. Technical Execution – construction, craftsmanship, and material handling
3. Creativity & Interpretation – originality and exploration
4. Resolution & Presentation – finish, cohesion, and photographic quality
Judging considers intent and engagement with the brief rather than technical perfection alone.
9. Judging Process
Judges’ decisions are final.
Judges must declare any conflicts of interest.
10. Code of Conduct
Submissions must be original work created by the entrant.
Respectful behaviour is expected at all times.
CAQ reserves the right to withhold prizes if minimum requirements are not met.