The Charlotte Fraser Glass & Ceramic Award celebrates excellence in contemporary ceramic and glass practice. Open to artists working across these expressive materials, it recognises innovation, craftsmanship and original artistic vision.

We were delighted and honoured when Charlotte agreed to fund the Charlotte Fraser Glass & Ceramics Award at Holt Festival in 2022 which she is continuing to support for Holt Art Projects. The award celebrates excellence in contemporary ceramics and glass, recognising artists who demonstrate creativity, innovation and technical skill in these versatile materials. Open to practitioners working across a wide range of approaches – from functional and sculptural ceramics to kiln-formed, blown or cast glass – the award encourages artists to explore the expressive and conceptual possibilities of these mediums.

Named in honour of ceramicist and educator Charlotte Fraser, the award acknowledges her longstanding contribution to contemporary ceramics and to the development of emerging artists through teaching and mentorship. It reflects a commitment to supporting thoughtful, well-crafted work that pushes the boundaries of traditional material practice.

The judges will select a shortlist of works to be exhibited, from which one artist will be selected as the recipient of the award of £1,500.

Judges

Charlotte Fraser has been involved for a number of years with both the Royal College of Art and the Royal Academy of Music, awarding scholarships and bursaries to post graduate students. 

Caroline Fisher originally trained as a doctor in Cambridge and worked in London for several years before changing career and studying Fine Art and then Museum Studies at the University of East Anglia. She has been based in Norwich since 2002 and was until recently curator of East Gallery, Norwich University of the Arts.

Prior to that she worked in London at Wellcome Collection and the British Museum. As a freelance curator, she initiated and ran Bolwick Arts from 2002-2007, has curated exhibitions for the Royal College of Physicians, the National Trust, the Norfolk Broads Authority.

Entry Criteria

Open to artists working in ceramics or glass across sculptural, functional or conceptual practices. Submissions should demonstrate originality, strong material understanding and a high level of craftsmanship. Artists at all career stages worldwide are welcome to apply.

Holt Art Projects

Holt Art Projects invites submissions to its 2026 programme of contemporary art awards, culminating in a major exhibition in North Norfolk bringing together emerging and established artists from the UK and internationally. The awards continue the legacy of the Sir John Hurt Art Prize, founded in 2010 and inspired by the late actor and painter Sir John Hurt.

The programme now includes seven awards celebrating excellence across painting, portraiture, photography, ceramics, glass, environmental art and emerging practice. Shortlisted works will be exhibited as part of the Holt Art Projects annual exhibition programme in Holt and nearby Glandford, North Norfolk.

The exhibition opens with an awards reception on Sunday 19 July 2026, followed by a private view on Monday 20 July. It will then be open daily from 10am to 5pm until Saturday 1 August.

All works may be offered for sale unless otherwise specified by the artist. Holt Art Projects charges 28.2% commission (23.5% + VAT) on sales. The exhibition is promoted through press coverage, digital platforms and printed materials, attracting collectors, visitors and audiences interested in contemporary art.

Please see FAQs for further details.