Get creative every day in July and you could win $5000!
Posted on
Stretch your creative muscle every day in July in Craft + Design Canberra’s Daily Creative Practice Challenge to be in the running to win $5000!
During a difficult time in her life, CEO + Artistic Director of Craft + Design Canberra Jodie Cunningham found solace in daily creative practice. Spending 30 minutes a day doing quick sketches and colour experiments led to incidental meditation, a joyful artistic outlet, and eventually a commission to paint a mural in the middle of Canberra CBD.
It’s what inspired her to start the Daily Creative Practice Challenge. Now in its fourth year, the event attracts weavers, metalworkers, potters, photographers, woodworkers, painters, sketchers, jewellery makers, poets and many more.
A piece by last year’s second prize winner, Francis Jaye Johnson.
How the challenge works
Each day in July, participants are given a word prompt and encouraged to make something creative inspired by it. This year’s overarching theme is ‘Rewilding’ – a call to return to untamed creativity, embrace imperfection, and connect with the raw, natural forces that shape both art and life.
Jodie says it’s a safe and structured way for anyone – artist or novice – to ignite their creative thinking and stretch their craft and design muscles.
“We had a range of people involved last year,” Jodie explains.
“Our finalists created beautiful pieces from clay, glass, paint, found objects, books, and even using condensation on their bathroom mirror,”
“There really is no limit to how creative you can be, and daily creative activity can help your mental health, brain function, productivity, sense of connection, and self-confidence.”
How to get involved (and maybe win $5,000)
Participants can take part on their own or share their work online. Those keen to be part of the conversation are encouraged to share their daily work on Instagram using the tag #CDCCREATIVECHALLENGE25.
Anyone who consistently publishes their work on Instagram, is a member of Craft + Design Canberra and submits an application, will then go in the running to win one of the four prizes including a first prize of $5,000 cash.
Credit: 5-Foot-Photography.
“This is the largest prize we’ve offered, and it is a great opportunity for anyone who likes to be creative – experienced or up-and-coming makers,” Jodie says.
“It could be the catalyst someone needs to give their creative practice the time it deserves or provide an established artist with seed funding for their own larger project.”
Twenty finalists will have their work showcased in an online exhibition and the four winners will be selected to exhibit their works at the Craft + Design Canberra gallery in November 2025
“Last year we had a mix of experienced artists and first-time exhibitors, so we hope anyone with a creative itch will give it a go.”
“It’s also a great opportunity to encourage a friend, family member, or colleagues to push themselves and enjoy some dedicated creative time each day in July.”
How to register
Registration for the 2025 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge is now open – and this year, for the first time, it’s completely free. Just make sure to register before 1 July 2025 (late registration closes 7 July at 5 pm).
Participants wishing to be considered for the cash prizes will also need to submit an application of the finished works by 14 August 2025 and ensure their membership of Craft + Design Canberra is current.
Feature image credit: 5-Foot-Photography
