The 150mmChallengeAus is back again in 2025!
take the challenge!
The Blacksmiths Festival 2025, organized by the Blacksmith Festival Association (BFA) of Footscray, Australia, invites metal artists and blacksmiths worldwide to participate in the #150mmChallengeAUS once again!
In 2025 we are accepting entries in two categories:
Category 1: The Original
The original 150mmChallengeAus! Your submission must be made from one 150mm piece of 20mm mild steel square bar AND one 150mm piece of 12mm copper round bar and be created using traditional forging techniques only (forge welding, forged rivets only etc.). Please do not include any other materials.
Category 2: The 150mm Cube
This new category takes the 150mmChallenge concept in a new direction. Your submission must be a maximum of 150mm high, 150mm wide and 150mm long. View a diagram of these maximum size parameters here. You can use any form of metal and metalsmithing technique to create your sculpture, object or piece of jewelry.
Let us know you plan on entering the 2025 challenge by registering here so we can keep in touch!
The 2022 and 2021 #150mmChallengeAUS were a resounding success and we were thrilled by the community's incredible creations. The silent auction at the 2022 Blacksmiths Festival received overwhelming public support and interest in the artworks, many of which were eagerly acquired by the end of the Festival on Sunday. Building on this momentum, we look forward to showcasing the talent of blacksmiths and metal artists at the 2025.
Our challenge follows on from the #150mmchallenge originating from a blacksmithing student assignment set by Lecturer Ambrose Burne at Hereford College of Arts (Hereford, UK) which became a viral social media phenomenon. Blacksmiths around the world have explored the creative limits of 150mm of 20mm mild steel square bar showcasing the breadth of ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the material and process.
To expand upon the challenge the BFA added a 150mm piece of 12mm copper round bar to the 20mm steel square bar to create the 150mmChallengeAus. Expanding again with an exciting second category in 2025 we can’t wait to see what you can do!
Guidelines for all submissions (both categories):
All submissions will be exhibited at the festival and in the virtual gallery at blacksmithsfestival.com
All items must be crafted specifically for the 150mmChallengeAus2025
A maximum of 2 items in each category will be accepted from an individual artist
All items must be able to stand unsupported unless specifically designed to be displayed hung
Submissions remain the property of the artist unless sold
All submissions will be available for purchase through the silent auction at the Festival unless otherwise indicated
Submissions must be accompanied by the required entrant submission form
Items sold through are subject to a 10% commission to the Blacksmiths Festival Association
There is no entry fee however the artist will be responsible for any postage costs associated with ensuring submissions arrive by the submission 9 May 2025 at their own expense. The Blacksmiths Festival Association will return via standard post any unsold/not collected Australian-based works following the exhibition.
For more detailed information about how to submit and how the challenge works check out our Q&A here.
Don’t forget to let us know you plan on entering by registering here.
