150mm Challenge AUS

Register for the challenge!

As part of the Blacksmiths Festival 2022, the Blacksmith Festival Association (BFA) of Footscray Australia is calling out to metal artists and blacksmiths from around the world to participate in the #150mmChallengeAUS!

The success of the 2021 #150mmChallengeAUS was blinding. We couldn’t be more impressed, proud, and inspired by what the community produced! Forging on we’re striking while the metal is hot and looking forward to putting on another show of blacksmithing talent at the 2022 Festival.

This 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 sensation. 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 is adding a 150mm piece of 12.7mm copper round bar to the 20mm steel square bar. This exciting addition will open new doors of expression for metal artists.

Please let us know you intend to participate in 2022 by registering below.

Contact matthew@blacksmithsfestival.com or steve@blacksmithsfestival.com for information or advice.

Note: A limited number of complimentary material packs are available on request or artists can source their own materials.

how to submit an entry

All sculptures received will be exhibited from 28 to 29 May 2022 at the Blacksmiths Festival 150mmChallengeAUS tent, Footscray Melbourne and in a virtual gallery on the Festival website.  

Submissions can be posted or dropped off to Waterside Metal Art Studio at 60 Maribyrnong St, Footscray, Victoria, 3011. Please email estebaan@blacksmithsfestival.com to let us know its on its way!

The piece must be constructed from no more than 150mm of 20mm mild steel square bar AND 150mm of 12mm copper found bar. Please do not include any other materials.

Participating artists can request a reimbursement of up to $50AUD for postage costs if required. Receipts must be emailed to matthew@blacksmithsfestival.com to be eligible.

Sculptures must be received by 26 May 2022. 

When submitting work please provide all needed details by printing and attaching this form (MS Word doc) or electronically via this googleform.

The work submitted to the #150mmChallengeAUS will remain the property of the artist. Please provide a postal address to enable your sculpture to be returned to you.

For inspiration check out last year’s submissions here.

We can’t wait to see what you create in 2022!