The 150mmChallengeAus will be back again in 2027!
take the challenge!
Since 2021, the Blacksmith Festival Association (BFA) of Footscray, Australia, has invited metal artists and blacksmiths worldwide to participate in the #150mmChallengeAUS!
The 2022, 2021 and 2025 #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. The auction has now become a permanent feature of the Challenge, along with the People’s Choice Award - a popular addition in 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. In 2025 we accepted 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.
We were blown away by the incredible submissions! We can’t wait to see your work again in 2027.
Stay tuned for announcements in 2026 to register your interest in participating in the 2027 Challenge. We’ll open registrations early so we know you plan to submit an entry and can keep in touch!
More detailed information about how to submit and how the challenge will works in 2027 will be provided when planning gets underway. A summary guide is below.
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 150mmChallengeAus2027
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 public bid 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 deadline at their own expense. The Blacksmiths Festival Association will return via standard post any unsold/not collected Australian-based works following the exhibition.
