Encouraging creativity, skill and innovation in contemporary glass The 2005 Ranamok Glass Prize has been awarded to Joanna Bone for her entry Ominous Fruit. The award was announced in Canberra at the Craft ACT Gallery, where the exhibition will remain on display until 25 September. Mr Jon Stanhope - Minister for Arts, Heritage and Indigenous Affairs - opened the exhibition.

The Ranamok Glass Prize, now in its 11th year, is an annual acquisitive award with a prize of $10,000. It aims to encourage creativity, skill and innovation in contemporary glass from Australia and New Zealand and has become a pivotal event in the Australian visual arts and craft calendar.

Within the glass art fraternity, the award is equivalent in its standing to awards such as the Logies, the Mo Awards and the Miles Franklin Literary Award. After a comparatively short time on the awards scene, the Ranamok Glass Prize has attracted a vast following by artists, patrons, collectors and industry, thereby securing its position on the Australasian cultural landscape. In mid-July, the judging panel selected 37 finalists from 126 entries.

Prize co-founder Mr Andrew Plummer said, "The judging panel would like to congratulate Joanna Bone and all other finalists for the outstanding standard of their work. Joanna's piece, Ominous Fruit, symbolises what the Ranamok Glass prize stands for - excellence and innovation in contemporary studio glass practice."

"The judges were unanimous in their choice. Ominous Fruit is a stunning synthesis of idea, structure and technique. The judges enjoyed its visual tactility confirmed through touching the object. Joanna identifies herself as a recent migrant to Australia her piece resonates with the sense of wonder evoked by viewing Queensland's marine life with its '...enticing yet venomous skins and surfaces...'."

"We are extremely pleased with the quality of this year's finalists, with the high standard ensuring that the exhibition will once again provide a captivating show. Glass is an increasingly important artistic medium which is evolving rapidly both creatively and technically. We are extremely grateful for the enthusiastic support that we've received from the business community. The success of the Ranamok Prize is proof of a successful long-term alliance between business and the arts, and the positive impact that business can have in our community and culture."