8 September 2026
North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE) is proud to congratulate alumna Jessica Shannon on being named one of the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards.
Jessica has been recognised for her outstanding artistic practice and works, Allowing the Dust to Settle and In-Tension (2025), receiving a $15,000 Most Exceptional Artist award as part of PICA’s Hatched: National Graduate Show.
Now in its 17th year, the Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards represent the largest prize pool for emerging artists in Australia. The awards provide valuable support to emerging artists as they continue to develop their professional careers and artistic practices.
Jessica was one of three emerging artists selected to receive the $15,000 award, alongside Lychandra Anastasia Gieseman from the University of Tasmania and Tabitha Glanville from Monash University.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Jessica’s exceptional talent, creativity and contribution to the Australian arts sector. It also highlights the outstanding creative talent emerging from NMTAFE’s arts community.
Congratulations, Jessica! We are incredibly proud of your achievement and look forward to following your artistic journey and seeing what you create next.
Photography: Olivia Pizzale-Bryce