Announcing the award, Creative Clunes chair Graeme Johnstone says it will offer $5000 prizemoney for the winning artwork _ a sum that would put the event in the top handful of ceramic competitions in the country.

It is backed by the volunteer-based Creative Clunes Inc in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Castlemaine Art Gallery.

Mr Johnstone said as part of the awards, the Clunes Ceramics Ehibition would be held from Saturday, September 11 to Sunday, October 3 at a number of venues in Clunes.

"The clay soils of Clunes have given us a golden past and now provide a creative future," he said.

"The exhibition will be a fantastic tourist attraction."

The competition offers a $5000 acquisition award with the winning artwork to form part of the Art Gallery of Ballarat's permanent collection.

Also announced is a $1000 People's Choice award.

"We are excited that Terry Cocks has entrusted us with such a major national ceramics award, and we hope to see this become an annual event," Mr Johnstone said."

"We look forward to attracting national participation."

A high-credential judging panel will decide the winner.

Entries are now invited and full details of the award, dates and conditions of entry can be found at booktown.clunes.org/ceramics.htm< p>