History

The Art, Craft & Cookery Competition originates from another competition called ‘Women’s Industries’. When this competition was introduced to the Royal Melbourne Show in 1911, it had just 172 entries!

The Art, Craft & Cookery Competition didn't run in 2020 and 2021 as the Show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September 2021, the Royal Melbourne Show Art, Craft & Cookery Competition became the Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery Competition in line with The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria's rebrand to Melbourne Royal®.

Today, visitors to the Spotlight Makers Pavilion at the Show can not only see thousands of exhibits on display, but also enjoy interactive experiences including the Spotlight inspiration space; where makers demonstrate their craft, the Spotlight create space; an interactive zone for show visitors to become makers and also an Artist in Residence; showing their skill over the Show’s 11 days.

Wandering through the largest creative exhibition in Victoria, you will see the traditional entries including pickles, preserves, painting and crochet, but each year new and innovative classes are added to respond to industry trends, such as selfies, 3D printing, kimchi and more.

For more information about the Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery Competition history, visit the Virtual Museum.