The inaugural Gold Coast Ceramic Art Award held in 1982 was developed to encourage the creation and appreciation of art in clay, and was held in the Gold Coast City Council Foyer at Evandale, four years prior to the building of Gold Coast City Art Gallery.  In 1982 the award boasted $1,000 dollars as total prize money. $500 awarded to a functional piece and $500 for a sculptural non-functional piece.  A modest beginning for the now Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award which now boasts a first prize of $10,000.  Ruth Lyons, then Chairman of the newly formed Gold Coast Ceramic Art Award Committee, was the driving force behind the establishment of this award along with the support of The Gold Coast Potters Association and The Gold Coast Society of Sculptors.  A succession of dedicated ceramic committee volunteers, potters, sculptors, sponsors and gallery staff members have ensured the longevity and ultimate success of one of Australia's longest running ceramic art awards.

In 2008 the award became a biennial event so the next award is in 2010.

With one major prize of $10,000 for an overall winner and up to $5,000 for acquisitions, all works become an important addition to Gold Coast City Art Gallery's permanent collection.