The Museum of Ceramic Art New York (MoCA/NY) is a new, totally unique organization that offers digital experiences for learning and sharing ceramic art. As a virtual platform, MoCA/NY’s primary mission is to unite the diverse and complex multitudes of the global clay community–making it accessible wherever you are!
MoCA/NY serves as a unique hub to connect and engage through clay. The Ceramic World Destinations (CWD) map and Explore blog showcases the breadth of what this universal material offers. Catering to ceramic enthusiasts, art professionals, academics, students, and anyone interested in the arts, MoCA/NY reveals the rich world of traditional and contemporary ceramics globally.
Launched last August, the Ceramic World Destinations map opened a virtual gateway to explore clay’s diverse global appeal. This interactive “Google Map” houses over 3,000 clay destinations, serving as an unconventional mode of travel, and offering avenues for education, exploration, and enjoyment.
Creating CWD was a monumental task, requiring years of research and dedication. Our skilled computer programmer, Will Resen, developed every aspect of the website. Our design team—Jacqueline Tse, Yeesoon Jeon, and Ilsy Jeon—crafted the map layout and brand identity. Ilsy Jeon, an artist and journalist, has since become our Director of Content, enlivening our Explore Editorial Blog with her creative writing and editorial direction.
The ceramic community’s continuous generosity—professionals worldwide representing diverse organizations—has been vital in submitting destinations and bringing this virtual platform to life. University faculty have engaged students to uncover hidden museums, studios, residencies, and galleries, contributing to the map as classroom assignments. Artists, academics, and collectors shared their favorite local ceramic spots. Consequently, given its global reach, CWD has become a catalyst for uniting the ceramic community like no other organization.
Destinations range from renowned museums and galleries to contemporary ceramic artist studios, hidden-gem design stores, manufacturers, institutions, residencies, cultural heritage sites, and more! As the ceramic community grows, clay tile companies, designer artist dinnerware industries, and archaeological sites are joining the map. It is no wonder that clay continues to have universal appeal, as it has for millennia.
The CWD map offers something for everyone—whether exploring high-end galleries in New York City, marveling at ancient kilns in Japan, or learning about emerging artists in your backyard. The map invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration. The user-friendly interface enables visitors to navigate the world of ceramics effortlessly, transporting users across continents and centuries with each click, connecting diverse cultures and traditions united by the universal language of clay.
MoCA/NY Founder and President Judith Schwartz shares,
“My goal has been to create a dynamic, global, and comprehensive online directory that would enlighten us all about the immense world of clay. Whether planning a trip, researching, or just curious about the global influence and expressions created in this superb material, this website makes it possible to learn, see, and connect in fresh, imaginative ways. Our articles, interviews, and travel destinations enrich the lives of those who desire cultural interchange and dialog.”
Are you a Ceramic World Destination? Increase your visibility by submitting your gallery, museum, residency, ceramic center, cultural heritage site, artist studio, or school to the CWD map. Share your work with a global ceramic audience via a free listing on our website. Submit your destination today!
Do you live in a country with a ceramic cultural heritage site? Share your region’s history and contemporary traditions, as we have with features about Shigaraki, Japan, and the Westerwald region of Germany. Your contribution helps our site grow and become more valued.
Are you passionate about a particular artist, collection, or residency program? Write for us! Share your experiences to deepen our community.
Do you live in a city full of ceramic treasures? Become a tour guide and share your love for your city’s offerings by authoring our 36 Hours in… feature on our Explore page. These features provide a curated ceramic-focused tour of destinations you can take virtually or experience firsthand. We’ve already shared Osaka, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Faenza, Italy; and Canakkale, Turkey, to name a few. Connect page.
Do you have an exhibition, design store, studio, or residency you’d like to promote? Promote with us.
But MoCA/NY is so much more!
In an age where climate change and environmental health are vital concerns, our ceramic community can celebrate our common love of clay by connecting in new ways that do not burn airline fuel or exhaust our pocketbooks.
Join us online and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things ceramics! Explore MoCA/NY—your passport to the boundless world of ceramics, just waiting to be explored. Let’s continue to expand our horizons, nurture creativity, and honor the unifying power of ceramics together!
