The week’s news in the ceramic art world – April 23, 2025

Applications are open until May 4, 2025, for the Esplugues Angelina Alós International Ceramic Biennial (Barcelona, Spain). Organized by the Esplugues de Llobregat City Council, this is the oldest creative ceramics competition in Catalonia. The 22nd edition aims to expand its geographical scope and will take place between July 14, 2025, and January 11, 2026.

The British Ceramics Biennial invites emerging artists to apply for the BCB’s Fresh exhibition, taking place in Stoke-on-Trent from September 6 to October 19, 2025. The Fresh exhibition celebrates and promotes emerging talent in contemporary ceramics in the UK and Ireland, exploring the diverse ideas and trends in clay and ceramics practice. Deadline: June 4.

The Kikuchi Biennale XI Ceramic Competition outline has been announced, and applications will be accepted online between June 1-30, 2025. The biennale exhibition will take place at the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum, Tokyo, between December 13, 2025 and March 22, 2026. Several prizes will be awarded, including a Grand Prize worth ~$14,000. Application fee: ~$42.

Artists are also invited to submit their applications to the 13th Shiwan Cup International Youth Ceramic Sculpture and Architectural Ceramics Art Competition, which will take place at the Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum (China) later this year. Several prizes will be awarded, including a Grand Prize (~$25,000) and a First Prize (~$11,000). Applications are due July 31, 2025.

The 38th California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts is taking place this weekend in Davis, CA. Hosted by the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, CCACA 2025 brings together leading ceramic sculptors, students, and educators for two days of demonstrations, lectures, and over 40 exhibitions. With major shows across local galleries and more than 30 college exhibits, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with artists and discover the future of ceramic sculpture in an intimate, inspiring setting.

Join artists Sara Howard and Rosanna Martin for Clay in Conversation 10: Circles, the tenth in a series of conversations curated by artist Julia Ellen Lancaster, presenting artists working with clay and ceramics. Each conversation centers on a specific theme – acting as a lens through which the artists will present a piece of work or project. The presentations will be followed by a conversation chaired by Georgia Haseldine (Senior Curator, V&A East Storehouse) and a Q&A session with the audience. The event will be held at The Stephen Lawrence Gallery in London this Saturday, April 26.

Applications for the 2025 Sydney Ceramics Market are open until May 18. Held annually in October, the fair showcases the work of over 100 ceramic artists and potters, from striking sculptural pieces to functional tableware. Participation fee: starting from $1000.

The Ceramic Studio’s Guest Potter Workshops begin next month at their stunning location in Brenchley, Kent (UK). Designed for both beginners and experienced makers, the series offers a rich variety of workshops led by acclaimed potters. Participants can explore techniques such as wheel-thrown porcelain, Mishima decoration, glaze making, slab-building, tableware design, clay collage, and more. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills or deepen your practice, there’s something for everyone.