The week’s news in the ceramic art world – November 5, 2025

👏 For the first time, the Fondation d’entreprise Bernardaud (France) is launching an international open call to spotlight emerging ceramic voices. Artists aged 18-40 are invited to submit works for a major exhibition held at the historic Bernardaud porcelain manufactory from mid-June 2026 to late March 2027. Participation is free, and selected artists will receive curatorial support, transport, and insurance for their work. Applications close November 30, 2025.

👉 The Rothko Museum and the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics are inviting applications for the 14th International Ceramic Laboratory Symposium, taking place April 26 – May 16, 2026, in Daugavpils, Latvia. Ten selected professional artists will participate in a three-week residency at the historic Daugavpils Fortress, exploring experimental firing techniques and working in a shared studio environment. Accommodation, catering, basic materials, and two exhibition opportunities are provided. Applications are due January 31, 2026.

⏳ A quick reminder: several important ceramic competitions are closing soon. The XVII International Ceramic Biennial of Manises (Spain) has a submission deadline of November 20, 2025. The 43rd Concurs International de Ceràmica de l’Alcora (Spain) follows on November 30, 2025. And applications for the 6th International Ceramics Triennial UNICUM (Slovenia) are due December 1, 2025. If you’re planning to apply, now is the time to prepare your materials.

☀️ Blue Line Arts (California) invites artists worldwide to participate in its annual ceramics exhibition, Off Center. While they eagerly welcome submissions of all kinds—functional and non-functional pottery, sculptural works, jewelry, abstract forms, and mixed media—next year’s Off Center seeks to champion the ambitious and the avant-garde. Applications are due January 2, 2026. Submission fee: $35.

🌏 Artists based in Australia are invited to apply for Surface 2026, North Coast Ceramics’ Annual Award for Contemporary Ceramic Excellence. Open to all ceramicists and sculptors, the award celebrates artistic freedom and innovation without a set theme. Prizes include $3,000 for the First Prize and a Student Prize—an $875 woodfiring experience at Middle Pocket Pottery. Entries close December 1, 2025, and finalists will be exhibited at Civic Arts Space, Mullumbimby, NSW.

🗨️ The Clay Studio (Philadelphia) is hosting three upcoming online talks as part of its Clay & Conversations series. Hear from artists Jennifer Ling Datchuk on November 20, Adebunmi Gbadebo on December 4, and Maia Chao on December 18, each from 1–2 pm EST. The conversations will explore their artistic practices and contributions to the Clay as Care exhibition. Free to attend via Zoom with registration.

🏺 The London Potters Annual Members’ Exhibition returned to The Morley Gallery, Waterloo, on October 29, presenting over 360 new ceramic works by 120 artists. On view until November 8, 2025, the show celebrates the creativity and diversity of London’s ceramics community, featuring everything from functional tableware to sculptural forms.

🎓 Celebrating ten years of making, The Kiln Rooms has grown from a single studio into one of London’s most vibrant ceramic hubs, with locations in Peckham and Farringdon. This November, their Festive Members’ Sale (November 28–30) returns to Peckham, featuring work from up to 100 local makers. Visitors can explore unique handmade ceramics, meet the artists, and support FiredUp4, a social enterprise bringing clay to young people across the UK. Read more about The Kiln Rooms.

📌🇪🇺 Artists based in the European Union are invited to apply for the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project (TRSP), a new EU-funded residency initiative fostering collaboration between European and U.S. artists. Selected participants will spend eight weeks (April–June 2026) working alongside American peers in one of five U.S. residency sites — from Alaska to the American West — culminating in a public summit and exhibition in Washington, D.C. The program covers travel, accommodation, stipends, and materials. Applications close November 30, 2025.