The week’s news in the ceramic art world – August 19, 2025

⚡ Applications are now open for the 2026 Carouge International Ceramics Competition – The Movement. Since 1987, the City of Carouge (Geneva, Switzerland) has organised a contemporary ceramics competition every two years, focusing on the creation of works based on a set theme. Over the years, this competition has become an important meeting place for an ever-growing number of artists from all over the world. Five prizes will be awarded, including a First Prize worth 10,000 CHF. The works selected will be exhibited in the Musée de Carouge from September 19 to November 29, 2026.

🎓 NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) has opened applications for its 2026 fellowships, offering opportunities for artists, educators, and researchers working with clay. Most fellowships are open to applicants worldwide. Applicants must be current NCECA members, with one exception: the Helene Zucker Seeman Curatorial, Research, and Critical Writing Fellowship. Applications are due September 17, 2025, except for the Emerging Artist Fellowship, which closes earlier on September 3.

🌳 Galerie Capazza (Nançay) invites artists to submit their work for an upcoming group exhibition titled Invisible Gardens, which will be held from March 21 to June 14, 2026. Applications should be sent to contact@galerie-capazza.com and must include a PDF with a biography, artistic approach, proposal (4-10 works), website, and social media links. Deadline for applications: October 30, 2025.

🎌 The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park (SCCP) in Japan is now accepting applications for its renowned Artist-in-Residence program. Running from April 2026 to March 2027, the program welcomes both emerging and established ceramic artists from around the world. Around 10 places are available for Studio Artists from outside Japan. Participants have access to studios, accommodation, technical support, and opportunities for presentations or exhibitions, with associated fees. Applications are open from September 2 to October 31, 2025.

🌍 As NCECA 2025 unfolded in Salt Lake City, longtime member and past president Elaine Henry published an article reflecting on the organization’s journey toward greater inclusivity. From the founding of The Color Network to the impactful 2025 programming and exhibitions, this article traces key milestones and ongoing efforts that continue to shape a growing and inclusive NCECA.

☕ The New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum (Taiwan) revised the deadline to submit applications for the 5th International Coffee Cup Competition. They invite ceramic artists and creators from across the globe to submit innovative designs that reflect both functionality and artistic expression. Applications are due September 15, 2025.

📙 Book recommendation: Ceramics: A Green Approach by Kevin Millward (Herbert Press), an exploration into how potters can be more aware and responsible in the way they source and use the planet’s finite resources. With the constant development of more cost-effective ways to process raw materials and improve the footprint that the extraction of those materials creates, this book encourages new and seasoned potters alike to find ways to minimize their environmental impact. Intended to be a conversation more than a guide, Millward discusses the different aspects of ceramics and techniques for making these steps greener. Buy the book on Bookshop.org (US) or Amazon (worldwide).