The week’s news in the ceramic art world – January 22, 2025

Last month, we announced a new call for papers inviting thought-provoking essays, exhibition reviews, and features that address significant movements or major events in the field. We particularly encourage essays that examine current trends and concepts in contemporary ceramics, drawing connections across a diverse range of artists and practices. Thank you to everyone who has already sent their proposals, and we look forward to receiving more by February 16.

ceramic brussels, the first international contemporary art fair dedicated to ceramics, is back this week with its second edition. With more than 60 galleries, institutions, and key players in ceramics, along with a special focus on Norway – ceramic brussels wants to strengthen the fair’s appeal in Europe and mark its international opening. The fair also maintains its Art Prize and announced Elizabeth Jaeger as Guest of Honour of the 2025 edition. Read more about the fair and book your tickets.

The Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, in cooperation with the Rothko Museum, announces an open call for the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025 International Ceramics Competition under the 5th Latvia Ceramics Biennale. This edition’s theme: From Stardust to Lush Sprouts. Applications are due April 30, 2025. Applications are due April 30, 2025.

Read Kristina Rutar’s interview with Danijela Pivašević-Tenner: “Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Danijela at the Universität der Künste in Berlin. Observing her approach to teaching and her philosophy of understanding her primary material opened new perspectives, which I’m eager to share with Ceramics Now readers. I hope you’ll find this interview as engaging as I enjoyed discovering new ideas through my conversation with Danijela Pivašević-Tenner.”

There are only a few days left to apply for the Virginia A. Groot Foundation Grant, offering 60,000, $30,000, and $20,000 to ceramic artists with exceptional talent and demonstrated ability in ceramic sculpture. International applicants at any stage of their career development are welcome to apply. Applications are due February 1, 2025.

Applications are also open for the C14 Paris 2025 show, held during the first week of October in Paris. C14 PARIS offers exceptional visibility to 32 artists and puts ceramic artists in touch with institutional venues, art galleries, and collectors. Participation fee: €350. Applications are due February 16, 2025. They also have an ongoing call for ceramic performances.

The American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) welcomes applications for 2025-2026 residencies. The Artist in Residence Program provides self-directed artists time, space, and support to experiment and develop a new body of work in a creative and supportive environment. Residencies last 9-12 months. Open to US-based artists. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

Book recommendation: The Essential Pottery Notebook: The Secret to Successful Kiln Firings by Kara Leigh Ford. This all-in-one resource includes fill-in templates for sketching your designs, writing your glaze recipes, and recording over 100 kiln firings. It also includes essential tips and guidance for achieving accurate kiln firings. The guide is designed to help potters build confidence and maintain greater control over their kiln. Buy the book on Bookshop.org (US) or Amazon (world).

Entries are now open for the 2025 MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design, a national award for Australian designers/makers. The winner of the MAKE Award will receive a cash prize of $35,000 with a second prize of $10,000, making it the richest non-acquisitive prize for craft and design in Australia. The award is open to designers/makers working across all disciplines, including ceramics, glass, furniture/woodwork, metalwork, textiles and fiber, and jewelry.