A FINE LINE - Cultural Practice

PLINTH

EASE OF PRODUCTION LEADS TO A DIMINISHED SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY - ABUNDANCE LEADS TO PERFUNCTORINESS


BRITISH CERAMICS BIENNIAL



BCB launch: December 2008

The British Ceramics Biennial is a major new project for Stoke-on-Trent. Its first manifestation took place
between October and December 2009 across a number of venues in the city of six towns. From the
high-end design of the Spanish designer Jaime Hayon to the 300 waterpots and platters from Gujerati
potters, the festival encompased the artist, designer, studio potter and the ceramic industry. A major
selected exhibition of contemporary British ceramics also provided significant prizes (up to £10,000) for
seven recipients at an evening dinner hosted by Grayson Perry.



Jaime Hayon at Emma Bridgewater


The programme continues beyond and between each biannual festival: industry residencies, public
realm commissions, a new setting-up scheme for graduate ceramicists, and an inter-generational project
will help to consolidate the Biennial's presence in the City.




Our Objects at The Wedgwood Institute

Planning is now underway for the 2011 Biennial which will build on the significant achievements of 2009:
over 100 artists involved, whose work was seen by 35,000 visitors to the City creating an economic
impact of over £2m. Editorial press coverage reached an estimated 7m readership.



Pekka Paikkari: Marl Hole


Barney Hare Duke and Jeremy Theophilus were appointed the Biennial's inaugural Directors
in June 2008.

 www.britishceramicsbiennial.com