Biennale of Contemporary Keramics 2026
Where the Day Starts
June – October 2026
Rhodes Island, South Aegean, Greece
Curators: Anissa Touati, Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, Loukia Thomopoulou
https://bigbluedot.art/
The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) has announced the curatorial team and launched its international open call for the second edition of the biennale, which will take place on the island of Rhodes from June to October 2026 with the title Where the Day Starts.
Dedicated to the evolving field of contemporary ceramics, the Biennale of Contemporary Keramics is a nomadic platform that moves across Greek islands, drawing inspiration from each location’s history, archaeology, mythology, and cultural fabric. The 2026 edition brings together artists from across the Mediterranean region, foregrounding ceramics as both an ancient medium and a critical contemporary practice.
Curated by Anissa Touati, Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, and Loukia Thomopoulou, the 2026 edition positions Rhodes as a symbolic and geographical meeting point of Mediterranean histories and futures.
“As curators, we see the Biennale and the Island of Rhodes as a meeting point where the Mediterranean’s diverse histories, traditions and futures come together. Ceramic techniques have crossed shores for centuries, evolving through migration, trade, and dialogue. Today, artists reinterpret these age-old methods to address current questions and create new connections. We aim to highlight both the ancient bonds and contemporary narratives that shape the region, opening space for new perspectives on the Mediterranean’s future.”
The title Where the Day Starts draws on the island’s mythological origins. According to ancient mythology, Rhodes was named after Rhodos, lover of the sun god Helios, who caused the island to rise from the sea so it would be the first place to greet daylight. The sun, a recurring symbol throughout the Mediterranean, becomes a metaphor for connection, exchange, shared heritage, and renewal.
The biennale frames this mythic dawn as a call for new beginnings, inviting artists to reimagine Mediterranean identities, histories, and futures through contemporary ceramic practices.
Open Call for Artists
At the core of the 2026 edition is an open call, inviting contemporary ceramic artists from across the Mediterranean to participate in the exhibition.
Eligibility
This edition focuses on the Mediterranean region, celebrating its diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary artistic voices. Eligible applicants include artists who:
-
Are born in, based in, or have a meaningful connection to a Mediterranean country
-
This may include artists who have lived, studied, worked, or spent significant time in the region, or who have personal ties through family, heritage, or partnership
Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
-
Artwork statement (150–200 words) describing the work and its relevance to the biennale theme
-
Artist full bio
-
Artist short bio (150–200 words)
-
Artist portfolio
-
Contact information:
-
Full name
-
Phone number
-
Email address
-
Website and/or social media (if applicable)
-
-
Artwork details:
-
Artwork title
-
Artwork dimensions
-
-
4 high-resolution images of the final work on a plain background (showing all sides)
Work Requirements
-
Each artist may submit one work or one series considered as a single artistic creation
-
The primary material must be clay (additional media are allowed)
-
Works must be:
-
Recent and conceptually aligned with the biennale theme
-
Durable and suitable for indoor and outdoor display
-
Free of dangerous, prohibited, or living materials
-
Owned by the artist throughout the exhibition period
-
Installable by the Biennale team
-
Once submitted, works cannot be altered. Any damage after submission must be immediately communicated to the Biennale Committee. Irregularities may result in disqualification.
Jury
The international jury is composed of the Biennale’s curators together with leading professionals in contemporary art and ceramics:
Christina Anglada
Florian Daguet Bresson
Theodora Chorafas
Stefano Collicelli Cagol
Karina El Helou
Orhan Gorbon
Katerina Gregos
Nikos Liaros
Awards
-
Prize for the winning work: €5,000
-
Prize for Special Mention: €1,000
(Prizes are subject to the withholding of the corresponding Greek tax.)
Practical Information
-
BCK will cover two days of accommodation during the exhibition opening for all participating artists
-
Artists are responsible for production, transportation, and travel costs
-
BCK will provide letters of recommendation to support funding and sponsorship applications
How to Apply
Artists are invited to submit their proposals via the official submission form, completing all required fields.
Submission deadline: 10 January 2026, Midnight GMT
More information and the submission form are available via this link and the social media outlets of the Biennial of Contemporary Keramics.
