Poland exchange scheme opens for young ceramicists

The British Ceramics Biennial is based in Stoke-on-Trent and runs events to support artists across the UK

Young ceramics artists are being offered a chance to take part in an exchange with fellow potters in Poland.

The British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), an arts organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, has launched a scheme to connect the city's artists with those in Bolesławiec.

Stoke-on-Trent's role in the pottery industry dates back hundreds of years and the city has been recognised by the World Crafts Council for its contributions.

Six local artists, aged 18-24, will be selected for the exchange for a week-long trip to Bolesławiec in August, when the Polish city hosts its annual ceramics festival.

Stoke-on-Trent's pottery industry has been under pressure recently despite its international acclaim, with the Royal Stafford firm collapsing and Portmeirion Group announcing job losses last month.

The GMB Union has cited rising energy bills as one of the challenges facing the two firms.

Digital exchange

BCB runs a series of programmes to support the UK's ceramicists, as well as hosting its biennial in Stoke-on-Trent every two years.

Under another exchange scheme, up to 12 local artists will be able to go on a seven-month digital exchange, with the British and Polish teams connecting and sharing ideas online.

Six artists will be selected from this cohort for the August visit, with six Polish artists doing a return visit to Stoke-on-Trent in 2026.

BCB is calling for Stoke-on-Trent applicants who have experience in ceramics and have faced financial barriers, such as being eligible for free school meals.

"We especially want to reach out to people who might not have had the chance to take part in something like this before," Clare Wood, BCB's artistic director and chief executive, said in a statement.