BCB Projects

The British Ceramics Biennial is a festival, but it’s also much more than that. Through BCB Projects, the Biennial has launched a ground-breaking and innovative programme of residencies, fellowships, commissions, learning and inclusion, and business start-ups from 2009-2013.

Many of the outputs and achievements of these year-round projects become part of the Biennial festival.

From international artists to local young people, from manufacturing industry to new designers starting out, BCB Projects will provide unique opportunities across the city.

“a bold mix of initiatives, aiming to break down barriers – barriers between artists and industry; between an older generation of skilled artisans, whose whole lives were intertwined with the fortunes of the Potteries, and a younger generation growing up without that sense of purpose and identity.”
Emma Crichton-Miller, The Times, August 2009

BCB: Place

Awards are made to ceramic artists who create temporary work placed into the city’s urban landscapes and public places.

BCB: Explore

Artists into industry
Extending the art studio model within the manufacturing industry, where artists will be commissioned to undertake radical research.

International artists into Stoke-on-Trent
International artists will work with the city’s industries and people, presenting new work within the Biennial exhibitions.

Participation & workshop programme
Members of the public invited to work alongside artists and designers.

BCB: Public

Intergenerational project
Young people brought together with older people who have worked within the local ceramics industry to explore heritage, skills and pride.

BCB: Start

Setting up new businesses
Supporting nine small enterprises to set up creative ceramics businesses in Stoke-on-Trent.

BCB: Scrapbank

A resource store of scrap materials, tools, equipment and ceramics from the industry, recycled for our public, education and artistic projects.