FAQs

When is it?

Projects for the BCB have already started in January this year and will take place throughout the year culminating in a festival from 3 October – 13 December 2009.

What is it?
It’s a new cultural event celebrating Stoke-on-Trent as an international centre for excellence in contemporary ceramics. In the build up to the festival there will be a series of projects taking place across Stoke-on-Trent. Some of the highlights include: artist residencies and fellowships in local ceramics industries; education projects bringing young people and schools groups together with older people with a history of working within the ceramics industry; opportunities for members of the public to get involved in workshops working with artists and designers; schools projects; support for new ceramics business set-ups; and look out for ceramics in unusual places inside and outside right across the region.
The festival will include major exhibitions of new work; an awards scheme with cash prizes; a showcase of the best of graduate talent from ceramics courses across the country; exhibitions, installations and activities taking place in museums, galleries, factories, studios, schools and colleges; and conferences and special events.

What does Biennial mean?
Biennial literally means every two years. Within the arts world, the term Biennial is used to explain a major bi-annual arts event, usually in the contemporary visual arts, or in this case – ceramics.

How can I get involved?
There are lots of ways to get involved in the BCB throughout the year.

…If you are a local maker
Local artists have applied for artist opportunities and the Awards, but unfortunately the deadlines have now passed. However we have a strand of the festival – Connect – offering artists the opportunity to showcase their work and provide public access and public engagement activities. We will post job and volunteering opportunities on this website. We also have an awards scheme with five categories representing the breadth of ceramics practice, and applications will be sought in due course for the 2011 festival Awards.

… If you are a maker from outside the region
Artists were invited to apply for opportunities within the Biennial and for the Biennial Awards, but the deadlines have now passed. There will be other opportunities for artists to get involved, so keep checking the website for information. We also have an awards scheme with five categories representing the breadth of ceramics practice, and applications will be sought in due course for the 2011 festival Awards.

…If you are a local business

If you are a local ceramics business there are opportunities to host artists, events and exhibitions, or participate in the business set-up scheme, contact the Directors – Jeremy Theophilus or Barney Hare Duke. 
If you are not a ceramics business there may still be opportunities to host artists, events and exhibitions. You may also be interested in sponsoring one or all of the Awards categories, or an element of the business start-up scheme or another aspect of the BCB. Alternatively you may be interested in supporting the BCB in other ways working with the marketing team to promote the event through your networks, if so, please contact Marketing Coordinator, Miranda Sowden.

…If you are a local resident

There are plenty of ways to engage with the BCB, whether that’s through projects and workshops taking place in local schools and colleges, museums, factories and studios, or visiting the exhibitions and activities across the region, or maybe you would be interested in becoming a volunteer. 

Will everything be free?
Yes, all public events will be free, unless at a venue which charges admission already. There will be a charge for tickets to attend the Awards ceremony and some conference and special events, e.g. masterclasses, for industry specialists and enthusiasts will have a charge.

What is the programme?
The programme is outlined on this website and explains each of the programme strands. Keep checking the website for updates.

When will the programme be announced?
The main programme for the Biennial festival was announced on 15 May. For further programme updates, keep checking the website.


How do I apply for the Awards?
The deadline for applications was 16 March 2009. 27 artists and businesses have been shortlisted and the winners will be announced on 29 October.

Is there anything for…?
Families – Yes there will be workshops throughout the year but especially during the festival that families can get involved in. Of course many of the exhibitions and activities during the festival will be family friendly.
Groups – If you are planning a visit to Stoke-on-Trent during the festival and would like to find out about special activities available for groups, please email info@britishceramicsbiennial.com with your request.
Visitors – If it’s your first time to Stoke-on-Trent, or even if you’re a regular visitor, click on Visit Stoke for the latest accommodation and eating out offers as well as information on other activity happening across the region. There is also information and offers on this website with details of all festival activity so that you can plan your visit.

Can I join a mailing list?
Yes, email info@britishceramicsbiennial.com and we’ll send you regular updates on the projects and the festival, or fill in your details on the home page.

Why is this festival happening?
Stoke-on-Trent is synonymous with ceramics, having been the home to the British ceramics industry for centuries. There is a thriving contemporary ceramics scene in Stoke-on-Trent and the area is still popular for those wanting to find out about the heritage of The Potteries. The BCB provides an opportunity to showcase the best in local, national and international ceramics practice through a broad ranging programme of activities, events, exhibitions and workshops across the region.

Why is this happening in Stoke-on-Trent?
No other place in the UK has the ceramics heritage of Stoke-on-Trent and it is appropriate that any event celebrating contemporary ceramics should take place in this unique region that spawned Wedgwood, Wade, Royal Doulton, Moorcroft, Aynsley China, Gladstone Pottery etc.



Is it just a one-off event?
No, the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership has initially pledged support from 2009-2013 incorporating three Biennials. The long-term aim is for BCB to become a regular fixture in the events calendar, recognised locally, nationally and internationally as a major ceramics event.

Are there opportunities to sponsor an event or award?
Yes there are and if you are interested please contact the Directors Jeremy Theophilus or Barney Hare Duke

What projects are taking place during the year?
For full details, keep checking the website. Guerrilla Ceramics will allow artists to create new work in public places across Stoke-on-Trent; Artists into Industry will allow artists to work within the manufacturing industry to explore, challenge and work with its materials, processes and products; an Intergenerational Project will bring together young people and schools groups together with older people who have a history of working within the ceramics industry to explore heritage, skills and pride; Participation and Workshop Programme allows members of the public to work with artists and designers, acquiring skills and knowledge; Take on Tiles Schools Project is a schools project and competition designing tiles and making Wonderwalls; Setting up New Businesses will support nine small and medium sized enterprises to set up creative ceramics businesses in Stoke-on-Trent across 2009/2011/2013; Scrap Bank will set up a resource store for the scrap and surplus ceramics discarded by the Ceramics industry.

What will the festival include?
For full details keep checking the website. The Biennial Awards will be made in four categories representing the breadth of ceramics practice with major cash prizes and an exhibition of work by 27 finalists will take place at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. The festival will include a series of presentations and exhibitions of new and exciting work in new and unfamiliar buildings and locations throughout the ten weeks; Fresh is a high profile exhibition drawn from the best graduates in ceramics across national higher education institutions; Connect showcases exhibitions, installations and activities associated with BCB Projects and Programmes in museums, galleries, factories, studios, colleges, schools and other creative workspaces; Platform will include the first conference to look at crafts in the public realm with a specific focus on ceramics; Special Events includes a series of symposia for the art/industry/higher education sectors.

Are there any education activities taking place?
Yes, throughout the year and during the festival. There will be a series of projects working with local schools, colleges and the higher education sector. Local people will also be able to get involved in workshops and participation activities in the build up to and during the festival. All information will be available on the website. For further details, keep checking the website or email info@britishceramicsbiennial.com.

Are all the venues accessible to disabled visitors?
All major events and exhibitions will be presented in fully accessible venues. However some of the work will be presented in unusual buildings that may have restricted access. On BCB Connect Open Weekends (see Festival Calendar for details), free transport will be provided around the main venues. Keep checking the website for details.

Are all the venues accessible by public transport?
Many exhibitions and events will be presented in existing museums and galleries that are close to public transport provision; however some of the work will be presented in unusual buildings that may not be located close to public transport interchanges. Keep checking the website for details.

When is the best time to visit?
If you are planning a visit it is recommended to come to Stoke-on-Trent during the festival 3 October – 13 December 2009 to make the most of your visit. There may be special events on some of the weekends during the festival, so keep checking the website for updates, or sign up to our mailing list by emailing. For more information about the area, check out Visit Stoke for details of accommodation, eating out and other attractions.

If I’m planning to stay overnight, how can I book accommodation before arriving?
Look at Visit Stoke to find out about the best places to stay and you can book your accommodation direct.

Are there recommended restaurants to visit?
Check out Visit Stoke for or eating out recommendations. We have also worked with some local restaurants to set up special offers for visitors to the festival so look out for more details on the website’s Festival Offers page or sign up for our newsletter by emailing info@britishceramicsbiennial.com.

If I’m staying for a weekend, are there other activities or attractions to see in the area?
If you’re interested in the heritage of The Potteries, then there are many museums to choose from including The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Etruria Industrial Museum, the Dudson Museum, Wedgwood Visitor Centre and the new Wedgwood Museum. If you’re looking for a ceramics souvenir then the area has numerous factory shops and outlets to choose from. But it’s not all ceramics; there are beautiful stately homes such as Shugborough and the Trentham Estate and stunning gardens and countryside including Biddulph Grange and the Cannock Chase woodlands. And if you’re looking for fun family entertainment, then don’t forget Alton Towers and Drayton Manor theme parks.

I’m planning to bring a group, are there any special events for groups, 
such as curator talks or seminars?

Yes, we’re planning activities that will be suitable for groups over some of the weekends during the festival. Keep checking the website for updates or sign up for our e-newsletter on the homepage by emailing BCB.

Who is funding the BCB?
There is a package of funding to support the BCB including core funding from North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership. Additional funding will be secured from Arts Council England and private sector sponsorship.

Is funding secured for future Biennials?

Yes the first three Biennials have secured funding from North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership and additional funding will be secured from the public and private sectors.

Are the local ceramics factories involved?

Yes definitely. Local ceramics factories will be involved in a range of different projects throughout the year and during the festival, including as host venues for exhibitions and/or artists.

How are Stoke City Council and North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership involved?
The idea to stage a new international ceramics event was originally conceived by Stoke City Council. The North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership (NSRP) which is an urban regeneration company set up by Stoke City Council, recognised the potential for a major contemporary ceramics event to contribute towards its extensive urban regeneration plans for the area. As well as providing funding NSRP, and Stoke City Council, are providing support in the set up of British Ceramics Biennial Limited – an independent company that will run the Biennial.

I’m a journalist wanting to write about BCB, who should I talk to?
If you are a journalist interested in local stories within the Stoke-on-Trent area, please contact Cheryl Smith cheryl.smith@stoke.gov.uk. If you are a journalist working with national or international media, then please contact Helen Wharton at Colman Getty.

Are there any job opportunities?
All job opportunities are posted on this website.

Will there be any opportunities to volunteer?
Yes we will be looking for volunteer support for the festival and more information is available on this website.

What is the relationship between the BCB and the Stoke Ceramics Festival?
The BCB is a legacy of the Stoke Ceramics Festival but the two events are very different. The BCB aims to raise the profile of Stoke-on-Trent nationally and internationally as the home of contemporary ceramics. The BCB is a year-long programme of activity culminating with a high profile ten week festival taking place bi-annually.

Who are the Biennial team?
Biennial Team is Barney Hare Duke — BCB Co-Director, Jeremy Theophilus — BCB Co-Director, Marc Wootton — BCB Events & Programme Co-ordinator, Rosie Grieve — BCB Projects Co-ordinator, Helen Palmer — Marketing Consultant, Andrew Palmer — Marketing Consultant, Miranda Sowden — Marketing Co-ordinator.

Does anyone else support the Biennial team?
The festival, and the wider BCB project, is a massive undertaking, and it simply would not be possible without the outstanding support of individuals and organisations from across the city, the region and beyond, far too many to mention individually. The BCB was created and is being led by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership. Special thanks should go to our BCB Associates —Alison Britton OBE, Emmanuel Cooper OBE, Ian Dudson CBE and Alun Graves for their expert advice and contributions. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been instrumental in realising the project, notably the Corporate Communications Department, Cultural Development Team, Museums Service, Regeneration Managers, and the Tourism Department. The main funding body and the source of the vision for creating the Biennial is the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, and particularly Tom Macartney, the Managing Director of the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, Ashy McKay, Head of Economic Development, Andrew Briggs, BCB Project Manager and Rachel Nicholson, Senior European Officer. Another key partner is the University of Staffordshire, so thanks also go to Catherine Fehily, Programme Area Manager Arts, Culture & Design and Professor David Sanderson, Award Leader MA Ceramics.