British Ceramics Biennial and Stoke-on-Trent City Council joint press release
- British Ceramics Biennial’s Clay Together project takes place at BCB Studio, Stoke-on-Trent
- Free, bookable monthly sessions running until April 2027
- Project fund made possible via successful crowdfunding campaign
- Supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council as part of its commitment to early, joined-up support for children and families
- Engaging 139 participants to date
Care-experienced children and young people across Stoke-on-Trent are discovering the joy of working with clay, thanks to a new programme from British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), the Stoke-on-Trent charity with a mission to make change through clay.
Clay Together offers children and young people under 16 with any degree of care experience, along with the adults who care for them, the chance to get creative with clay at the BCB Studio. Running every second Sunday of the month until April 2027, each free, bookable session lasts two hours and gives participants a regular space to explore techniques, from hand-building and modelling to tile-making, supported by a team of professional ceramic artists. The programme has been made possible through generous support from local donors and donors via the 2026 Big Give Arts for Impact campaign, backed by Arts Council England.
Jo Mills, Studio & Community Programme Manager, said:
“Things that stood out for me – the pleasure that the adults in the room took in joining in with the clay activities; the focused attention given by the children manipulating the clay and seeing how it responded to their actions; and the moments of connection between children and adults as they sat side-by-side making together.”
On a pro rata basis, Stoke-on-Trent has one of the highest rates of children in care in the country at 183 per 10,000 population. The national average is currently 70 per 10,000 and the average for our statistical neighbours is currently 95 per 10,000. Children and young people with care experience can face greater challenges with mental health and social isolation, particularly during their teenage years. Their care arrangements can also result in reduced opportunities to make their own choices in daily life. Clay Together was developed to respond directly to that need, offering a creative space where young people can experiment, express themselves and shape something with their own hands. Interest has extended well beyond Stoke-on-Trent itself, with families travelling from across Staffordshire and as far as Birmingham to take part.
Clay Together reflects Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s wider commitment to early, joined-up support for children and families, delivered through partnership with organisations across the city – an approach at the heart of the Council’s Family Matters programme and its evolving Community Support Offer for children and young people.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colcough, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, adds:
“Stoke-on-Trent has one of the highest proportions of children in care of any local authority in England, so it’s vital that our children and young people with care experience have access to creative, supportive spaces like this. Clay Together is a brilliant example of the ongoing kind of work BCB does and we’re proud to support an organisation making a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our city.”
The programme follows a successful pilot, which saw the BCB Studio become a space for joyful creativity and intergenerational connection. With different activities on offer and six ceramic artists on hand to support and encourage, the studio gave participants a place to step away from the pressures of everyday life and try something new together.
One pilot participant reflected:
“Very inclusive. My children and I felt very comfortable. It was a lovely, unique experience.”
Participants interested in taking part can book a free place, for a single session or all sessions, at britishceramicsbiennial.com. Participants are welcome to arrive at the BCB Studio at 1pm to settle in and enjoy refreshments prior to the session at 1:30pm. The next workshop is Sunday, 8th November. Book here for Clay Together sessions.
Clay Together forms part of BCB’s year-round programme of artist commissions, learning and community projects. This programme is delivered alongside BCB’s work supporting ceramic artists and the wider industry, which all feed into the Biennial, the UK’s largest contemporary ceramic event returning in autumn 2027. Families interested in taking part can book a free place, for a single session or all sessions, at britishceramicsbiennial.com.
Press enquiries
Contact Kate Royle, Communications & Audiences Manager: kate@britishceramicsbiennial.com, Tel: 07761296362
Press enquiries for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, contact: Abigail Taylor, Senior Communications & Media Manager: Abigail.Taylor@stoke.gov.uk
Image available upon request.
About Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is committed to giving every child and young person the best possible start in life. Through its Family Matters programme and wider children’s services, the council works with partners across the city to provide early support, strengthen family relationships and help children and young people achieve their potential. The council serves more than 250,000 residents and delivers a wide range of services that support communities across Stoke-on-Trent.
Find out more about Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Family Matters programme