What are they about? 

The February Artist Development Surgeries are an opportunity to talk about a project or idea that has a connection to Stoke-on-Trent, its people, place or industries. This opportunity is for people who feel they would benefit from speaking with a member of the BCB Artistic Programme/Exhibitions team. 

You don’t need to prepare anything specifically, we’re happy to talk your project through at any stage. We have a focus on contemporary ceramic practice, however, if you work in another medium/material and you feel our perspective would be helpful to you feel free to sign up. 

How do they take place? 

Our Artist Development Surgeries are up to 45 mins long and take place on Zoom. We get in touch by email ahead of your session to give you a link. If you’d prefer a telephone conversation or email let us know after your registration is complete. 

Who is not eligible? 

Our Artist Development Surgeries are unfortunately not available to Award or Fresh applicants or those making an application for another BCB opportunity. If you are planning on making an application to a BCB opportunity, then access support is specifically available to individuals who feel they face barriers in making an application. This could be financial or otherwise. To inquire about access support please email rhiannon@britishceramicsbiennial.com  to discuss how we can support you. 

Is there a fee?

Our Artist Development Surgeries are free to attend.

What can we help you with? 

• Talking through your project
• Connecting with other BCB team members, artists, people or organisations in Stoke-on-Trent
• Writing artist statements/proposals
• Adapting artwork or projects to Covid-19 restrictions
• Engaging with communities.

Even if what you’re looking is outside of these topics, you can still book a place if it will be helpful.

Diversity 

We acknowledge there has been an underrepresentation of diverse artists in our exhibitions and our festival programme. Our responsibility is to artists working in clay and to the contemporary ceramics sector in addressing the under-representation of diverse artists and the barriers to accessing opportunities to progress. We are taking action to better support access to opportunities and networks for artists who feel they face barriers and for artists who feel their identity and background are under-represented in our exhibitions and festival programme. 

Factory

The Artist Development Surgeries are proudly run as part of the creative business support programme Factory. Factory is a partnership between Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Staffordshire University, British Ceramics Biennial and ACAVA. The programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Visit our Factory page to learn more about other opportunities and workshops run through Factory.