The fifth edition of the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) is set to be staged in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, from 23 September to 5 November.
This six-week international ceramics festival in the world capital of ceramics will fill the city with exhibitions, installations, new commissions and hands-on activities that will showcase the creative potential of clay, and also highlight the resurgence of contemporary ceramics.
Over 100 artists are involved in exhibitions and events taking place across the city, including a reimagining of Ian McIntyre’s iconic Brown Betty teapot.
The former Spode Factory in the heart of Stoke will form the main hub of the festival, with the cultural quarter of Hanley forming a second hub across venues including the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, AirSpace Gallery, Bethesda Chapel and Stoke-on-Trent Central Library.
The festival programme will link with some of the city's best-known names, including Emma Bridgewater, Burleigh at Middleport Pottery, World of Wedgwood and Johnson Tiles. The 2017 BCB programme has been launched to coincide with Stoke-on-Trent's bid for UK City of Culture 2021.
Additional highlights will include leading UK ceramic artist Keith Harrison, who has been commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent Libraries and Archives in association with BCB to create a major new work; Knowledge is Power.
Inspired by the special Six Towns Collection of local history books, Harrison will work with over 200 local schoolchildren and community groups.
