Burapha International Ceramics 2026 (BIC2026) was initiated by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, to strengthen the role of regional art spaces as platforms for learning, cultural exchange, and the development of Thailand’s creative economy and Soft Power. The project provides an international platform for artists, designers, academics, researchers, and students to exchange knowledge, creative practices, and contemporary perspectives in ceramic art and design. Under the theme “Potberry: The Blooming Language of Clay,” clay is interpreted not merely as a material, but as a foundation for learning, experimentation, cultural identity, and creative growth. The project connects Thai ceramic practices with international perspectives through collaboration with universities, professional associations, and ceramic networks from Thailand and abroad. Through exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and cross-cultural activities, BIC2026 contributes to the advancement of contemporary ceramics, strengthens international artistic networks, and promotes Thai ceramic art to wider national and international audiences.
The project aims to develop and enhance the capacity of contemporary art galleries and regional art spaces as high-quality platforms for artistic learning and cultural engagement. It seeks to strengthen relationships among artists, educational institutions, professional organizations, and cultural networks at both national and international levels. BIC2026 also provides opportunities for artists, academics, students, and the public to exchange knowledge and creative practices in contemporary ceramic art and design. Another key objective is to establish sustainable networks among galleries, art spaces, artists, and educational institutions while expanding the international visibility of Thai ceramics. Ultimately, the project contributes to the promotion of Thailand’s Soft Power, creative economy, and arts and cultural tourism through contemporary art and ceramic culture.
BIC2026 was implemented through an integrated programme of exhibition, competition, hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and public engagement. The project began with planning, international and national networking, bilingual publicity, an online application system, artwork submission and selection, and professional exhibition preparation. The main programme featured the international ceramic exhibition “Potberry: The Blooming Language of Clay,” presenting more than 100 works; a ceramic art competition for higher-education students; ceramic art workshops; an opening and award ceremony; and complementary cultural activities, including Benjarong painting and Japanese Ikebana demonstrations. The programme created opportunities for artists, designers, academics, researchers, students, and the public to learn through direct participation, exchange creative perspectives, and build professional and academic networks across cultures.
BIC2026 generated impacts that exceeded several of its original targets. The exhibition presented 171 registered ceramic works, surpassing the target of at least 100 works, while the student competition attracted 70 participants from seven educational institutions. Approximately 197 participants attended the workshops, compared with the minimum target of 50, and approximately 197 people participated in the opening and award ceremony, nearly twice the required target of 100. The exhibition attracted approximately 250 visitors, expanding public access to contemporary ceramic art and transforming the university gallery into an active learning space for students, young people, artists, and the wider community. Beyond these quantitative outcomes, the project strengthened collaboration among artists and educational institutions, encouraged cross-cultural learning, expanded opportunities for emerging ceramic artists, and enhanced the visibility of Thai contemporary ceramics within international artistic networks. It also reinforced the role of Burapha University as a regional platform connecting art, education, cultural exchange, creative economy, and Soft Power.
Main Exhibition: 10–28 August 2026
Workshops: 19–20 August 2026
Opening & Award Ceremony: 20 August 2026
Venue: Art Gallery, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand.
Project Leader: Dr. Kanlayanee Phueaknamphol (Head of Ceramic Design Department, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts)
