Grottaglie, the Apulian "City of Ceramics", enchants once again. After winning over the First Ladies and delegations of Heads of State of the G7 in Fasano, it is preparing to host the 31st edition of the "Mediterraneo" Contemporary Ceramics Competition.
An unmissable event that, from July 13 to Oct. 6, 2024, will enliven the city with an explosion of creativity and innovation through top-notch works of art from around the world.
A fascinating combination of tradition and modernity: the age-old mastery of Grottaglie ceramics is contaminated with the most avant-garde artistic expressions. Born in 1971, the "Mediterraneo" Competition is an exceptional stage for established and emerging artists, offering them the opportunity to compare and exhibit their works to the judgment of a jury of experts.
Prestigious prizes await the winners, including the first "Mediterraneo" prize of 5,000 euros and the coveted "Artist Residency" for those under 35 promoted and financed by the BCC of San Marzano di San Giuseppe. A record-breaking edition: this year the competition received as many as 211 entries from all over the world, reflecting its growing international prestige.
47 works from these were selected by the jury and will be exhibited during the event. The opening on July 13 will be an unmissable event, with the awarding of the winners. The winning work will become the heritage of the Municipality of Grottaglie, enriching the contemporary section of the Museum of Ceramics.
But the "Mediterranean" Competition is not just an exhibition: it is a real celebration involving the whole town. A rich program of side events will enliven the streets and squares of Grottaglie, including educational workshops, engaging workshops, potter's wheel demonstrations and breathtaking artistic performances.
A unique opportunity to dive headlong into the world of ceramics and discover the secrets of this ancient art.
A summer of beauty and creativity in Grottaglie, where pottery becomes the protagonist of a unique sensory experience.
And for those who want to learn more about this fascinating tradition, a visit to the Ceramics Quarter, a true open-air museum with more than 60 artisan workshops still in activity, is a must. Here, you can admire the master potters at work, take pottery classes and purchase unique and precious objects, made with the passion and skill that has always distinguished the artisans of Grottaglie.
The "Mediterranean" Contemporary Ceramics Competition is an invitation to be moved by art, discover craftsmanship and immerse yourself in the millennial culture of this extraordinary Apulian city.
The "Mediterranean" Contemporary Ceramics Competition is organized by the Municipality of Grottaglie sponsored by the Apulia Region, Confindustria Taranto, Confartigianato, Italian Association of Ceramic Cities with the contribution of BCC San Marzano, Megamark Group and Gesfa Srl.
Mariya Alipieva, Bulgaria
Eliza Au, Canada Aurora
Avvantaggiato, Italia - Taranto
Nadine Bell, Francia
Jovana Cavorovic, Serbia
Chen Junhui, Cina
Stella Gallas con Bruno Cipriani, Italia - Roma
Meimei Cui, Cina
Monika Dabrowska-Picewicz, Polonia
Antonie Eikemans, Paesi Bassi
Nuria Gimbernat Maymi,
Spagna Martin Harman,
Regno Unito Wen-Hsi Harman,
Taiwan Makoto Hatori, Giappone
Clara Holt – Chiara Zoppei, Italia - Milano
Wan-Ju Huang, Taiwan
Yun Hyojung, Corea del Sud
Kimie Ino, Brasile Ioan Iosif, Romania
Nathalie Keherli, Svizzera
Foteini Kolaiti, Grecia
Andrii Kyrychenko, Ucraina
Luciano Laghi, Italia - Brisighella (Ravenna)
Maria Lamanna, Italia - Parma
Shao Lei, Cina
Weronika Lucinska, Polonia
Shauna McCann, Canada
Miri Ofek, Israele Rafael Perez, Spagna
Silvia Piani, Italia - Imola
Danijela Pivasevic-Tenenr, Serbia
Ielizaveta Portnova, Ucraina
Erika Rejka, Ungheria
Michael Rice, Irlanda
Ines Rother, Germania
Javier Seral Posac, Spagna
Pierfrancesco Solimene, Italia - Cava de’ Tirreni (Salerno)
Terenzio Sonda,Italia - Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza)
Francesco Spagnulo, Italia - Grottaglie (Taranto)
Shiho Takahashi, Tailandia
Daito Takefusa, Giappone
Angelica Tulimiero, Italia - Avellino
Maryia Virshych, Bielorussia
Velimir Vukicevic, Serbia
So Ling Yuen, Cina
Ying Zheng, Cina
Dawid Zynda, Polonia
The first edition of the Competition, dating back to 1971, already in the framework of the 12th Ceramics Exhibition, highlighted the exclusive attention to the ceramic world. From its origins, the intent was to recognize ceramic art as an essential element of Grottaglie's identity. It was an ambitious and far-sighted project that gradually developed into a complex and articulated cultural journey.
Over the years, the "Mediterranean" Contemporary Ceramics Competition has consolidated its role as a tool for research and in-depth study of Mediterranean artistic expressions. From 2004 to the present, the event has obtained prestigious national recognition, including the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, and has established fruitful collaborations with Italian and foreign museums. The patronage of public bodies and institutions has further embellished the competition.
The works awarded during the editions of the "Mediterranean" Contemporary Ceramics Competition, created by nationally and internationally established artists, have enriched the "Contemporary Section" of the Grottaglie Ceramics Museum. Today, this municipally owned artistic heritage welcomes thousands of visitors every year, including tourists, scholars, artists and enthusiasts.
Over the years, the Competition has evolved, both conceptually and organizationally. Today, it boasts an innovative exhibition and competition model, focused on the enhancement of the artistic proposal and its objective reading. The international dimension of the competition projects it to broad boundaries, making it an exceptional stage for intercultural dialogue.
The ancient halls of Grottaglie's Episcopio Castle, the historical venue of the competition, open up to contemporary suggestions thanks to the installation of works also at the Former Capuchin Convent, today the detached headquarters of the contemporary section of the Ceramics Museum. This marriage of tradition and modernity represents the very essence of the Mediterranean Contemporary Ceramics Competition, an event that celebrates ceramic art in all its facets.
In an ode to Puglia's artistic richness, "Pop, Ceramiche #fuoridalcomune", the vibrant new brand merging six Apulian municipalities known worldwide for their ceramic traditions, is born. The project, called Ceramiche di Puglia, is set to become the iconic beacon of Apulian ceramics, symbolically unifying the artistic gems of Cutrofiano, Grottaglie, Laterza, Rutigliano, San Pietro in Lama, and Terlizzi by projecting them onto the global stage.
At the heart of the project is the brand-logo, a dynamic and eye-catching work of art that reflects the deep tradition and creativity of Puglia's six municipalities. This versatile emblem, designed to generate graphic elements that enrich the visual communication of the brand, aims to become a recognizable symbol in Italy and around the world for lovers of Apulian ceramics.
The ambitious goal of the project is to create an official itinerary of the Apulian ceramic tradition, promoting the tangible and intangible heritage of the six municipalities involved. This initiative supports "slow travel" and promotes low-impact traditional craftsmanship, generating interest in lesser-known municipalities and redistributing tourists into studied itineraries.
"Pop" presents itself as a straightforward, authentic, simple and accessible landmark. It combines modern flair and tradition, promoting conviviality and communicating an experience of travel and rediscovery. Lively and dynamic, the brand fits perfectly in any medium, best representing the variety and experimentation of Apulian ceramics.
The term "Pop" combines the concept of popular and the English acronym "Pottery Of Puglia," expanding the target audience. The brand itself takes shape, with dynamic and versatile letters that represent the variety and creativity of Apulian ceramic production.
"Pop, Ceramics #fromthecommon" is a project that originated from the regional department of economic development, supported by Regional Law No. 32 of 12/29/2022. Article 62 of this law provides support to municipalities of established ceramic tradition, thus helping to enhance and promote local craftsmanship.
More than a brand, POP Ceramiche #fuoridalcomune" is a portrait of an authentic, genuine and unexpected Apulia. A region made of discoveries and rediscoveries, where traditional values are renewed in a modern and accessible way. With a focus on sustainability, slow tourism and low-impact crafts, the project promises to guide visitors through a unique journey through art, crafts, territories and stories.
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