BIENNALE OF CONTEMPORARY KERAMICS
RHODES ISLAND, SOUTH AEGEAN
WHERE THE DAY STARTS
Rhodes, Greece | June–October 2026
CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS EXHIBITION
20 Artists – 20 Original Works
Design & Implementation Team
BIG BLUE DOT NGO
The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) is delighted to announce the team of curators for its second edition, taking place on the island of Rhodes from June to October 2026 under the title “Where the Day Starts.”
Anissa Touati, Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos and Loukia Thomopoulou.
“As curators, we see the Biennale and the Island of Rhodes as a meeting point where the Mediterranean’s diverse histories, traditions and futures come together. Ceramic techniques have crossed shores for centuries, evolving through migration, trade, and dialogue. Today, artists reinterpret these age-old methods to address current questions and create new connections. We aim to highlight both the ancient bonds and contemporary narratives that shape the region, opening space for new perspectives on the Mediterranean’s future.”
The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) will bring together contemporary artists from the Mediterranean who either live in one of the countries of the basin or have a meaningful connection to the region. Dedicated to promoting contemporary ceramics as an evolving art form, the Biennale moves nomadically across Greek islands, drawing inspiration from each location’s distinct history, archaeology, mythology, and culture.
The Choice of Rhodes
The Symbolism of Rhodes Island, Greece
According to ancient mythology, the island was named after Rhodos, the god Helios’ lover. Helios caused the island to rise from the sea so it could be the first to greet his radiant light each day. The sun’s symbolism extends far beyond local legend; throughout the Mediterranean, it stands as a powerful metaphor for connection, exchange, and the shared heritage of diverse civilizations. Its light has guided sailors, fostered trade, and illuminated the crossroads of cultures that define the region.
The biennale’s title, “Where the Day Starts” is not only a reference to the island’s mythic dawn but also a call to new beginnings; igniting artistic exploration, catalyzing dialogue, and challenging participants to reimagine the Mediterranean’s shared heritage and ever-evolving identities in the light of today.
Together, the three curators bring extensive experience across the Mediterranean.
Drawing on the concept of “Mediterraneanism,” Anissa Touati has been instrumental in shaping a new vision of the Mediterranean, redefining the identity of key institutions by forging lasting networks and collaborations across North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.
Stamatia Dimitrakopoulou plays a pivotal role in the Mediterranean art scene, revitalizing its contemporary landscape and forging strong links between Greece and the wider art world through her leadership at Art Athina and collaborations with major international institutions.
Loukia Thomopoulou draws on her Greek heritage, developing artist residencies and ceramic programs on Greek islands that foster creative exchange within the region. Their combined expertise reflects a deep commitment to the Mediterranean’s cultural vitality and interconnectedness.
Anissa Touati
Anissa Touati
Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos
Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos
Loukia Thomopoulou
Founder & Creative Director
Loukia Thomopoulou
Founder & Creative Director
Christina Anglada
Independent curator and writer
Christina Anglada
Independent curator and writer
Florian Daguet Bresson
Contemporary Ceramics Curator & Art Dealer (FR)
Florian Daguet Bresson
Contemporary Ceramics Curator & Art Dealer (FR)
Theodora Chorafas
Ceramic artist, educator, and cultural organizer (GR)
Theodora Chorafas
Ceramic artist, educator, and cultural organizer (GR)
Karina El Helou
Director Sursock Museum (LB)
Karina El Helou
Director Sursock Museum (LB)
Orhan Gorbon
CEO Gorbon Tiles, Arts Patron (TUR)
Orhan Gorbon
CEO Gorbon Tiles, Arts Patron (TUR)
Katerina Gregos
Artistic Director of EMST (National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens) (GR)
Katerina Gregos
Artistic Director of EMST (National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens) (GR)
The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics will host an exhibition of renewed and emerging artists to be inspired, research, and present their work.
At the end of the open call, an international jury composed of leading figures from the world of ceramics, curating, and art will decide on the shortlist of participants.
Important Dates:
Application Period: 1 July 2025 – 10 January 2026
Finalists Announcement: 1 March 2026
Award Ceremony & Exhibition Preview: 06 June 2026
The 2nd Edition of Biennale of Contemporary Keramics 07 June 2026
Eligibility
This edition of the Biennale of Contemporary Ceramics focuses on the Mediterranean region, celebrating its diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary artistic voices. Eligible applicants include artists who are born in, based in, or have a meaningful connection to a Mediterranean country. This may include artists who have lived, studied, worked, or spent significant time in the region, or those with personal ties through family, heritage, or partnership.
Submission Requirements
- 4 high-resolution images of the final work (showing all sides)
- Artwork statement (150–200 words) on the work and its relevance to the theme
- Artist full bio
- Artist short bio (150–200 words)
- Artist portfolio
- Contact information:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website and/or social media (if applicable)
- Title of the Work
Work Requirements:
All works submitted must be recent and conceptually aligned with the theme of the Biennale.
- Each artist may submit one work or one series of works considered a single artistic creation
- The primary material must be clay; additional media are allowed
- The work must be:
- Recent and conceptually aligned with the theme of the Biennale
- Durable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor display
- Free of dangerous, prohibited, or living materials
- Owned by the artist throughout the exhibition period
- Work must be installable by the Biennale team
Prize:
The Prize for the winning work is five thousand euros (5,000 euros).
The Prize for the works awarded with a Special Mention is one thousand euros (1,000 euros)
Prizes will be subject to the withholding of the corresponding Greek tax
Practical Information:
BCK will cover two days of accommodation during the exhibition’s opening for all participating artists. The artists should cover all production, work transportation, and traveling expenses.
BCK will provide artists with letters of recommendation for funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Additional Notes
- Once submitted, the work cannot be altered
- In case of damage after submission, artists must immediately notify the Biennale Committee
- Any irregularities may result in disqualification
Deadline
10 January 2026, Midnight GMT
FAQ
The BCK is an international exhibition of contemporary ceramic art that each time takes place on a different Greek Island. It aims to bring together artists from around the world to explore and be inspired by the history, the myths and the traditions of each visited place.
The BCK stands for Biennale of Contemporary Keramics.
Big Blue Dot is a non-profit company based in Greece, organizing the International Biennale of Contemporary Keramics in Greece and the cultural Program “Clay Commons”.
The exhibition will take place from June to October, providing a total duration of five months for visitors to experience a series of cultural events related to Contemporary Ceramics Art.
Eligible applicants include artists who are born in, based in, or have a meaningful connection to a Mediterranean country. This may include artists who have lived, studied, worked, or spent significant time in the region, or those with personal ties through family, heritage, or partnership. Artists should be above the age of 18th.
The deadline for submissions is January 10th 2026 at midnight GMT.
Artists can apply for the Biennale starting from July 1st 2025, until the submission deadline on January 10th 2026.
After the open call, an international jury composed of eight leading figures from the world of ceramics, curating, and art will review the submissions and decide on the shortlist of participants. The final list will be announced in March 2026.
The proposed artwork must be inspired by the theme of the Biennale and should incorporate clay as the primary material. Additional materials in all media are allowed, except for dangerous, prohibited, or living materials. The artwork should be appropriate and durable for outdoor display.
Yes, there are awards for the Biennale participants. The award Prize is 5.000€ and Special Mention is 1.000€
The Biennale team is committed to providing ongoing assistance and guidance to help artists thrive in their creative endeavors. We offer letters of recommendation for funding and sponsorship opportunities. We also offer two days of accommodation during the exhibition’s opening for all participating artists.
Artists participating will be responsible for covering all production costs, as well as transportation related to their artwork. This includes the cost of materials, fabrication, packaging, shipping, and any necessary insurance for transportation arrangements. Artists should also plan for their own accommodation and travel expenses, excluding the two days of accommodation provided by the BCK during the exhibition’s opening.
No, each participant can present only one work at the Biennale.
To submit your proposal, you need to provide your full name, and contact information (phone number, email address, and website/Instagram account if applicable), via an online platform. The proposal document should be in PDF format and include all the necessary information, such as:
- Full Name
- Date of birth
- Short bio
- Work title
- Artwork Statement based on the theme
- 4 Photos of the proposed artwork.
Your PDF proposal should not exceed 10MB
Your proposal should be named as follows: BCK26_Name_Surname.pdf
All information must be submitted in English.
The only reasons your work can be declined during the final stage will be:
- If your work arrives damaged
- If your work arrives after the delivery deadline
- If the work that arrives is different from the photo of the work that has been selected through the Image screening.
If you have any further questions or queries that are not answered through the FAQ section you can contact our team at artists@bigbluedot.art.
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