The BCB 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 feel they would benefit from speaking about it with a member of the BCB Artists’ Programme/Exhibitions team.

You don’t need to prepare anything specifically, we’re happy to talk your project through with you if you’d like.

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.

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

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 access support is specifically available to individuals who feel they face barriers in making an application whether it be financially or other. To inquire about access support please email access@britishceramicsbiennial.com to discuss how we can support you.

What can we help you with?

We can help you with a range of topics, for example: talking through your project with you, 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. If what you’re looking for help with falls outside of these topics but you feel we could still be helpful feel free to get in touch with us or sign up for a surgery place.

Diversity

We acknowledge there has been an underrepresentation of diverse artists in our exhibitions and our festival programme. We have a responsibility to artists working in clay and to the contemporary ceramics sector in addressing the under-representation of diverse artists and the barriers in accessing opportunities to progress. We are taking actions 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.

Sign up!

If you’ve taken part in a BCB Artist Development Surgery before and you’d like a follow up conversation get in touch: rhiannon@britishceramicsbiennial.com and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

The Artist Development Surgeries are proudly run as part of 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. Follow this link for more information about other opportunities and workshops run through Factory.