International Biennial of Contemporary Ceramics

Over forty years of contemporary ceramics

Created in 1981, the International Biennial of Contemporary Ceramics of Châteauroux is one of the oldest and most prestigious events dedicated to art ceramics in France. Every two years, in odd-numbered years, this international exhibition brings together ceramic artists from all over the world to present their most recent creations in two exceptional heritage sites in the city.

Two prestigious exhibition venues

The works are presented in two remarkable sites in Châteauroux. The Couvent des Cordeliers, a magnificently restored 13th-century building, offers a striking architectural setting that resonates with contemporary creations. The Musée-Hôtel Bertrand, an 18th-century private mansion, complements this double exhibition with its intimate spaces conducive to a more personal contemplation of the works. This dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary creation is what makes the Biennial so unique.

A panorama of global ceramic creation

Each edition proposes a unifying theme around which the invited artists develop their creative universe. From Building, Raising Matter to Writings, Myths and Legends, through Objective Earth and Idem, these themes stimulate the imagination of the creators and offer the public varied interpretations of ceramic art. The artistic selection, entrusted to a curator, favors diversity in approaches, techniques, and geographical origins.

International reach

Over the years, the Châteauroux Biennial has gained international recognition in the world of art ceramics. It attracts collectors, gallery owners, art critics, and enthusiasts from all over Europe and beyond. The selected artists represent about thirty nationalities, testifying to the vitality and diversity of contemporary ceramic creation on a global scale.

Events and mediation

The Biennial is not limited to the exhibition. Guided tours, conferences, artist encounters, and practical workshops are offered throughout the three months of the exhibition, allowing the public to discover ceramic techniques and interact with the creators. A richly illustrated catalog accompanies each edition and serves as a valuable documentary reference.