CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

OPEN CALL FOR PAPERS AND PROPOSALS

The Ceramic Arts Association of Western Australia invites submissions for the upcoming Australian Ceramics Triennale Conference, WEDGE, to be held in Walyalup (Fremantle), Western Australia from 2nd to 5th October 2025.

WEDGE aims to bring together leading practitioners, researchers and enthusiasts in the field of ceramics to explore and exchange ideas, techniques, and innovations. The conference will provide a platform for interdisciplinary discussions, foster collaboration and enhance relationships in the global ceramics community.

Wedge will explore connections, collaborations, and divisions within the increasingly sophisticated practices of ceramic artists today.

Click the link below to read the Curatorial Rationale for more information

We invite researchers, artists, educators, and industry professionals to submit abstracts for oral presentations, panel discussions, and workshops addressing the following themes:

Exploring Tradition and Innovation:

Traditional ceramics techniques and their contemporary applications
Historical perspectives and cultural influences on ceramics
Innovations in ceramic materials, glazes, and firing processes

Ceramic Art and Design:

Contemporary ceramic art practices and trends including contemporary craft based contemporary art.
The role of gatekeepers, curators and disruptors in the ceramic field.
Cross-disciplinary collaborations in ceramics
Design applications of ceramics in various industries

Sustainability and Ethical Practices:

Sustainable and environmentally manageable approaches in ceramic production
Recycling and waste reduction in ceramics
Ethical sourcing of materials and fair trade practices

Technological Advancements:

Digital technologies in ceramic art and design
3D printing and additive and subtractive manufacturing in ceramics
Automation and robotics in ceramic production

Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement:

Ceramics as a vehicle for cultural expression
Ceramics and wellbeing
Ceramics and social impact including socially and culturally inclusive projects
Community-based ceramics initiatives

Submission Guidelines

All presenters will be remunerated at NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts (Australia)) Rates.

All Submissions must include:

Name and contact details
Brief Artist biography (200 words max)
One page Curriculum Vitae

Application Specific Criteria

FULL PAPERS

Full papers will be academic in nature and address one of the themes outlined above

Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words and include a title, author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details.
Submitted abstracts will undergo a blind review process.
Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings
Full papers are to be 5000 words maximum

PRACTICE LED PAPERS

Practice led papers may take a range of forms including audio visual presentations, interactive workshops, short films, and may include aspects of personal practice, research, explorations and experiments in the ceramic field.

Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words and include a title, author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details.
Please also include supporting material of five photographs and any relevant video and website links or descriptions of the activity or draft illustrations of your intended content.

WEDGE seeks to showcase the richness and diversity of contemporary ceramics practices and highlight innovative approaches and techniques used in the field. We welcome proposals that explore various aspects of ceramics, including exploratory and traditional techniques, experimental practices, conceptual work, functional object making, sculptural forms and surface treatments and firing techniques.

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit a description of the proposed demonstration techniques and processes of no more than 300 words and up to 5 high-resolution (200 dpi) images of representative works, techniques and intentions or a Instagram link or short video (5 minutes maximum)

We are seeking creative proposals for engaging performances that link to the conference theme and reference ceramic materials, processes and objects.

We welcome performances that explore various aspects of ceramics, including the elemental forces of, fire, earth, air and water, alchemy and the symbolic aspects related to the ceramic process.

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit a description of the proposed performance, the venue requirements and interactive aspects of the performance and outline processes involved. OHS guidelines will be applied. The proposal is to be no more than 300 words and include up to 5 high-resolution (200 dpi) images of representative performance work, techniques and intentions or a Instagram link, short video (5 minutes maximum)

Should you wish to apply for a solo or a group exhibition that demonstrates excellence and innovation in ceramic practice we can provide you with a list of possible venues. Please note, you will need to negotiate directly with the gallery or display venue. If you are interested in exhibiting ceramics at the time of WEDGE, please contact us at

exhibitions@australianceramicstriennale.com.au

Galleries in Western Australia who are interested in participating in WEDGE are also encouraged to contact us using this link.

IMPORTANT DATES

Abstract Submission Deadline: 1st August 2024
Notification of Acceptance: 1st February 2025
Paper Submission Deadline: 1st June 2025
Conference Dates: 2nd-5th October 2025

If you have any questions regarding the applications procedure, please contact us before applying at wedge@australianceramicstriennale.com.au

Apply Now!