'It's a true celebration of clay's creative potential'

NEW WORK: A previous FRESH exhibition at the British Ceramics Biennial.

- Clare Wood- Artistic Director & Chief Executive, British Ceramics Biennial

I HAVE recently been considering the point at which something becomes 'established.' The answer, of course, depends entirely on what you're seeking to establish.

A quick internet search indicates that it takes 66 days to establish a new habit but when it comes to establishing a cultural festival, that’s a different matter entirely.

One edition of a cultural festival might be considered a pilot, three could perhaps be regarded as a trial phase and beyond that, it’s well away.

What I am certain about is that nine cultural festivals is firmly in the territory of established.

The reason for this thought is that this September is the ninth edition of British Ceramics Biennial - Stoke-on-Trent's very own six-week celebration of clay and ceramics.

Being established means we understand our purpose, our context and have ways of working firmly in place.

It also means we have gained loyal fans and advocates and have built trust with those that visit the Biennial.

That trust allows us room for expansion and experimentation - an enticing opportunity as Stoke-on-Trent celebrates its centenary.

Despite being established, there will be readers not yet familiar with British Ceramics Biennial - or BCB as we're commonly known.

BCB is an arts organisation that fosters innovative ceramics practice and improves lives together with artists and creative communities.