Open Call: (w)aardewerk

Sustainable ceramics start with awareness and collaboration. By combining knowledge and ideas, we can create a greater impact together and accelerate the process toward a sustainable ceramics sector. In 2024, under the title (w)aardewerk, an initial step was taken with various meetings, lectures and through an open call, nine designers/ceramicists worked on their own formulated sustainability research for ceramics. Throughout the research, a great deal of knowledge was exchanged and a joint presentation took place at Dutch Design Week. In 2025, we will continue the project and through this open call, form a new community of practice to contribute together to a more sustainable ceramics sector.

Applications are open until March 10. Read more about the application procedure below.

For whom?

Are you a ceramics expert or maker-designer and do you have a research proposal or are you working on a ceramics project that positively and sustainably contributes to nature, climate and the living environment? Do you want to further develop this research in the coming months and would you like support by becoming part of a community of practice? Join this open call and submit your proposal or project.

What do you get?

From the submitted proposals, nine participants will be selected. As a selected participant, you will become part of the Community of Practice, follow each other’s processes and attend the monthly meetings to share knowledge and expertise with other designers and ceramicists in the group.

During the process, you will work towards a concrete result, which will be featured in the group exhibition of Crafts Council Nederland during Dutch Design Week 2025 in De Fabriek, Eindhoven. The exhibition design and production will be taken care of by Crafts Council Nederland.

In addition, photos will be taken in your studio and of the work in the presentation. A detailed article about your research and process will also be written, which we will share via social media and which will be featured on the website of Crafts Council Nederland, in the (w)aardewerk archive. This ensures that your contribution remains visible not only during the exhibition but also becomes part of a growing knowledge platform. View the 2024 archive here.

What previous participants say:

Application Procedure

Send your proposal as a single PDF file (including images) by email to guusje@craftscouncil.nl. Make sure your proposal contains the following information:

• Personal details:
  Name, address, phone number, email address, website, and Instagram.
• Project description:
  A clear description of your proposal and how it contributes to sustainability.
• About you:
  A brief introduction about yourself, your work, and your motivation to participate.
• Criteria:
  Indicate which criteria your proposal aligns with (see criteria below).
• Images:
  Attach relevant images to support your proposal.

By submitting your proposal, you commit to the development process from April to October 2025, should you be selected.

Selection criteria

Your proposal contributes to sustainability on various levels, such as material usage, energy efficiency, waste management, and life cycle. Good design is a key criterion for appreciation and long-term use. Additionally, your proposal must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Material use: your proposal describes the source of materials and how they are renewable, recycled, or biodegradable.
• Energy efficiency: your proposal describes how energy-efficient production processes are utilized.
• Social impact: your proposal addresses social sustainability, such as fair labor, community involvement, or promoting artisanal traditions.
• Budget and scalability: your proposal provides insight into realistic production budgets.

Timeline

• Application deadline: March 10, 2025
• Selection result: March 14, 2025
• Meeting 1: April
• Meeting 2: May
• Meeting 3: June
• Meeting 4: July
• Meeting 5: August
• Meeting 6: September
• Dutch Design Week presentation: October

Questions?

If you have any questions about the (w)aardewerk open call, please contact Guusje Heesakkers at guusje@craftscouncil.nl.