AVEIRO – Portugal

Aveiro is a landscape of water, light and color offered by the Ria de Aveiro, winding through the white of the salt pyramids. Its more than 1000 years of history and tradition lived around the urban canals, present in the architectural heritage such as the baroque and mannerism in most churches, full of enchant by their richness and uniqueness, as well as in the beautiful Art Nouveau façades, give a special touch of charm to the city. Besides the production of salt, the Xávega fishing activity practiced along the seafront, the harvesting of the moliço and the Ceramics provided subsistence for centuries to a large part of coastal population and the nearby rural regions. Aveiro has a strategic position in the main roads and railways that cross and link the country, as well as in the relevant commercial port. The University of Aveiro provides the training of experts in several areas, namely in Ceramics, ensuring the continuity of secularly established international relations.

Saramago brilliantly described Ria de Aveiro as “a living body that connects the land to the sea like a huge heart.” In fact, Aveiro Lagoon is the central element of the city’s identity. It defines the pace of the city, filling it with all the colours of the typical “moliceiros”, boats that were used in the past to transport sea weed to fertilise the agricultural lands. Nowadays, these boats are a true tourism icon of Aveiro, transporting the city visitors on unforgettable trips.

The prestigious University of Aveiro has given a great dynamic to the city, attracting many foreign students and researchers. The University campus is a true city within the city, design by Portugal’s most distinguised architects, such as: Pritzker award-winning Siza Vieira and Souto Moura, along with Gonçalo Byrne, Carrilho da Graça or Alcino Soutinho.

Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro
 +351 234 370 200
geral@ua.pt

The International Biennial of Artistic Ceramics of Aveiro aims to contribute to the production of contemporary artistic ceramics through the stimulation of experimentation and creativity. It aims to develop knowledge of new ceramic tendencies and techniques. It seeks to promote the formation of audiences aware of this field and cultural development and to facilitate the connexion of artists with the local ceramic industry, seeking opportunities for both sectors. The Biennial, through its program, aims for dialogue and sharing, to act as a disseminator of currents and concepts, opening paths in the field of contemporary artistic ceramics, contributing within the framework of the aesthetic renewal that has been observed, and revealing new materials and techniques.