South African Clay Awards

02/04/2026

The Clay Awards were launched in 2024 at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Gallery and its staff. We are grateful for the role they played in shaping the Awards, establishing a strong foundation, and contributing to the ethos that continues to guide the project. We look forward to building on this foundation with their continued support for the ceramic community and to the Clay Awards in November.
We are pleased to share that ArtFormes will host the 2026 edition in Cape Town. Further details on the open call, selectors, and programme will be announced soon.
In 2026, the programme expands to include a dedicated exhibition at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum, showcasing newly elected IAC members. This complementary exhibition reinforces the Awards’ international dimension and strengthens dialogue between local practitioners and the global ceramic community. Rust-en-Vrede Gallery

23/03/2026

26/06/2025

Please use your voice and sign! Rust-en-Vrede Gallery

Save Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum

25/06/2025

Statement from the IAC against the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine

Over the past week, the IAC has witnessed with horror and despair the escalation of attacks, loss of life and suffering inflicted on people across the Middle East. The spillover of the Israel-Hamas war into the West Bank and countries in the surrounding region, including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Iran, is contributing to a dangerous escalation of conflict in the Middle East with unpredictable and far-reaching consequences. Civilians on all sides are, yet again, caught in the crossfire.

In light of these developments, the IAC Council appeals for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities by all parties and the pursual of diplomatic solutions in the name of peace; the respect of international humanitarian law requiring the protection of all civilians; the protection of all sites of cultural heritage. We express our unequivocal and constant support for all our members and the broader civilian populations in affected countries in the Middle East, who continue to bear the heaviest burden of the conflict.

We also extend this appeal to the ongoing war in Ukraine, standing in solidarity with its victims on both sides.

We call for an end to these devastating conflicts and urge all parties to commit to dialogue aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

As part of its mission and in the name of our shared humanity, the IAC remains steadfast in its commitment to the values of peace, the respect of human dignity, as well as the power of culture and dialogue to unite people across borders.

25/06/2025

Exciting News from Clay Awards!

Following the incredible success of our 2024 event, we are thrilled to share that many talented new artists have been specially invited to become members of the International Academy of Ceramics!

This achievement aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate awareness of South African ceramic art on the global stage. Our efforts are gaining momentum, and we couldn’t be more proud of the growing recognition and international appreciation for our artists' exceptional work.

Thank you to everyone who supported and believed in this journey, the organising committee, the sponsors and patrons, curator of the Clay Awards and the Rust & Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum as host.
Together, we’re making a lasting impact in the world of ceramics!
.zhou .artist EBONY Charmain Haines Chuma M. Maweni Melissa Barker

19/02/2025

Get your subscription for Ceramics Now Magazine and read the full article by Ann Marais on the South African Clay Awards held at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery and so much more about ceramics worldwide!

19/02/2025

Rust-en-Vrede Gallery New Exhibition opening!

Exhibition Setup Day 3 - The gallery is buzzing as we're getting ready for our big exhibition opening on Saturday 22 Feb. Join us for a full programme of art and entertainment!

We will be open from 9h00. A programme has been shared on our IG stories and FB page.

04/02/2025

Head over to Ceramics Now Magazine to dive into the details of the South African Clay Awards!

Rust-en-Vrede Gallery Ann Marais Eugene Hön

By Ann Marais The first South African Clay Awards exhibition, held at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery and Clay Museum in Durbanville, outside Cape Town, from November to December 2024, marked a significant milestone for South African ceramics. It followed the gallery's accreditation as an affiliate member of....