Programme
 Imperial Kiln Museum. |
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The 52nd IAC CONGRESS & GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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The 2026 IAC Congress, themed ‘Inheritance and Innovation’, will bring the global ceramic arts community together in Jingdezhen through a programme of academic exchange, exhibitions, performances and cultural immersion activities.
The Congress has a multi-level structure, combining academic sessions with a comprehensive exhibition matrix. Academic activities will include keynote speeches, invited lectures, open call lectures, member spotlight talks and panel discussions. These will focus on emerging trends, global dialogue and cross-cultural perspectives in ceramic art.
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Complementing the academic programme is a diverse exhibition line-up. Key events include two IAC Members’ Exhibitions and the 2026 Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale, the headline event of the satellite programme. There will also be member-led fundraising exhibitions and an exhibition of works from pre-congress residencies. Together, these offerings will showcase historical legacies and contemporary innovations in the field. |
Preliminary Congress Schedule* Please note that the information on this page may be subject to modifications. The detailed programme will be published once conference speakers are confirmed. |
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The Congress will begin informally, offering the opportunity to acclimatise to Jingdezhen. Participants can collect their accreditations and join optional local tours. These excursions offer a first glimpse of the region’s ceramic heritage and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
The official launch of the 2026 IAC Congress will be held at the Taoxichuan Grand Theatre. The day will begin with accreditations for late arrivals followed by the General Assembly meeting (Part I). An opening ceremony will follow with a welcome from the IAC and Jingdezhen’s host representatives. After lunch, the IAC Members’ Exhibitions will open at the Taoxichuan Art Museum. Afterwards, attendees can choose between two cultural tours, each offering a guided visit to important museums and ceramic sites in Jingdezhen. The day will conclude with a welcome dinner hosted by the organisers, followed by a ceremony to welcome new IAC members and a Member of Honour.
The day begins with an early morning visit to the Ancient Ceramics Morning Market, where participants can browse traditional wares and meet local artisans. Academic sessions then resume at the Taoxichuan Grand Theatre, featuring a keynote address, invited lectures, open-call lectures and member spotlight presentations. After lunch, attendees will gather for the opening of the 2026 Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale. The afternoon offers a variety of activities, including symposiums, IAC Member Roundtables, curated tours and satellite exhibitions across six university campuses. In the evening, participants can enjoy a group dinner before attending the IAC/UNESCO Evening, a cultural programme celebrating heritage and innovation. |
Another visit to the morning market will set the tone for the day. Academic programming continues in the morning with more thought-provoking lectures, discussions and presentations. After lunch, the IAC New Members’ Exhibition opens, showcasing new perspectives in ceramic art. Participants can revisit the cultural circuits introduced earlier in the week. In the evening, the Congress will feature a special live ceramic performance titled ‘China Impression’, held at the scenic Mingfang Ceramic Park — an artistic celebration of reimagined tradition.
Academic sessions continue in the morning, followed by a midday break. In the afternoon, participants will embark on a guided tour of historically significant ceramic sites, including the Kaolin Clay Mine, the Yaoli Raonan Ancient Porcelain-Making Site and the Tianbao Dragon Kiln. These locations highlight the ancient roots of Jingdezhen’s ceramic industry. The day will conclude with a special evening featuring an exhibition of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, a fundraising event for the IAC Treasure Bowl Collection initiative and a VIP cocktail reception.
The final day of the Congress begins with academic sessions. After lunch, the IAC General Assembly reconvenes for Part II of its meeting. In the evening, participants gather at Taoxichuan Square for a bonfire dinner at the historic Taiping Kiln site. The Congress will conclude with a festive farewell party featuring a musical performance using porcelain instruments, followed by a symbolic handover of the host city to bring the 2026 edition to a close and look ahead to the next chapter. |
Explore Jingdezhen Before and After the Congress |
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Before or after the Congress, visitors are encouraged to explore Jingdezhen’s vibrant ceramic scene. Highlights include Sanbao Ceramics Valley, the Lyu Pinchang Art Museum, Taoran Market, Laoyatan Ceramic Workshops, the Sculpture Porcelain Factory & Creative Market, and the ongoing Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale at the JCU Art Museum. |
For those looking to extend their stay, three post-Congress tours are available: Route 1: Longquan – Dehua (4 days) |
About
The 52nd IAC Congress takes place from 27 June to 2 July 2026 in Jingdezhen, China.
(read more...)Welcome to Jingdezhen!
Jingdezhen, a city with a rich ceramic history and traditions that remain firmly rooted in the present.
(read more...)Theme
The theme of the 2026 Congress is "Inheritance and Innovation".
(read more...)