IAC CONGRESS
ALCOBACA / CALDAS DA RAINHA 2024
16 – 20 September 2024

The 51st Congress and General Assembly of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) will be held from 16 to 20 September 2024 in the beautiful ceramic cities of Alcobaça and Caldas da Rainha in Portugal. 

Hosted by a country with a rich ceramics tradition, the central theme “Ceramics in the Mediterranean World: From Antiquity to Contemporaneity” will highlight the region’s history in ceramics and its continued relevance in today’s society.

Portugal is one of the few countries in the world where ceramics are a sign of national identity and can be found everywhere. In addition, it has one of the most characteristic productions that we can find: from the famous ‘azulejos’ (tiles to cover buildings) to Vista Alegre porcelain, to extensive pottery and earthenware work, like the one that is still made today in Alcobaça and Caldas da Rainha.

Both cities, separated by just 30 kilometres, will welcome the next IAC Congress, organised by the National Association of Ceramic Cities and Villages of Portugal (AptCVC) and their respective municipalities. While it may seem surprising that in 50 congresses to date, none have taken place in Portugal, we are pleased to finally offer members of the Academy the opportunity to visit this Lusitanian countryside and learn more about its people, culture and ceramics.

Highlights include:

• An opening dinner and evening dedicated to the IAC’s partnership with UNESCO.
• The New Members’ Ceremony
• Two days of world class lectures and panel discussions.
• Several visits to local ceramic venues, such as the Museum of Ceramics, the old Bordalo Pinheiro factory and the Garden of the Four Seasons in Caldas da Rainha, as well as the Monastery of Santa María and the Raúl da Bernarda Museum in Alcobaça.
• A day-trip to Lisbon for a full day of visits and discoveries.
• Pre- and Post-Congress tours to ceramic cities in the South and North of Portugal.
• Mutliple exhibitions, including one of Portugese IAC members at the Caldas da Rainha Cultural and Congress Centre (CCC), an international members’ exhibition at the Armazém das Artes in Alcobaça, and an exhibition of member-made Azulejos.
• A fun-filled farewell party!