Burapha International Ceramics 2024 (BIC 2024)
Fiscal Year 2024
The Burapha International Ceramics 2024 (BIC 2024) served as a dynamic platform that brought together artists, academics, students, and the general public from Thailand and abroad to showcase their works and exchange knowledge in ceramic art and design. This longstanding annual event aimed to foster collaboration and cultural exchange, offering opportunities for participants to submit their works, engage in exhibitions, and share insights across diverse disciplines. It invited contributions from artists, educators, students, the public, academic institutions with ceramic art programs, and ceramic manufacturers at both national and international levels.
This initiative, organized by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, was supported by collaborations with leading institutions such as Korea Ceramic Art Association, Jingdezhen Ceramic University and Jingdezhen University in China, Kala Bhavana of Visva-Bharati University in India, and the Thai Ceramics Society. For 2024, the project was part of the third edition of the “Bangsaen Gallery: Bangsaen Art Indulgence,” under the theme “Fuse: Unite and Connect.” This theme highlighted cooperation, the blending of ideas, and the creation of networks within the ceramic art community worldwide.
The event took place from February 27 to March 10, 2024, at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, under the leadership of Miss Kanlayanee Phueaknamphol, Head of the Ceramic Design Department. The primary objectives were to advance the Faculty and University’s strategic goals of internationalization, establish and expand international networks, provide faculty and students with practical experiences in global art and academic engagements, and align activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11.
The implementation of the project began with a systematic planning phase. The theme and primary objectives were defined to reflect the interconnectedness between ceramic art and the building of international networks. Additionally, the project emphasized alignment with SDG 11, particularly focusing on Goal 11.4, which seeks to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Partnerships were cultivated with artists and prestigious institutions from multiple countries, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive exchange of expertise and creativity.
The activities within BIC 2024 offered a wide array of opportunities for learning and participation. Highlights included interactive forums where artists and industry experts shared their experiences, hands-on workshops that allowed participants—including students, faculty, and enthusiasts—to create their own works under the guidance of professional artists, and meticulously curated exhibitions featuring the creations of both emerging and established talents.
The results of this project extended beyond fostering robust collaborations among international artists and institutions. It significantly enhanced the global reputation of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Burapha University, providing students and faculty with invaluable learning experiences alongside world-class artists. Moreover, BIC 2024 promoted the sustainable advancement of Thailand’s ceramic art sector.
The event strongly supported SDG 11.4, which emphasizes the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. By creating a lively space for artistic expression and public engagement, the project invigorated the local community and encouraged active participation in cultural and artistic activities. This connection between art, education, and society at the local level underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a vital foundation for the sustainable development of cities and communities. Through initiatives like BIC 2024, art became a bridge that united people and ideas, ensuring cultural richness and sustainability for future generations.
