The XVII International Ceramics Biennial of Manises (BICM) 2026 has solidified its position as a global benchmark in the sector, registering unprecedented participation. A total of 486 works, submitted by 345 artists and designers from 49 countries, competed in this edition, which for the first time differentiated between artistic creation and design categories.
“"The XVII International Ceramics Biennial of Manises once again demonstrates that it is a world reference in the sector. The fact of having received 486 works from 345 artists from 49 countries evidences not only the prestige of the event, but also the vitality and attractiveness of Manises in the field of contemporary ceramics."
The Councillor for Culture and Promotion of Ceramics of the Manises City Council, Xavier Morant, highlighted the high standard of the submitted pieces, which made the jury's task "especially demanding." This high participation is even more significant, as it is the first year with the new system of differentiated categories, where each work could only be entered in one of the two modalities.
The international response has been remarkable, with Spain leading participation with 215 works. Other prominent countries include Poland (22), France (20), Italy (18), Germany (15), China (14), United Kingdom (14), Turkey (12), and Argentina, Brazil, and Serbia (11 each), confirming the global nature of the event.
The jury, composed of relevant figures in design and art such as national design award winners Héctor Serrano and Inma Bermúdez, Doctor of Fine Arts José Luis Clemente, art critic Marisol Salanova, designer Sandra Figuerola, Creative and Design Director of Lladró, Nieves Contreras, multidisciplinary artist Francisco Sebastián Nicolau, and ceramist Xavier Monsalvatje, has made the decision on the winning works. The verdict will be announced on May 8, coinciding with the inauguration of the Biennial. The finalist works can be visited at the Los Filtros de Manises hall until July 31.
The Biennial, promoted by the Manises City Council, aims to foster contemporary creation and internationally project the city as a benchmark in the sector. It has a total prize fund of 16,000 euros, distributed across two categories for the artistic modality (8,000 € and 4,000 €) and one for design (4,000 €). The awarded works will become part of the collection of the Manises Ceramics Museum.
