Mediterranean Contemporary Ceramics Competition

An international event in the ceramic heart of Puglia

The Mediterranean Contemporary Ceramics Competition is one of Italy's most prestigious events dedicated to the art of ceramics. Established in 1971, it takes place annually in Grottaglie, in the province of Taranto, in the heart of Puglia: a town whose identity has been inextricably linked to clay working for over five centuries, home to one of Italy's most famous Ceramics Quarters, featuring more than seventy active artisan workshops.

The venue: Castello Episcopio

The exhibition is held in the halls of Castello Episcopio, a medieval fortress that overlooks the historic center of Grottaglie and also houses the Ceramics Museum. The castle's ancient architecture provides a stunning backdrop for contemporary works, creating a continuous dialogue between tradition and artistic research.

A global competition

Each edition attracts hundreds of entries from all continents: from Italy to China, Japan to Argentina, as well as South Korea, Greece, France, Mexico, Israel, and the Netherlands. An international jury selects the finalist works, which are exhibited to the public throughout the summer and autumn seasons. The first prize includes the acquisition of the winning piece for the permanent collection of the Ceramics Museum in Grottaglie.

Awards and categories

• First Prize Mediterranean: 5,000 euros and inclusion of the work in the museum collection;
• Second Prize Solo Exhibition: 2,000 euros with a dedicated exhibition space;
• Third Prize Artist Residency (under 35): 1,000 euros and a residency period in Grottaglie, supported by BCC San Marzano;
• Grand Work Prize: starting from the 2026 edition, a new category dedicated to sculpture and installation for urban spaces, with a prize of 10,000 euros.

A bridge between craftsmanship and contemporary art

The competition is much more than an exhibition: it is a cultural project that enhances the identity of the town of Grottaglie and projects it into a contemporary, international dimension. The artistic direction is entrusted to prominent figures in the history of art and ceramic design. For visitors, the exhibition is also the perfect opportunity to explore the town, its caves, its churches, and above all the workshops of the Ceramics Quarter, where master potters continue techniques passed down through generations.