On the morning of August 8th, at approximately 9:30 AM, the opening ceremony of the 12th China Changchun International Ceramics Symposium and 2025 Lianhuashan Ceramics Camp was held in the Changchun Lianhuashan Eco-Tourism Resort.

Compared with previous editions, this year's Symposium boasted a wider range of participants, a higher caliber of artists, and stronger international representation. A total of over 800 works from 242 artists across 59 countries and regions worldwide were submitted for the exhibition. Ultimately, 30 top-tier ceramic artists from 18 countries, namely China, Belarus, Germany, Australia, Russia, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Cameroon, the United States, Mongolia, Portugal, Japan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Spain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Vietnam, were selected to create on-site in Lianhuashan, Changchun.

Mr. Oriol, the President of the International Academy of Ceramics and a member of the judging panel, gained a detailed understanding of the exhibited works. He noted two notable aspects: firstly, the exceptional technical skill and creativity of the artists; secondly, the high artistic quality and diversity of ceramic artworks from around the world.

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Pinar Baklan, a Turkish ceramic artist, represented international participants to express heartfelt gratitude to Changchun City and the Lianhuashan Resort for providing such a rare opportunity and excellent creative environment. She stated, "Over the next 20-plus days, we will fully devote ourselves to ceramic art creation, producing more and better artworks with our inspiration, wisdom, diligence, and sweat, thereby adding more charm and beauty to the picturesque Lianhuashan. We would also strive to contribute to cultural exchanges and cooperation among nations worldwide, as well as the development of the international ceramic art industry."

Ever since 2011, the Ceramic Symposium has spanned 14 years and witnessed 12 editions. Now, let's review some key milestones in its history.

August 19, 2011: The first China Changchun International Ceramics Symposium took place at Jilin University of Arts. Organized by Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and co-hosted by Jilin University of Arts, the event invited 12 ceramic artists from Argentina, the Netherlands, Ireland, Cyprus, Jordan, India, Bangladesh, South Korea, and China, who collectively created 30 ceramic artworks, marking the official commencement of this international ceramic symposium.

April 2015: The 4th Ceramic Symposium received significant attention from the leadership of the Changchun Municipal Government, leading to support for the establishment of the Changchun International Ceramics Gallery and financial assistance from the government to promote international ceramic art activities in Changchun. On July 16 of the same year, the Changchun International Ceramics Gallery was officially established. In September, it received donations from Mr. Zhou Guozhen, including his works "A Triumphant Goat" and "A Strutting Goat," as well as a donation from Mr. Liu Yuanchang titled "Love for Peony."

April 2016: The 5th Ceramic Symposium was organized by the Changchun International Ceramics Gallery, making it a key international and traditional event for the gallery. That year, 42 ceramic artists from 16 countries and regions, including Belgium, France, the United States, and Japan, were invited to participate, collectively creating 163 ceramic artworks.

May 2019: The Changchun International Ceramics Gallery was transferred under the jurisdiction of the Changchun Lianhuashan Eco-Tourism Resort Administration Committee. On October 15 of the same year, it officially became a group member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC), marking a solid step towards internationalization and full alignment with global standards.

2023: The 11th Ceramic Symposium resumed its on-site creation model, inviting 30 ceramic artists from 20 countries and regions, including Argentina, Serbia, and Iran, who collectively created 127 artworks. Mr. Liu Yuanchang, one of the three eminent ceramic masters in China, attended and highly praised the event. He stated that Changchun was representing China in showcasing its ceramic art to the world, and that the Galley with its collection spanning from numerous countries across the globe was the most internationally representative ceramic art gallery in China to date.

Since its inception, the Symposium has amassed a collection of over 1,200 works created by more than 350 artists from 65 countries and regions across five continents. These works are housed in the Changchun International Ceramic Gallery.

As a group member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC), the Changchun International Ceramic Gallery stands as the only comprehensive ceramic art base in Northeast China, focusing on organizing creations by Chinese and foreign ceramic artists, collecting works, hosting exhibitions, conducting ceramic art research and education, and facilitating academic discussions. It has constructed a complete ecological chain of "cultural import—creative transformation—international export," serving as an vital gateway for cultural exchanges between Jilin Province, even Northeast China, with the rest of the world. From a humble piece of clay to an international landmark, the Gallery uses clay as its language and fire as its poetry, complementing the Changchun World Sculpture Park with a harmonious blend of softness and strength, jointly shaping the artistic skyline of Changchun.

Source: Changchun International Ceramics Gallery (Reposted from the official WeChat account: People's Square)  Editor: Liu Jiadi