Montelupo Fiorentino, a town renowned for its rich history and tradition in ceramics, is gearing up to host the 2023 edition of the Cèramica Festival from June 16th to 18th. This highly anticipated event will take place in one of Italy’s most important ceramic districts and promises a captivating journey through the production of ceramics, embracing the realms of history, tradition, and contemporary art. Festival-goers can look forward to exhibitions, a market showcasing ceramic products, contemporary art installations, workshops, performances, concerts, as well as engaging activities for children and guided tours.
Speaking at the press conference held at Palazzo del Pegaso, the President of the Regional Council, Antonio Mazzeo, expressed his excitement about Montelupo becoming the Italian capital of ceramics for two weekends. Mazzeo acknowledged the challenges faced by producers, particularly in relation to rising energy costs, and celebrated the festival as a symbol of resilience and a fresh start after the difficult period of the pandemic. Mazzeo emphasized that Cèramica represents art and culture, showcasing the territory’s fighting spirit, craftsmanship, and its ability to produce coveted ceramic products admired worldwide. He expressed his hope that the festival would serve as a catalyst for a brighter future in the region.
Regional Councilor Enrico Sostegni highlighted the festival’s significance in attracting leading ceramic artists and professionals not only from across Italy but also from abroad. He emphasized the opportunity the festival presents to explore the world of ceramics and understand the deep historical roots of this tradition in Montelupo Fiorentino and the broader region, as well as its connection to international art and design.
The overarching theme of the 2023 edition is “The Time Machine.” The mayor of Montelupo Fiorentino, Paolo Musetti, explained that the festival aims to showcase not only traditional ceramics but also contemporary ceramic art. Musetti highlighted three important anniversaries being celebrated this year: the discovery of the Pozzo dei Lavatoi (Washbasin Well) fifty years ago, which helped reconstruct the history of Montelupo ceramics; the establishment of the first museum dedicated to ceramics at Palazzo Podestarile forty years ago; and the thirtieth anniversary of the first ceramic festival in Montelupo.
Under the artistic direction of the Montelupo Museum Foundation, the festival returns to its pre-pandemic format, as noted by the foundation’s director, Benedetta Falteri. The event will feature numerous guest artists, a market showcasing national and international craftsmanship, workshops, and art installations that provide immersive experiences in contemporary ceramics. Additionally, the festival will offer its traditional program of performances and workshops for children.
One of the festival’s highlights is the market exhibition. Aglaia Viviani, the Councilor for Culture in Montelupo Fiorentino, emphasized how this exhibition highlights the town’s unique position at the intersection of a long-standing ceramic tradition and a vibrant, innovative production scene.
In addition to exhibitions and installations in various venues throughout the town, the festival’s extensive program includes artist residencies and international exchanges. One notable initiative is the “Cantieri di Montelupo” (Montelupo’s Workshops), which will be presented on Saturday, June 17th. Curator Christian Caliandro explained that the project explores the relationship between experimental art forms and ceramics, promoting active collaboration between visual artists and artisans. The participating artists include photographer Maria Palmieri, pop artist Roxy in the box, and painter Alessandro Scarabello.
During the press conference, President Mazzeo and Mayor Masetti of Montelupo Fiorentino expressed their solidarity with the mayor of Faenza, a city renowned worldwide for its ceramic art, which has recently been severely affected by flooding.
As Cèramica Festival returns to Montelupo Fiorentino, it promises to be an exceptional celebration of ceramic artistry, blending tradition with contemporary innovation. This event provides a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and vibrant creativity that the world of ceramics has to offer.
Source: www.nove.firenze.it
