The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) 2026, titled Where the Day Starts, transforms the Medieval City of Rhodes into an international hub for contemporary ceramic art from 5 June to 31 October 2026. The exhibition unfolds across a network of emblematic archaeological and historical sites, shaping an immersive experience of exploration within the urban fabric of the city.

Curated by Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, Loukia Thomopoulou and Anissa Touati, BCK highlights ceramics as a dynamic artistic medium and a platform for intercultural dialogue across the Mediterranean. Drawing from Rhodes, at the easternmost edge of Greece, and its UNESCO-listed heritage, the project engages with the island’s light, geography and layered history.

The Sun operates as a central narrative thread, illuminating the multiple dimensions of contemporary ceramic practice. The 2026 edition brings together 42 artists from 18 countries, creating a dialogue between emerging and established voices.

Selected artists | Etel Adnan (LB), Myrsini Alexandridi (GR), Darien Arikoski-Johnson (US), Elysia Athanatos (CY), Leonardo Bartolini (IT), Elina Belou (FR), Emmanouil Bonis (GR), Robert Brambora (DE), Jorge Cabieses-Valdes (CL), Meriem Chabani – Gorbon Ceramics (DZ), Chous Ceramics (GR), Katya Desnenko (UA), Mauro Fariñas (ES), Malek Gnaoui (TN), Kyriaki Goni (GR), Luke Edward Hall (GB), Dionysis Kavallieratos (GR), Lynn Kodeih (LB), Tülay Kulbay (SE), Vasiliki Kyriaki (GR), Anne Kwasner (AU), Lucile Littot (FR), Lilian Lykiardopoulou (GR), Atalanti Martinou (GR), Fatima Mohisen (PS), Asunción Molinos Gordo (ES), Kostas Neofytou (GR), Ben Wolf Noam (US), Menandros Papadopoulos (GR), Zoë Paul (GB), GianMarco Porru (IT), Myrsini Roumelioti (GR), David Scanavino (US), Terpsichori Savvala (GR), Ayla Tavares (BR), Natalia Triantafylli (GR), Alban Turquois (FR), Lucille Uhlrich (FR), Elif Uras (TR), Giorgos Vavatsis (GR), Vuslat (TR) and Zoe Williams (FR).

An extensive public programme runs in parallel, including performances, talks, screenings, educational activities and guided tours, strengthening the connection between contemporary art and local communities.

BCK is a nomadic international biennale, taking place every two years on a different Greek island, fostering an ongoing dialogue between contemporary creation and local identity.

The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) is supported by NEON through its annual Grants Scheme.