Entrance is free to the public
Ceramics have evolved into a massive global movement, driven by a renewed desire for slow, mindful craftsmanship and unique, tactile pieces. The international market is surging, and South Africa is no exception. This resurgence sits at the intersection of functional design and high-end art, and South Africa has a deeply rooted and celebrated ceramics culture, featuring internationally acclaimed artists and local independent studios.
The handmade pottery boom is highly visible on platforms like Instagram while television shows such as The Great Pottery Throw Down have transformed clay into a viral art form, pushing young artists and collectors to the forefront.
It is in this context that the much-anticipated 2026 Ndebele Mining CSA Gauteng Regional Ceramic Exhibition runs from August 30 to September 6 at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg. Physical work submissions take place from August 15 to 20.
The works on show are selected by renowned experts, each evaluating every submission, and the exhibition, hosted by Ceramics Southern Africa (CSA), will showcase the best work from the region. Throughout the exhibition, participating ceramicists will be “pot-sitting” on-site, on hand to discuss their work and share a list of all available studios in the region. Entry is free.
Master potter Digby Hoets, who won the inaugural regional exhibition in 1972, will judge the work and award the prizes. These include Best Work on Show, sponsored by Strauss & Co, and the new Signature Award, sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank, which recognises and supports emerging talent.
The exhibition is sponsored by Ndebele Mining, which has supplied milled kaolin, slip-cast, and wet pottery clays to South Africa for more than 30 years. Additional prizes are sponsored by Strauss & Co, Rand Merchant Bank, and Glazecor, all to encourage and develop young talent.
Key dates:
- Call for entries: members and non-members can submit photographs of outstanding work between August 15 and 20 via the website https://ceramicssa.co.za/
- Selection of work follows, and the exhibition opens on Sunday, August 30, at 10h30 at Shepstone Gardens.
- Opening and award presentation takes place on Sunday, August 30, at 11h00
- There will be a walkabout on Wednesday, September 2, featuring some of the exhibiting artists.
About Ceramics Southern Africa (CSA)
Founded in 1972, Ceramics Southern Africa (CSA) is the official representative body for potters across the region. Its mission is to promote ceramics throughout Southern Africa by raising the standard of work being produced and building public interest in the craft, achieved through regional and national workshops and exhibitions. The organisation supports a national network of ceramic artists, regional chapters, and member classes, and connects the public to work through its online store and events calendar. More information is available at Ceramics SA.
About Ndebele Mining
Ndebele Mining has supplied milled kaolin, slip-cast, and wet pottery clays for more than 30 years, using advanced technology to mine, refine, and produce clays for the refractory, ceramic, and pottery industries. The company’s product range spans refractory clays, slip-cast clays, and wet clays formulated for colour, texture, and strength, serving artists and manufacturers across South Africa. More information is available at Ndebele Mining.
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