2026 Ndebele Mining Ceramic Exhibition draws record entries as new generation of Gauteng ceramic artists emerges

The 2026 Ndebele Mining Ceramics Southern Africa Gauteng Regional Exhibition has attracted a record 226 entries from 73 ceramic artists, with an extraordinary 107 works submitted by artists who have never exhibited before.

Opening at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg on Sunday, 30 August, the exhibition will bring together some of the best ceramic work being produced across Gauteng, from established artists to students and emerging ceramicists exhibiting for the very first time.

The enthusiastic response to the exhibit represents a significant increase on previous years, when around 150 works would typically be submitted. It also reflects a growing interest in ceramics both as a contemporary art form and as a creative practice. Particularly encouraging has been the response from younger and emerging artists, such as students from Wits University and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

Kevin Collins, National Chairperson of Ceramics Southern Africa, says the numbers point to something far more important than simply a successful exhibition: “There has been an extraordinary, renewed interest in ceramics, but what excites us most is seeing who is coming into the field. More than 100 of the works entered this year are from people who have never exhibited before. That is hugely encouraging.

“Ceramics brings together art, design and craftsmanship in a very immediate, tactile way. At a time when so much of our lives happens on screens, people are rediscovering the pleasure of working with their hands and creating something tangible. We are seeing that reflected not only in people taking up ceramics, but in the quality and ambition of the work being produced,” he says.

The resurgence of ceramics is not unique to South Africa. Internationally, handmade and studio ceramics have moved increasingly into the worlds of contemporary art, collectible design and interiors, while pottery studios, courses and popular culture have introduced the medium to new audiences.

In South Africa, this growing interest builds on a long and rich ceramic tradition and an increasingly diverse community of artists producing work ranging from functional pieces to sculptural and conceptual art.

The 226 entries will be considered by a selection panel led by Wilhelm van Rensburg, Nindya Bucktowar and Sonwabiso Ngcai, with the selected works forming the final exhibition at Shepstone Gardens. Renowned South African master potter Digby Hoets, who won the first Gauteng regional exhibition in 1972, will judge the selected works and determine this year’s award winners.

Importantly, the exhibition is also creating tangible support for artists entering the field.

A R10,000 New Signatures Award sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank has been established specifically to recognise and encourage emerging talent. Additional prizes are supported by Strauss & Co and Glazecor, while the exhibition is sponsored by Ndebele Mining, which has supplied ceramic raw materials, including milled kaolin and pottery clays, to the South African market for more than 30 years.

The exhibition will be officially opened by Dr Zen Marie, Head of Fine Arts at Wits University, with the award winners announced on Sunday.

Collins says making ceramics accessible to a wider public is an important part of the exhibition. “You don’t have to be a collector or understand the technical side of ceramics to come and enjoy this exhibition. We want people to walk in, see exceptional work, meet the people who made it and ask questions.

“There is something very special about understanding the person and the process behind a handmade piece. We hope people come and discover just how exciting, diverse and sophisticated contemporary South African ceramics has become,” he says.

The public will have a further opportunity to meet and hear directly from participating artists during a free artists’ walkabout at 10:30 on Wednesday, 2 September, when exhibiting ceramicists will discuss their work, inspiration and techniques.

Throughout the exhibition, participating artists will also take turns “pot-sitting” the show, giving visitors an unusual opportunity to speak directly to working ceramicists about the pieces on display and to find out more about ceramic studios and opportunities to work with clay across Gauteng.

The exhibition is free and open to the public, with works available for purchase.

Venue: Rooftop Chapel, Great Hall, Shepstone Gardens, 12 Hope Road, Mountainview, Johannesburg
Opening: Sunday, 30 August 2026 at 10:30
Exhibition dates: 30 August – 6 September 2026
Opening and awards: Sunday, 30 August
Public Artists’ Walkabout: Wednesday, 2 September at 10:30
Daily exhibition hours: 09:00–16:00
Entrance: Free