This Overseas Residency Program for Mashiko Potters is designed for emerging ceramic artists based in Mashiko. Launched in 2020, two programs have been organised so far. The program aims to foster international perspectives, skills, and experience through residencies abroad.
We are now opening applications for our exchange programme with Clay College Stoke, an institution specialising in ceramics based in Stoke-on-Trent, in the north of England. This is a residency programme during which participants will spend approximately two months working on their own projects in the college’s studios.
| Residency location | Clay College Stoke（Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom） |
|---|---|
| Residency Period | From Tuesday, 1 June to Saturday, 31 July 2027 |
| Number of Participants | 1 person |
| Qualifications | Residing or working as a potter in Mashiko(see application guidelines for details) |
| How to Apply |
Please submit the designated application form, images of your work (10 photographs of pieces created
within the last three years) and a letter of recommendation by email, post or in person. |
| Application close | 17:00 (JST), Friday, 31 July 2026 |
| Apply / Contact |
Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art Mashiko Residency Program Email residence@mashiko-museum.jp |
We look forward to welcoming you to Clay College and to sharing ideas and skills together.
Our full-time students are taught by experienced tutors and master potters who share their knowledge across all areas of ceramic practice. Our curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the practical and professional skills needed to pursue sustainable careers as independent potters.
The Clay College Residency Programme builds on our partnership with the Mashiko Museum Residency, inviting outstanding potters from Japan to work in Stoke-on-Trent for a defined period as part of an ongoing exchange of skills and ideas.
The Residency aims to support and encourage knowledge and skill sharing between visiting artists, our students and the local community.
Elaine Wells
Professional Potter / Trustee of Clay College Stoke
Sunday, 17 May 2026 2.00pm - 3.30pm
at Mashiko Arts & Crafts Residence
Saturday, 13 June 2026 2.00pm - 4.00pm
at Mashiko Arts & Crafts Residence
Sunday, 12 July 2026 10.00am - 11.30am
at Mashiko Arts & Crafts Residence
Jessica
Mason
Duration of stay in Mashiko: Sunday, 12 April 2026 – Thursday, 18 June 2026
As the first phase of the Mashiko-Clay College Stoke Exchange Programme, the Mashiko Ceramic Art Museum is hosting Jessica Mason, a graduate of the college, for a residency this spring. As the second phase of the programme, ceramic artists from Mashiko will be sent to Stoke-on-Trent in 2027.
|
Artist Talk Friday, 17 April 2026 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm 【Location】Mashiko Arts & Crafts Residence |
Workshop Friday, 8 May 2026 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm 【Location】Pottery Studio |
|
Open Studio Monday, 4 May 2026 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm 【Location】Pottery Studio |
Open Studio Tuesday, 19 May 2026 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm 【Location】Pottery Studio |
|
Exhibition Sunday, 7 June 2026 – Sunday, 14 June 2026 9.30 am - 5.00 pm 【Location】Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Exhibition Room 3 ※Closed on Monday, 8 June |
Gallery Talk Sunday, 7 June 2026 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm 【Location】Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Exhibition Room 3 |
*For details of each event, please check the Mashiko Ceramic Art Museum’s social media accounts.
We anticipate that some of the events taking place during this period will feature programmes common to both Mashiko and Clay College Stoke. If you are considering applying for the ‘Clay College Stoke Exchange Programme 2027’, we strongly recommend that you take part in these events.
Due to various circumstances, this programme has been cancelled.
| Residency Location | Leach Pottery (St Ives, UK) |
|---|---|
| Residency Period | June 1 – July 31, 2026 (tentative) |
| Eligibility | Emerging ceramic artists residing or working in Mashiko (see application guidelines for details) |
| Number of Participants | 1 |
Since its founding in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Hamada Shoji the Leach Pottery has been a place of learning and for over a century. People from all over the world travel to St Ives to practice and share knowledge of the craft. For me, this is one the most important parts of our legacy and a driving force in making studio pottery an enduring artistic movement that continues to grow and evolve internationally. It is my sincere hope that this exchange programme will re-kindle the significance of the historic collaboration between Leach and Hamada for a new generation of potters.
Roelof Uys
Lead Potter
Leach Pottery Exchange Programme 2026: Related Events #1
Leach Pottery Exchange Programme 2026: Related Events #2
In 1920, the young potter Shoji Hamada travelled to St Ives in Britain with the British potter Bernard Leach and built a kiln there.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Leach Pottery and to train young potters, two young potters from Mashiko were scheduled to be sent to the Leach Pottery in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the global spread of the coronavirus, travel within 2020 was not possible.
Believing that friendship can only be cultivated by sharing the same place and time, we decided to proceed with the programme unchanged. After a two-year postponement, the programme was finally implemented from 19 July to 17 September 2022. Details of their stay can be found on their respective social media accounts.
Tomo
Enokida
（Enokida Pottery）
Muneaki
Iwashita
（Iwashita Pottery）
You can view the details of the Mashiko × St Ives talk event, featuring Roelof Uys (Lead Potter at the Leach Pottery), who participated in a residency in Mashiko, below.
*The application briefing and talk events for the Leach Pottery Apprenticeship Programme 2020 has concluded.
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