Announcing the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025: A Call for Entries in the International Ceramics Competition
The Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, alongside the Rothko Museum, warmly invites artists from all corners of the globe to submit their works for the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025.
This esteemed competition is a highlight of the 5th Latvia Ceramics Biennale.
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025.
Submit Your Entry Here!
The Latvia Ceramics Biennale is a landmark event that showcases contemporary ceramics in the Baltic Sea region.
Coordinated by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics and the Rothko Museum, this biennale attracts artistic talents from around the world, all aimed at promoting and celebrating the vibrant ceramics scene in Latvia and the surrounding Baltic area.
A noteworthy spotlight of the biennale is the Martinsons Award, an international juried exhibition at the Rothko Museum, honoring the remarkable legacy of the celebrated Latvian ceramicist Pēteris Martinsons.
The next biennale is set to take place from September 5, 2025, to February 1, 2026.
Theme of the Biennale: “From Stardust to Lush Sprouts”
This year’s theme invites reflection on the very essence of creation.
Imagine a time billions of years ago, when the universe was a blank slate, untouched and formless—yet, within it lay the potential for all that exists today.
Particles danced in a cosmic ballet, birthing nebulae from gas and dust.
Gradually, these clouds merged, giving rise to countless stars, including our own Sun, and planets teeming with life—from towering trees reaching skyward to hippos leisurely splashing in sunlit waters.
The Latvia Ceramics Biennale aims to encapsulate this extraordinary journey of transformation, examining how raw materials are sculpted into artworks rich with meaning.
It prompts us to ponder: what drives the act of creation? Is it merely the artist’s skilled hands at work, or do the intrinsic qualities of the clay guide the process? The displayed artworks will traverse this narrative, showcasing everything from meticulously crafted pieces to those where the artist takes a step back, letting the material reveal its own story.
In the world of ceramics, recognizing our shared cosmic beginnings fosters a poignant dialogue.
It is through the stardust of our origins that unique forms emerge, illuminating the dynamic narrative of human civilization—a narrative intricately woven into the tapestry of this ancient art form.
Eligibility Criteria for Participants
Artists, whether working solo or in groups, are encouraged to submit their creations for the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025.
Each artist can present up to two pieces.
However, please note that individuals who previously won Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards in either the National or International categories at the MARTINSONS AWARD 2023 are not eligible to participate this time around.
To enter, artworks must consist of at least 80% ceramic material, be produced between 2023 and 2025, and should not have participated in any other competitions.
Each piece must have a minimum dimension of 25 cm, although there is no maximum size limit.
How to Apply
- To enter the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025, please complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM available below:
- Each artist can submit up to 2 artworks.
- Attach up to 3 high-resolution images (JPEG or JPG, minimum 300 dpi) per piece.
- Ensure the artwork is photographed against a neutral background (white, black, or grey).
- Remember that selected images may feature in the exhibition catalogue, so image quality is crucial.
- Avoid using your name in the image file names to maintain anonymity.
- Be sure to submit your application by April 30, 2025, as late entries will not be accepted.
Selection Process Overview
The selection will unfold in two stages:
- Initial Artwork Selection: A jury will evaluate the application forms to select the artworks for the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025.
Participants can expect to receive results after May 20, 2025.
Those selected must arrange to deliver their works to the exhibition venue by August 1, 2025.
The curators reserve the right to exclude any works that are damaged, do not correspond to the original submissions, or are technically unsuitable for display.
- Final Winner Selection: Winners will be chosen through a confidential jury vote after evaluating the artworks in person just before the exhibition opens.
The announcement of the winners will occur during the opening ceremony of the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025 International Juried Exhibition on September 5, 2025.
Winning pieces will become part of the Rothko Museum’s prestigious collection.
Logistics for Transportation & Insurance
Participants are responsible for ensuring their artworks arrive at the exhibition by August 1, 2025.
They may deliver their pieces in person during operational hours or opt for shipping via a courier service at their own expense.
Proper packaging is crucial for safe transport and for the return of the artwork.
Participants are also fully accountable for insurance coverage during transit.
As for return logistics, participants can collect their artworks in person or arrange for their return via a door-to-door service at their expense by February 28, 2026.
If artworks remain uncollected by that date, ownership will transfer to the organizers.
While artworks will not be insured during the exhibition, they will be under close supervision.
The event organizers will not assume financial responsibility for any damages or losses incurred during transport or the exhibition.
Exhibition Information
The MARTINSONS AWARD 2025 International Juried Exhibition will be hosted at the Rothko Museum from September 5, 2025, to February 1, 2026, prominently featured within the 5th Latvia Ceramics Biennale.
The setup and dismantling of the exhibition will be handled entirely by the organizers.
Exhibition Venue:
Rothko Museum
3 Mihaila Street
Daugavpils, LV-5401
Latvia
Awards and Prize Fund
The competition boasts a prize pool exceeding EUR 20,000, to be awarded to both National and International winners, subject to applicable withholding taxes.
Benefits for Participants
- Exhibition Showcase: Selected works will gain exposure at the Rothko Museum, Latvia’s leading contemporary art venue, situated within the historic Dünaburg Fortress, which houses a significant collection of Pēteris Martinsons’ ceramics.
- Recognition and Prizes: Winners of the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025 will be recognized in both the National and International categories.
- Engagement in Biennale Events: Participants will have the opportunity to attend various ceremonies, lectures, and activities organized during the 5th Latvia Ceramics Biennale.
- Exhibition Catalogue Inclusion: All selected artworks will be featured in the exhibition catalogue, with each participant receiving a copy and a certificate of participation.
- Promotion and Exposure: The organizers will actively promote participating artists through different media channels, including social media.
Image Use and Privacy
By entering, participants agree to allow their artwork images and related details to be reproduced by the organizers across various platforms and publications.
For Further Inquiries
If you have any questions, please reach out to: martinsonsaward@gmail.com
We eagerly await your creative submissions for the MARTINSONS AWARD 2025!
Source: Ceramicsnow