Since 2008, the City of Faenza (Ravenna, Italy) welcomes every two years potters, artists and professionals in the field of ceramic arts and crafts for Argillà Italia, the biennial festival of ceramics through the streets and squares of the old town, organized by the Municipality of Faenza and AiCC - Italian Association of Cities of Ceramics. Argillà Italia was created as a spin-off from the French "mother" event Argilla, held in Aubagne, near Marseille, since 1991, similarly proposing a selection of exhibiting ceramists of high quality, coming from all over Europe and the World(20 countries were represented in Argillà Italia 2014), as well as a rich and various program of events and animations, providing a truly international overview on contemporary production of ceramics (both traditional and innovative). During the first 4 editions, Argillà Italia has established itself as a leading festival of ceramics in Europe: a rendezvous of great attraction for the public, but also an important moment for exchange among the operators of the ceramic system and a unique opportunity to network nationally and internationally. The context is Faenza, a city whose cultural identity is strongly related to ceramic production, which still today represents a reference in Europe and worldwide. During the long week-end of ceramics, the market-fair of Argillà Italia offers visitors the chance of a pleasant walk through the booth of exhibitors, in the street and squares of the old town, presenting their best ceramic production, ranging from art, sculpture, design, furniture, household items and fashion accessories. A rich program of cultural events is organized alongside the market-fair, for three days and three nights of full immersion in the world of ceramics, discovering the most original and fascinating aspects of pottery-making: in 2014, the events included cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, open-air ceramic kilns with firing performances, concerts with ceramic musical instruments, activities for kids, conferences, workshops and laboratories, involving many areas of the old town as well as the museums of Faenza dedicated to ceramics, in particular the International Museum of Ceramics and Carlo Zauli Museum. The 2014 edition of Argillà Italy was part of the European project ARGINET, implemented with the support of the Culture Programme of the European Union, involving five cities that organize similar events dedicated to ceramics: Argentona in Spain, Aubagne in France, Bolesławiec in Poland and Gmunden in Austria, along with Faenza who played the role of project leader (www.arginet.eu).
