The initiative was launched twenty years ago by Barba Štembergar-Zupan and Niko Zupan. What began as a modest attempt to connect ceramic artists has evolved into a landmark event for international artistic collaboration. Each year, the symposium brings together artists from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia for several weeks of creative exchange, hands-on ceramic work, and the production of artworks that are later exhibited internationally.
Beyond its artistic significance, the event has consistently built bridges between art and community. Visitors can observe the creative process firsthand, take part in workshops and exhibitions, and engage in dialogue with the artists. The symposium has become a space of exchange – not just among artists, but between the local community and the broader cultural world.
Participants often highlight the tranquillity of the location, the connection with nature, and the openness of the hosts as key to the depth and uniqueness of the experience. The resulting works are not merely ceramic pieces, but reflections of shared experiences, friendships, and cultural respect.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Barba Štembergar-Zupan said: “In twenty years, we’ve created an extraordinary space for encounters. Ceramics were our starting point, but we’ve grown into something much larger – a community that brings together people from all over the world.”
A major legacy of the symposium is the permanent collection of artworks created during its sessions. Until the end of the year, the collection can still be seen at the Šenčur Municipal Museum, which has since allocated the space to other uses. The future location of the most extensive collection of contemporary ceramic art in the region remains uncertain.
The twenty-year history of the V-oglje symposium is a testament to how a genuine desire for creation and collaboration can evolve into a story of international acclaim. It intertwines art, community, and lasting connections that transcend language and borders.
