The British Glass Biennale and the International Bead Biennale

23 February 2022

Applications for the British Glass Biennale and the International Bead Biennale will soon close.

The British Glass Biennale began in 2004, showcasing the skills of a number of glass makers and businesses that are UK based or British artists working abroad.

For the first time, in 2022 the International Bead Biennale will be held as a part of this festival, it is open to artists, designers, craftspeople and students worldwide who create beads where glass is the key design element. All glassmaking techniques are welcome, max size 10cm x 8cm. 

For both of these exhibitions the emphasis is on work demonstrating the highest level of excellence in design, creative imagination and technical skill. The exhibitions will be selected by separate expert juries in March 2022.

The exhibitions open on 26 August 2022.

Prizes for the British Glass Biennale include:

• British Glass Biennale Best in Show, The Glass Sellers Main and Student Awards, The Glass Arts Society (GAS) International Artists’ Prize, Guild of Glass Engravers Prize, The People’s Prize sponsored by Warm Glass, Young Collectors’ Award sponsored by Glass Sellers, Glass Society Themed Prize on ‘Uniting the Planet’ and a Best Newcomer Award.

Prizes for the International Bead Biennale include:

• International Bead Biennale Award for Best in Show & International Bead Biennale Award Runner Up. Prizes sponsored by Barbara Beadman.

For more guidance, see here.

Applications close midnight Sunday 27th February, read through the guidelines before applying. 

The International Festival of Glass is organised by the Ruskin Mill Land Trust.