Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Complete Guide to Danish Culture
Guldagergaard, one of the world’s leading centres within ceramic research and training, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer.
Twenty years with the world’s leading ceramic talents This summer, Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Founded with the ambition to create an internationally leading powerhouse within ceramics, the centre attracts and develops some of the world’s leading ceramicists. But Guldagergaard, which is tucked away in a historic farmhouse in Skælskør, is a not just global but also local powerhouse that is cherished and supported by its local community. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Guldagergaard
Guldagergaard, visited by 200 of the world’s most talented ceramic artists each year, has maintained the reputation for excellence that was embedded in its institution by its founders, six female ceramists. Director Mette Blum Marcher explains: “Normally, in Denmark, we like all culture to be accessible for everyone, 44 | Issue 99 | April 2017
so in saying that this was an offer only for the international elite, our founders really went against the general conception of what a provincial art institution was supposed to be. But we’ve maintained that focus and still only attract the best of the best from all over the world. As practising ceramics who exhibited all over the
world, our founders were very conscious of the importance of having an international network.” One thing the founders did not expect, however, was the great support and influence the centre would get from the local community. “It’s really amazing how local residents have embraced us. At our last exhibition, for instance, for the opening night, we had around 400 visitors – I don’t think there are many galleries even in the bigger cities that can boast with that,” Marcher enthuses. The day of the 20th anniversary, 8 July, will be celebrated with a festive event