In Vitoria-Gasteiz today saw the unveiling of ALE!, the International Congress of Ceramics and Craftwork by Álava. Its first edition will take place from 8 to 12 October 2026 and is being organised by the Escuela de Artes y Oficios . The initiative is supported by the Diputación Foral de Álava, the Basque Government and the Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz; partners include Fundación Vital, Laboral Kutxa and the Ayuntamiento de Legutio. According to the organisers, registration is now open for masterclasses and activities requiring a reservation.
The programme includes training, artistic production, specialist discussions and public events. Three masterclasses are scheduled in the workshops of the Escuela de Artes y Oficios: María Oriza on Friday, 9 October 2026, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm; Rafaela Pareja on the same day from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm; and Ícaro Maiterena on Saturday, 10 October 2026, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Also planned are debates and discussion sessions, a trade fair, film screenings focused on ceramics, artistic interventions and live demonstrations at various venues in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Legutio.
The opening event will be held on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the Ermita de la Magdalena in Legutio, with the unveiling of the ceramic mural BIRAKA. The intervention is conceived as a tribute to the ceramic artist Blanka Gómez de Segura, director of the Museo de Alfarería Vasca de Ollerías. An exhibition of her work will open at the same venue, and is due to run until 8 November 2026, according to the organisers.
Cristina González, Deputy Regional Councillor for Employment, Trade and Tourism; Daniel Solana, Director General of the Basque tourism agency Basquetour; and Uxua García, Director of the Escuela de Artes y Oficios, highlighted two aims at the presentation: first, to provide professional training and networking for craftspeople; and second, to raise the profile of ceramics as part of the cultural identity of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Álava. Statements about economic effects are framed as expressions of intent; no reliable figures were presented.
By combining masterclasses, public engagement and a lasting artistic intervention, ALE! focuses on contemporary ceramic creation in the area and its place within the territory’s cultural heritage. The programme is subject to change; information from the Escuela de Artes y Oficios should be treated as authoritative.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).