By Zayed Alzyoud
The School of Arts and Design at the University of Jordan (UJ) participated in the First International Ceramics and Pottery Festival, held under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and inaugurated on her behalf by Minister of Culture Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh. The School was represented by visual artist and faculty member Dr. Yacoub Al-Otoom, and ceramics graduate Wadis Al-Zaghloul.
Organized by the Jordan Handicraft Producers Association, the five-day festival brought contemporary ceramic art and traditional craftsmanship together at Ras Al Ain Gallery in Amman. Dr. Al-Otoom showcased a curated selection of ceramic works that reflect his artistic journey, and contributed to the preparation and organization of the festival, underscoring the School’s role in supporting Jordan’s dynamic visual arts landscape.
Al-Zaghloul presented her graduation project, “Waraqah” (Leaf), a contemporary interpretation of the fragmented human condition. Her work stood out for its experimental form and refined visual language, drawing notable interest from visitors, artists and craftspeople.
Dr. Al-Otoom noted that participation in such festivals offers meaningful opportunities for students and graduates to engage with established ceramists from Jordan, the Arab region and beyond. He explained that these interactions provide young artists with practical exposure, help them build professional confidence and place their work within wider artistic conversations. He also emphasized the growing importance of ceramics within cultural industries and the creative economy.
The festival gathered artists, craftspeople and students from Jordanian universities, alongside participants from Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Mexico, Turkey and Bahrain. It served as a platform for showcasing emerging talent, exchanging expertise and promoting ceramics as an art form rooted in Jordan’s cultural heritage while closely connected to contemporary design and sustainable development.