Professor Matt Kelleher attends 51st IAC Congress
Alfred University Associate Professor of Ceramics Matt Kelleher, School of Art & Design, New York State College of Ceramics, recently attended the 51st Congress of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) as a new delegate member.
The IAC was founded in 1952 to stimulate community between ceramists, potters, artists, designers, writers, collectors, gallery owners, curators, restorers and prestigious institutions of all countries. Since 1958, the IAC has been linked to UNESCO's activities, initially in an advisory capacity, then in 2001, as an official partner for the cultural sector.
This year the conference was held in the ceramic towns of Alcobaca and Caldas Da Rainha, Portugal. The area has 52 ceramic factories employing over 900 people with combined production of 50 million euros, 80 percent of which is exported. Ceramics is part of the national heart of Portugal with architectural tile being the most well-known.