Glass Biennale call for Presentations and Masterclasses

The International Festival of Glass (IFoG) moves to Northwest England on 27-31 August 2026 at venues in St Helens, Manchester and Liverpool. New organiser the Glass Art Society (GAS) has put out a call for applications for masterclasses and presentations.

IFoG takes place every two years in the UK and is the only festival in the UK that celebrates glass. The creative programme of activities combines the full spectrum of glassmaking with other art forms to push boundaries and develop new opportunities, ideas, and collaborations for makers, artists, and performers.

The flagship exhibition, the British Glass Biennale, is the largest and most important selling show of contemporary glass in the UK. The event also includes the International Bead and Jewellery Biennale, one of the foremost opportunities for beadmakers and glass jewellery artists around the world to showcase their craft.

As part of the  2024 Biennale we were delighted to co- sponsor the inaugural Glass Painters and Glaziers Award, showcase the ‘Inspired by Morris’ exhibition and see several individual BSMGP members be selected and would encourage members to consider how to get in the mix for 2026!

GAS says, “Bringing the festival hub to St Helens marks a significant milestone, as this will be the first time the event has taken place in Northwest England. For nearly two centuries, St Helens has been at the forefront of glass innovation, from Pilkington’s invention of float glass to today’s pioneering sustainability efforts at Glass Futures. The festival will connect this rich legacy with international artists, researchers, and industry leaders, highlighting how local expertise continues to inspire and influence the global glass community.

Anyone interested in submitting a proposal for a masterclass or presentation must do so by 12 October 2025. Find out more and apply on the GAS website 

2026 International Festival of Glass | Call for Masterclasses + Presentations | DEADLINE: 12 OCTOBER

Submissions for the British Glass Biennale, International Bead and Jewellery Exhibition and GAS Member Exhibition open on 2 December 2025.