Plates for Progress: Seeking Artists for the 2027 Series
ThirdFire is now accepting applications for Plates for Progress: 2027 Series, a continued investment in Southern artists whose work expands how we gather, create, and connect through the shared language of art and the table.
This series invites ceramic artists to design functional works that become part of an immersive dining experience, pieces that are not simply displayed, but lived with. Each selected artist will contribute to a curated dinner experience where their ceramics are used in real time, becoming an integral part of the evening’s storytelling, hospitality, and connection.
Plates for Progress exists at the intersection of art and everyday ritual. By placing artist-made work directly into the hands of guests, the series transforms a meal into a collaborative experience between chef, artist, and community. Every plate, bowl, and vessel becomes part of a larger narrative—one that celebrates Southern creativity, craftsmanship, and shared experience.
For the 2027 Series, ThirdFire is seeking artists whose practice is rooted in intention, functionality, and material exploration. Selected artists will have the opportunity to design a cohesive ceramic collection tailored to a featured dinner experience, working in dialogue with chefs and curators to shape how their work is experienced in a communal setting.
Beyond the dinner itself, Plates for Progress is a platform for visibility and support. Participating artists are highlighted through ThirdFire’s storytelling channels and become part of a growing network of creatives shaping the future of Southern arts. The program also directly supports ThirdFire’s mission-driven grantmaking, ensuring that opportunities like this continue to exist for emerging artists across the region.
Applications are open now for the 2027 Series. Artists working in ceramics who are interested in functional design, community engagement, and experiential work are encouraged to apply.
Together, we continue building spaces where art is not separate from life, but woven directly into it: one plate, one table, and one gathering at a time.
Apply Here: https://form.jotform.com/252454595392163
Every donation helps fund creative work, open new opportunities, and strengthen the artistic community that brings nights like this to life. Through your support, artists are able to continue creating, expanding their practice, and sharing their work with the community.
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