Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı established the VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio in 1957, with the goal of encouraging ceramic artists and public appreciation of this medium. Over the years, the VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio has opened its doors to a large number of young and talented ceramic artists, organized public exhibitions of their work, and hosted master classes, conferences, slide shows and workshops on ceramic art.
In January 2012, VitrA signed a protocol with the Division of Ceramic and Glass Design at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts (MSGSÜ) that aims to contribute to the artistic development of university students and enrich their perspectives by providing them opportunities to work side by side with internationally acclaimed ceramic artists. As part of the agreement, MSGSÜ and VitrA invite four guest artists every year – two from Turkey and two from abroad – to work at the studio. During this period, VitrA and the university jointly organize ceramic art workshops at the university, and at the end of the year, MSGSÜ exhibits the artists’ work in the university’s historic building in Tophane, Istanbul. The VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio is a member of the Geneva-based International Academy of Ceramics (IAC).
