SOCRAT – CLL on Ceramics and Sculpture, Round Table in Pula, Istria 17/03/2026

On Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m., a round table discussion on ceramics and sculpture—viewed through the lens of science, art, and applied arts and crafts—was held at the Novo Gallery in Pula. The event was organized as part of the "Creative Living Laboratory for Ceramics and Sculpture," within the framework of the SOCRAT project, by the Region of Istria and the Public Open University of Labin.

The participants in the round table included museum advisors from the Archaeological Museum of Istria, Dr. Tatjana Bradara and Dr. Alka Starac, artist-mentor Michele Giangrande from Italy, and Croatian artist Rino Banko. The round table—moderated by Stephanie Peršić, program manager and curator at the Labin City Gallery—focused on ceramics and sculpture, with a particular emphasis on contextualizing and linking the historical origins of early utilitarian objects and artistic figures with contemporary approaches in fine and applied arts. As part of the program, Dr. Tatjana Bradara discussed late medieval and early modern ceramic vessels held by the Archaeological Museum of Istria, while Dr. Alka Starac presented decorative motifs found on ancient monuments in Istria. Artists Michele Giangrande and Rino Banko showcased their artistic practice, as well as the work created within the framework of the SOCRAT project.

The Creative Living Laboratory for Ceramics and Sculpture is the third ten-day laboratory within the SOCRAT project. It took place from March 10 to 20, 2026, across several locations in Istria—Labin, Pula, Rovinj, and Vodnjan—and was organized by the Public Open University Labin. The project aimed to foster connections between art and craftsmanship, as well as between the public and civil sectors, through interactive activities involving the local community. In this instance, these objectives are pursued via the artistic medium of sculpture—specifically, artisanal ceramics.