In February 1987 the Potters’ Association of Namibia was formalized with the mission to:......." foster the art and craft of pottery/ceramics by encouraging the development, appreciation and recognition of this in every way possible, including the holding of exhibitions; publishing regular newsletters and distributing the glossy  "National Ceramics Quarterly" magazine, arranging cultural and social meetings, hands-on workshops and providing technical information." 
The first Annual Exhibition was held in May 1988 and theme exhibitions and potters’ markets, including the Annual Exhibition, became a tradition – well supported by the public. Many well-known potters, from South Africa and even overseas, have visited specifically to judge entries for exhibitions and more importantly, to give participating workshops to our members, thereby elevating knowledge, skills and standards.

The wide membership of this Association is represented in all corners of our country, from Rundu to Bethanie and Gobabis to Walvis Bay!  The Potters’ Association of Namibia has achieved the goals they set out with in 1987, and to celebrate our fifteenth anniversary year in 2002 we showcased the potters of this country and gave them the acclaim they deserve by presenting the first P.A.N. NATIONAL CERAMICS BIENNALE in the National Art Gallery in Windhoek!  With invited guest potter/judge Hennie Meyer from South Africa to do the honours we had a very successful exhibition. 

The 2004 P.A.N. NATIONAL CERAMICS BIENNALE EXHIBITION will be held in the Main Hall of the National Art Gallery in Windhoek and will open, with a cocktail party, on Friday 10 September. The public is warmly invited to attend this prestigious event. We are honoured to announce our guest potter/selector, the imminent ceramist Mr Meshack Masuku from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, whose work will also be exhibited.  He will also be sharing his skills by presenting a weekend workshop on the 11 and 12 September 2004.

Entry to the P.A.N. National Ceramics Biennale is open to all Namibians who work in clay, whether members of PAN or not, and from beginner to professional potter. Great prizes, including the N$2000-00 Gillian Bickell Premier Award and other incentive awards, will be given in many categories and a good entry response is expected. The "People’s Choice Award" which involves the viewing public in voting for the best piece on exhibition is a fun bonus prize.

This second National Ceramics Biennale is a premier event, further solidifying the relationship of the appreciative public with the potters of Namibia.  All potters, sculptors, bisque painters and clay enthusiasts are invited and encouraged to enter their work for this exhibition and further information can be obtained by phoning the Chairman, Clinton Lang at (064) 400912 or emailing P.A.N. at lanco@iway.na  Visit the P.A.N. website at www.lanco.iway.na