2025 UrbanGlass Crafting Mastery Symposium | Call for Submissions

Attention public access administrators, glass educators, scholars, artists, and designers!

UrbanGlass is seeking proposals for the 2025 UrbanGlass Academic Symposium, taking place November 6-8, 2025, in person at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn, NY. This year’s theme, "Crafting Mastery: Diverse Access Points in Glass Education Pedagogy," embraces the multifaceted journeys individuals take to achieve mastery in glassmaking. It highlights the diverse pathways available, from informal learning experiences in public access studios to specialized education programs and beyond. The symposium aims to create a space for dynamic conversations, celebrating innovations, challenges, and cultural perspectives shaping glass education today.

Key Themes for Submissions:

• Fellowships and Residencies: Exploring how these opportunities foster growth, experimentation, and innovation, offering artists the chance to engage deeply with their craft in supportive settings. UrbanGlass’s own fellowship program has been instrumental in diversifying the field, introducing artists like Layo Bright and Tana Francis to glass.
• Public Access Studios: Examining the critical role of accessible studio spaces in democratizing glass education, fostering community, and providing vital resources for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
• Youth and Veterans Programs: Highlighting initiatives tailored to empower underrepresented or specific groups, offering life-changing access to glassmaking and nurturing talent from an early or transitional stage. 
• Craft Schools and Workshop Programs: Celebrating short-term, intensive educational experiences that combine skill-building with creative exploration, enriching the broader ecosystem of glass education.
• International and Cultural Exchange Programs: Investigating the impact of global collaborations and cross-cultural experiences on the growth of glass practices, education methodologies, and artistic innovation.
• Degrees of Mastery: Comparing the strengths and challenges of formal education programs and informal learning environments in shaping the glass practitioners of tomorrow. How do we define success in education for non-traditional students, parents, late starters, or those who couldn’t afford traditional programs?
• Sustainability in Glass Practice: Addressing the environmental and physical sustainability of glassmaking, focusing on eco-friendly techniques and health-conscious practices for makers.
• Empowering Diversity and Accessibility: Advocating for inclusivity and equity in glass education while showcasing programs that uplift diverse voices and create opportunities for all.
• Educate the Educators: Few student voices are heard in discussions of pedagogy, yet they provide critical insights. How can we "teach the teacher" to engage with new learning perspectives?
• Alternative University Models: What new things are happening in academia that push against the norms and traditions of glass education? Showcasing alternative programs that break the ivory tower mold and cater to non-traditional students.
• The Future of Glass Education: Inviting educators, students, and industry professionals to discuss current trends, hopes for the field, and the innovations they want to see. What is happening, and what should be happening?

Beyond formal presentations, we want to create space for informal conversations where ideas can flow freely and participants can connect. We’re looking for submissions that break away from the usual lecture and panel formats—think interactive sessions, collaborative workshops, or any creative approach that sparks real dialogue and engagement.

For submission, please prepare the following:

• A one-page proposal that articulates your topic and objectives for the presentation [pdf upload].
• An elevator pitch for your presentation [roughly 75-100 words].
• An outline that will help the jury understand the time duration [1 hour or 1.5 hours], how you plan to engage participants and achieve your learning goals. If your presentation requires more than 1.5 hours, please explain how much time is needed and your past experience that supports the requested time allocation.
• A current resume or CV that highlights your relevant education, experience, and accomplishments.
• Up to 3 supplemental materials: Depending on the nature of your proposal, you may want to include supporting materials such as images of your artwork, sample lesson plans for a workshop, an abstract or excerpt of research conducted, lists of questions for a panel discussion, or video clips of your previous presentations or performances.

Even if your research or ideas are still in progress, but you anticipate they will be ready for presentation by early Fall 2025, please don't hesitate to submit a proposal for our consideration.

Important Dates:

• March 1, 2025 – Call for proposals opens!
• June 5 – Call closes
• June 16 – Jury process begins
• June 30 – Jury process closes
• July 5 – Presenter notification begins
• July 20 – Acceptance Deadline
• August 1 – Press photo, bio, and final promotional materials due
• September 15 – Final presentation materials submitted
• November 5 – Arrive in NYC
• November 6 – Symposium begins

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow educators, students, designers, artists, and industry scholars, showcase your work, and share your insights and innovations in the field. Submit your proposal today and join us in a dynamic and collaborative exploration of the future of glass education!

All questions about content of applications may be directed to kate@urbanglass.org

All questions regarding technical support with the submission platform may be directed to info@zealous.co

Advisory Committee

 The symposium's advisory committee consists of leading educators, artists, and scholars who help shape the event's vision, guide the selection process, and ensure diverse perspectives are represented. Given their extensive knowledge and contributions to the field, their insights and expertise are invaluable to the success of this event. The Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the symposium’s content, selecting key speakers, and ensuring that the event resonates with the global glass community.

The 2025 Advisory Committee

Katherine Gray

Jessica Jane Julius

Corey Pemberton

Richard Whiteley

Benjamin Wright 

Thank you to Our Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities

By sponsoring the 2025 Crafting Mastery Symposium, your company will have the opportunity to connect with a dedicated community of glass professionals, curators, educators, and students. Your support will directly contribute to making the symposium a meaningful and accessible experience for all attendees, covering honorariums for speakers, event costs, and more.

We offer several levels of sponsorship, each with unique benefits tailored to increase your organization’s visibility and engagement.

Learn more about Sponsorships HERE

Keynote Speaker 

The keynote speaker for the 2025 UrbanGlass Academic Symposium is still to be determined. Stay tuned for updates as we confirm an inspiring and influential voice in glass education and pedagogy.

Event Images