Today, we were pleased to announce the first International Festival of Glass (IFoG) under GAS’s stewardship will be based at the World of Glass (TWoG) from August 27–31, 2026. IFoG is a biannual festival celebrating all things glass with masterclasses and exhibitions, including the British Glass Biennial, among many other activities. In selecting a location for the next IFoG, it was important to GAS that we move throughout the United Kingdom to partner with as many glass artists and organizations as possible and to make glass accessible in every corner of the UK.
“We are excited to partner with the World of Glass for the 2026 Festival,” stated GAS Executive Director Brandi P. Clark, “As the original home of Pilkington Glass and an advocate for contemporary UK glass, TWoG is the perfect partner for a festival completely dedicated to the material we all love. Halfway between Liverpool and Manchester, their location will make the Festival accessible for tourists and glass enthusiasts alike.”
“We are so pleased to be partnering with the Glass Art Society to bring the festival to the NW of England for the very first time,” said the World of Glass Executive Director Sarah Taylor, “We see this as an exciting opportunity for the World of Glass to do what it does best; promote and engage with the public to help them better understand the art, history, and science of glass, as well as promote St Helens’ integral place within the industry. GAS has significant experience bringing together the international community of glass artists and enthusiasts and we are looking forward to working with them over the next two years to deliver a fantastic festival.”
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Festival and GAS can’t wait to share more about our plans for this important Festival soon!
Congratulations to Zac Weinberg, Winner of the 2024 GAS International Artist Prize!
Zac Weinberg has been awarded the 2024 GAS International Artist Prize at IFoG. This cash award of $1500 USD is awarded by the GAS Board of Directors and signifies international recognition of their work by their peers.
Zac’s work, “Various Positions,” explores the often-unseen infrastructure underpinning our modern lives. Constructed of blown glass and found objects, these custom-made enclosures reference the often-unseen pipes, wires and ducting that enable both the functionality of the objects we surround ourselves with, and the means by which these objects were made.