The British Glass Biennale only comes round every two years, and is happening 27 August – 11 September in Stourbridge.

The UK’s major exhibition of contemporary glass in association with the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers and the International Festival of Glass

This is the UK’s top contemporary glass showcase and will feature work of over 80 of the country’s leading glass artists with £11,500 in prize money being awarded. This is a rare opportunity to see a huge variety of work in a selling exhibition, from finely crafted vessels to bold sculptural works.

The exhibition is open daily 10am – 5pm and is the highlight of the International Festival of Glass.

Other interesting things going on include masterclasses, demonstrations, performances and events.

Happening from 22 August to 28 September, the British Glass Biennale 2008 is:

the UK’s top contemporary glass showcase featuring 82 of the country’s leading glass artists with £14,000 in prize money being awarded. This is a rare opportunity to see a huge variety of work in a selling exhibition, from finely crafted vessels to potent political installations. A special student section is included for the first time so you can spot up and coming talent

Which is really very prestigious indeed – I’ve heard the phrase ‘the Turner Prize for glass’ used.

It takes place in Stourbridge and is part of the International Festival of Glass taking place from 22 to 25 August.  You can see the other events taking place on the events schedule pdf.

*Update*: Sid Langley in the Birmingham Post has written more about this, as has Terry Grimley (arts editor) who says:

Stourbridge’s International Festival of Glass can seriously claim to be the most internationally significant visual arts event taking place in the West Midlands this year