OPEN CALLS
Student Cupola
The Student Cupola Competition started in 2005 during a conference at Sloss Furnaces. It is a chance for students to test and showcase their skills alongside teams from universities, colleges, and programs worldwide. The student teams design, build, and run their furnaces, make patterns, ram molds, and run a pour floor.
See the details linked below for additional information, requirements, and application details!
Theme:
IRON WORKS: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Historically, neighborhoods were created around ironworks, industrial spaces responsible for iron production. People were not only dependent on the job that was provided by the ironworks, but also the programs, support, and community that were centered around the material. At Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark, iron casting has transformed from a large-scale, industrial operation, to a smaller, education-based model, yet the community that has been built around the material has remained.
It is within this community and at this conference that we find the ability to “work smarter, not harder.” Working in this manner doesn’t negate the effort, skill, or dedication put into a task or goal, nor is it about cutting corners. It could mean something different for everyone. Perhaps it’s about being more efficient in your labor, prioritizing and delegating tasks. Or it could be employing new technologies, methods, or processes to maximize time or minimize physical exertion. Maybe it is about leaning on your community to share the labor or their experience.
It is our hope that the programming at the 2027 NCCCIAP connects you with a community of iron casters and artists that you can call on for knowledge, expertise, inspiration, or to just lighten the load.
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DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2026
Questions? Email us at NCCCIAP@gmail.com