NCCCIAP

The Steering Committee for the National Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art and Practices invites you to test your mettle in the World’s Tiniest Cupola Contest™! Build a small furnace, break up some wee iron and tiny coke, and see how much, or little, hot metal you can produce! You’ll gain respect and have a captive audience of your iron peers!

 

Guidelines:

 

• Keep it small

• You must provide everything needed to light off and run your furnace. This includes propane, tools, equipment, and supplies. Sloss will provide 110-v power, if needed

• There are no restrictions on materials or size, but do not make it large enough to be laughed at

• You must have molten iron within 90 minutes of a cold start

• Sloss will provide commemorative tiny ingot molds to pig into

• A literal handful of coke and iron will be provided, but don’t be afraid to bring your own

• (Tiny) Awards will be given

• Most importantly, have fun!

 

REGISTRATION DUE VIA GOOGLE FORM: FEBRUARY 1, 2027

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See the details linked below for additional information, requirements, and application details! 

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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: FEBRUARY 1, 2027

Questions? Email Page Burch at burchp@uab.edu