(L-R) Sketch for the "FIGURA ALLEGRA – Sculptures céramiques sonores" project by Catherine Lorent; Catherine Lorent, Luxembourgish artist; Credit: Serge Ecker

On Tuesday 4 August 2026, Luxembourg's National Culture Fund (Fonds culturel national - FOCUNA) announced that Luxembourgish artist Catherine Lorent has been awarded the 2026 Fondation Schleich-Lentz Ceramics Grant for her project, "FIGURA ALLEGRA – Sound Ceramic Sculptures: Exploring Resonance, Water and Interaction".

According to FOCUNA, the €20,000 grant supports a research and creative project exploring the contemporary possibilities of ceramics through an experimental approach combining sculpture, sound, water and interaction with the public.

The jury described the project as being characterised by "the clarity and precision" of its concept, as well as "its artistic ambition". FOCUNA noted that FIGURA ALLEGRA builds on Catherine Lorent's work around the Leviathan, a glazed clay figure she has been developing since 2010, while opening up new perspectives in her artistic practice.

Through the project, the artist aims to move beyond the traditional boundaries of ceramic sculpture by integrating sound as an active component of the artwork. The project comprises three main works: "Leviathan-Péckvillchen", a water flute inspired by the traditional Luxembourgish Péckvillchen; "Drone Plate", a porcelain sculpture combining sculptural and musical elements; and "Grotta Sonora", an outdoor clay sculpture incorporating light and sound sensors that invite visitors to interact with the work.

FOCUNA added that the jury also highlighted "the innovative nature" of the project, particularly its combination of sound and visual art practices, as well as the importance given to the immersive dimension of the works.

According to FOCUNA, the grant will enable Catherine Lorent to continue her research, experiment with different materials and techniques, and produce the first versions of the works that make up FIGURA ALLEGRA.

The Fondation Schleich-Lentz, operating under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg in collaboration with FOCUNA, said the grant reflects its continued commitment to supporting contemporary artistic creation, artistic research and the development of ceramic practices in Luxembourg.