CALL is now closed
Jewellery LAB biennial – Open Call for Artists
Guided by Māia – courage, boldness, and creative risk; Reflection, and Renewal
The National (Ōtautahi Christchurch) and Makers 101 Ltd (M101) invite mid-career, established, and emerging jewellery artists to apply for the Jewellery LAB Biennial—a professional development and exhibition initiative held every two years. Rooted in the ethos of being Loose and Brave, this programme offers space to experiment, reflect, and refine—without rigid structure or prescribed outcomes.
Eight to nine artists will be selected by application to participate in the Jewellery LAB Biennial exhibition, opening in October 2026 at The National (Ōtautahi Christchurch).
Participants begin with a masterclass led by Estela Saez-Vilanova (Barcelona), followed by optional opportunities throughout 2026 for critical discourse, international lectures, and mentorship.
Participation is flexible and self-directed—artists engage on their own terms, supported by expert guidance and peer exchange. The programme is designed to nurture individual growth while fostering collective learning, culminating in the Loose and Brave exhibition.
Artist selection will be made by a panel including representatives from The National, M101, and an invited external selector—ensuring a broad and considered perspective.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from artists working across diverse material approaches, conceptual frameworks, and cultural contexts. The selection panel will consider:
- Artistic curiosity and courage – a willingness to experiment, reflect, and take creative risks
- Clarity of intention – what you hope to explore or challenge through the programme
- Quality of practice – demonstrated through your portfolio, writing, and experience
- Openness to exchange – a willingness to engage with peers, sector colleagues, and new ideas, with optional access to mentorship and professional dialogue
We’re especially interested in artists who are ready to stretch—whether that means refining a mature practice, rethinking materials, or stepping into new conceptual terrain.
Why Jewellery LAB Is Different
Jewellery LAB Biennial is not a residency, mentorship, or exhibition programme in the traditional sense. It’s a space for process over product, for dialogue over direction, and for creative renewal. Guided by Māia—boldness, courage, and risk—it invites artists to shape their own journey, supported by expert input and peer exchange.
Whether you’re an emerging maker or an established artist seeking new momentum, Jewellery LAB offers a rare opportunity to pause, rethink, and reimagine.
How to Apply
To apply for the Jewellery LAB Biennial, please submit the following as a single PDF document:
- Portfolio of recent work (6–10 images), with titles, materials, dimensions, and dates of creation
- Artist statement (max 300 words) outlining your current practice and interests, and what areas of investigation, experimentation, or development you hope to explore through this opportunity
- Short biography (max 150 words)
- CV (including exhibitions, education, and relevant experience)
- Contact details (name, email, phone number, location, and postal address)
Submission deadline: Tuesday 28 October 2025, 11:59 pm NZT
Email your application to: [email protected]
