Call for Curators 

Curate the Future of Jewellery, where jewellery meets vision

The Suter Jewellery Biennial (SJB) invites proposals from curators or curatorial collectives to shape the inaugural edition of this landmark exhibition—scheduled for September 2027 as the centrepiece of Nelson Jewellery Week.
Hosted biennially by The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, Nelson, SJB is a recurring platform dedicated to showcasing contemporary jewellery at its most ambitious. Each edition coincides with Nelson Jewellery Week, amplifying the visibility of jewellery as a critical and expressive art form within Aotearoa’s cultural landscape.
SJB challenges conventions, celebrates material intelligence, and expands the boundaries of adornment and exhibition-making. We are seeking curators with a compelling vision, deep sector insight, and a willingness to reimagine how jewellery speaks to audiences, spaces, and time.
Whether you’re an emerging curator seeking mentorship or an established practitioner ready to take risks, this is an opportunity to lead with autonomy—supported by a collaborative framework and national visibility.

Why Apply?

The selected curator will lead the conceptual development of the Biennial, including the selection of participating artists. This process is core to the role—shaping the exhibition’s thematic direction, material language, and public resonance. Artist selection will be made in dialogue with M101 and The Suter, with space for experimentation, collaboration, and site-responsive thinking.

• A Major Curatorial Platform – Lead the first Suter Jewellery Biennial, positioned within Nelson Jewellery Week (NJW) 2027.
• Professional Support – Receive curatorial coaching from The Suter in logistics and exhibition planning.
• Artist Pool Access – Work alongside M101, leveraging its expertise in contemporary jewellery networks.
• Sector Recognition – Present a high-calibre exhibition, contributing to jewellery’s expanded visibility within contemporary art.
• Legacy Opportunity – Contribute to the foundation of a recurring national platform for contemporary jewellery.

What We’re Looking For

Curators will be selected based on:
✔ Curatorial Experience – A background in contemporary jewellery or broader exhibition curation.
✔ Vision & Leadership – A compelling approach to shaping an innovative, high-quality jewellery exhibition, including artist selection and thematic development.
✔ Conceptual & Material Awareness – Strong engagement with jewellery as a critical, material-based art form, and the ability to curate with sensitivity to context and audience.
✔ Collaborative Capacity – Willingness to work alongside artists, institutions/ sector, and advisors throughout the exhibition’s development. This includes maintaining clear communication, meeting scheduled milestones, and fostering a responsive, respectful working environment.

We’re seeking curators who value experimentation, inclusivity, and critical engagement—those willing to challenge conventions and expand the language of adornment.

Project Timeline Overview (2025–2028)

The Suter Jewellery Biennial unfolds across seven phases, supporting curatorial depth, artist development, and public engagement. Curators are expected to maintain clear communication, meet scheduled milestones, and actively support artists throughout the process.

• Phase 1: Open Call & Selection (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026)
  Curator and artist applications open; marketing campaign and info sessions; selection panel reviews and confirms Curator.
• Phase 2: Concept Development (Feb – May 2026)
  Curator pitches initial concept; theme refined in dialogue with M101 and The Suter; artist engagement begins; Biennial webpage setup.
• Phase 3: Exhibition Structuring (May – Nov 2026)
  Curator and artists co-develop installation plans; catalogue planning (pending on funding); technical requirements and display concepts explored. Regular communication and collaborative decision-making are essential during this phase.
• Phase 4: Public Engagement & Prototyping (Dec 2026 – April 2027)
  public programme and prototyping; curator reviews installation scenarios and public programme ideas with artists and coordinators.
• Phase 5: Exhibition Logistics (May – Aug 2027)
  Final curation, artist statements, freight coordination, and marketing materials prepared. Curator ensures timely delivery of content and supports artists through final production stages.
• Phase 6: Installation & Opening (Sept – Dec 2027)
  Exhibition installed at The Suter; launched during Nelson Jewellery Week with artist talks, symposium, and public programming. Curator leads walkthroughs and supports public engagement.
• Phase 7: Documentation & Deinstall (Jan – March 2028)
  Professional photography and archiving; deinstallation and artwork return; project evaluation and reflective review with artists and partners.

Additional mentorship, catalogue production, and specialist support may be available, contingent on funding.

How to Apply

We welcome PDF format applications from individuals and collectives across Aotearoa New Zealand.

To apply, please submit:
• A short paragraph outlining your curatorial approach and vision for the Biennial
• A bio detailing your professional background
• A portfolio or samples of past work (images, project descriptions, or curatorial examples)
• Your preferred contact details

Send your application to:
[email protected]

Applications close Thursday, 04 December 2025

Selection Process & Curatorial Development

The Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a brief online conversation with the panel.

The selection panel includes:

✔ The Suter Art Gallery Team
✔ Karl Chitham (Director, The Dowse Art Museum)
✔ Makers101 (M101) Jewellery Experts

After selection:

The curator will pitch their vision through scheduled milestones, refining their approach with access to optional support, including:
• Curatorial coaching from The Sute
• Artist recommendations and sector connections via M101, enhancing collaboration.

This initiative provides a structured yet dynamic environment, fostering curatorial leadership while ensuring full creative independence.

Are you ready to shape the next chapter in jewellery—where material, meaning, and imagination converge?

Submit your proposal and help define the future of adornment!