Birmingham Jewellery Biennial launches open call for flagship exhibition

Birmingham Jewellery Biennial has launched an open call for its flagship exhibition, giving jewellery practitioners across the UK the chance to exhibit at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and win thousands of pounds in prize money.

The exhibition, themed 'Colour', will run as part of the inaugural Birmingham Jewellery Biennial in May 2027.

Organisers and an expert jury are looking for ambitious work that explores colour through traditional and contemporary jewellery-making techniques.

The winning artist will receive £2,000, with £1,500 for second place and a further £2,000 People's Choice Award to be decided after the exhibition opens. Further prizes are due to be announced.

The open call is free to enter and open to practitioners at any career stage, with organisers also covering transport costs for selected works.

Applications close on 6 September 2026.

Exhibition Curator Sophie Morris said: "We are seeking colourful, ambitious and meaningful works that demonstrate artistic excellence, inspire new makers and welcome people into the extraordinary world of jewellery and the joy it brings."

The 12-strong jury includes gemmologist and BBC Antiques Roadshow specialist Joanna Hardy, designer Hannah Martin, whose work has been worn by FKA Twigs and Madonna, and Birmingham City University's Lee Lapthorne, whose clients include Gucci and Vogue.

Co-founded by Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University, the Biennial follows Birmingham's recognition as a World Craft City for Jewellery and Allied Trades in 2025.

The festival runs across the Jewellery Quarter and the wider city from 1-31 May 2027.