The 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award is now accepting applications for artists seeking funding to develop their first solo exhibition of art jewelry. The award, managed by the Art Jewelry Forum (AJF), provides $20,000—paid in two installments—to support projects that would otherwise be out of reach financially.
The grant targets artists at any career stage, though proposals for a first solo exhibition are strongly encouraged. The funds can cover materials, research, travel, and other project-related expenses, including previously incurred costs directly tied to the exhibition. For example, artists may use the grant to reimburse expenses like materials already purchased or research conducted before applying, as long as these costs are clearly documented as part of the proposed project.
Eligibility extends to professionals in art jewelry, excluding current AJF staff, board members, and students (except PhD candidates, whose work must not be thesis-related). The proposed exhibition must focus on jewelry, defined broadly as pieces worn on or enhancing the body, and be realized within two years of winning, by December 2029. It must be shown at a gallery or exhibition venue, with a confirmed letter of agreement from the host. The exhibition must also include a curator (who may be the gallerist) and a critical or curatorial text, ensuring scholarly engagement with the work.
How the Award Works
The $20,000 is split into two payments: $10,000 at the start of the project and $10,000 upon completion, though the schedule can be adjusted. Artists retain full responsibility for taxes and subcontractor payments. Progress updates are required every six months, limited to one page per report, detailing how funds are allocated. Artists must also arrange their own travel to Munich for the award presentation, as the grant does not cover promotional or travel expenses.
Beyond financial support, the award mandates several deliverables: a curatorial or critical text, a catalog or booklet (to be added to AJF’s digital archive), and a public presentation at the Internationale Handwerksmesse (Schmuck) in Munich, Germany, in March 2027. The winner must also serve as a juror for the next award cycle. The presentation at Schmuck requires a 10-minute talk about the work, offering the artist an international platform to discuss their project with peers and industry professionals.
The jury for 2027 includes Bella Neyman (US), Jorge Manilla (MX/BE/NO), and Geraldine Fenn (ZA), the 2025 award winner. Their selection reflects a global perspective on art jewelry, with expertise spanning curation, criticism, and practice. The jury’s diverse backgrounds suggest a broad interpretation of art jewelry, one that values both innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
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What Artists Must Submit
Applications open on September 1, 2026, with a deadline of November 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time. To start, you’ll first land on the website of its parent company, Creative West (the URL is opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/17876/CAFE). A $25 fee applies, though it is waived for AJF members.
Required documents include:
- A one-page artist biography (format flexible, narrative or CV-style).
- A two-page project proposal outlining the exhibition, its significance, and how the award will support it. The proposal must be submitted in English and demonstrate how the project enhances the field of art jewelry.
- A letter from the proposed gallery or venue confirming their commitment to host the show. This letter must be dated 2026 and cannot be reused from previous applications.
- A one-page budget breaking down expenses, including materials, vendor estimates, and travel costs.
The budget must also account for the curatorial text and catalog production.
- 10 high-resolution images (300 dpi or higher) supporting the proposal, each with detailed captions, whether of past work, inspirational references, or storyboard sketches. Images should include photo credits and, if applicable, technical details like dimensions and materials.
- One letter of recommendation from a professional endorsing the applicant’s readiness for a solo exhibition.
Artists may resubmit projects from previous cycles, but all new materials, including updated letters and budgets, must reflect the 2027 application. High-resolution images need not be submitted upfront but must be available if the proposal is selected for promotional use. The application also requires basic personal details, including date of birth, contact information, country of origin, and website/social media handles, though these are collected for administrative purposes only.
Applications are submitted through CaFÉ, accessible via Creative West’s portal. The platform handles profile creation and digital submissions, streamlining what could otherwise be a cumbersome process. For non-members, the $25 fee is a modest barrier, though the waiver for AJF members incentivizes membership. The submission process also requires applicants to provide their country of origin and date of birth, though these details are used solely for organizational purposes and do not factor into the selection process.
The November 15 deadline gives artists roughly two months to gather materials, finalize gallery commitments, and refine their proposals. The jury’s global composition, spanning the US, Mexico, Belgium, Norway, and South Africa, suggests a broad interpretation of art jewelry, one that values innovation as much as tradition. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation. The winner will be announced at Schmuck in March 2027, where they will deliver a 10-minute presentation about their work, further solidifying their presence in the international art jewelry community.
