Organisers of the UK’s new jewellery festival have launched an open call for the flagship exhibition. This move gives practitioners the chance to display their work at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The inaugural Birmingham Jewellery Biennial, which takes place in May 2027, seeks entries responding to the theme ‘Colour’ while demonstrating technical excellence.
Birmingham holds a prestigious title. It has been recognized as a World Craft City for Jewellery by the World Crafts Council. This status helps support the festival. Co-founded by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University, the event aims to establish itself as the UK’s leading celebration of jewellery art and heritage.
Jewellery practitioners based anywhere in the UK can apply. The exhibition will use colour as a lens to explore the making, wearing, gifting, and viewing of engagement rings and fine metals. The expert jury is looking for entries that experiment with or explore the stories and symbolism of colour, welcoming works in both traditional and contemporary materials.
Judging and Financial Rewards
A panel of 12 industry experts will select the winning pieces. This group includes Hannah Martin, an internationally recognised designer whose work has been worn by celebrities like FKA Twigs and Madonna, along with Gemmologist Joanna Hardy of BBC Antiques Roadshow fame. Other members include Alistair Audsley, Lee Lapthorne, and Mimi Hoppen.
Prizes are substantial for the competitive field. The first-place artist will receive £2,000, the second-place artist will be awarded £1,500, and following the public display, the People’s Choice Award winner will take home an additional £2,000.
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Applications are open now and are free to enter. There is no fee for applicants at any career stage. Submissions must be made via the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial website, with a deadline for expressions of interest set for 6 September 2026.
Festival Program and Locations
The team has stated they will cover transport costs for all selected works. This decision helps offset the logistical challenges of exhibiting in a different city. Beyond the museum display, the festival will involve Open Studios, workshops, talks, and tours across the Jewellery Quarter and the wider city from 1–31 May 2027.
This initiative arrives at a time when the global jewellery market is becoming increasingly digitized. While many trade events focus strictly on commercial transactions, the biennial appears to prioritize artistic innovation and cultural heritage. By anchoring the exhibition in a civic museum rather than a commercial gallery space, the group is shifting the focus toward the educational value of the craft. This approach potentially attracts a different demographic than standard trade shows.
Curator Sophie Morris emphasized the goal of welcoming new people into the world of jewellery.
“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.”