HERE WE ARE
HERE WE ARE is a strategic initiative designed to address widespread inequity and a lack of representation in the jewelry industry through action and impact. Launched in 2019, and founded in collaboration with our Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Elliot Carlyle, the HERE WE ARE program highlights creators, and builds industry awareness around issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, representation, and allyship.
Each year, in alignment with our mission and core values, we support jewelers, artists and designers who represent the diverse spectrum of creators across the United States through numerous programs that offer professional development, unique partnerships & collaborations and individualized support year round.
HERE WE ARE PROGRAMS
HWA EDU
HWA EDU is a virtual professional development series developed by NYC Jewelry Week in partnership with and led by education expert Chris Oliver and supported by NYCJW’s Outreach & Education Coordinator, Andrea Rosales-Balcarcel. The virtual program, in its second year, is uniquely customized and intentionally flexible to support the needs of US-based independent jewelry brands and artists from within the HERE WE ARE program.
RESIDENCY
Launched in 2020, The NoLo Studios x HERE WE ARE Residency Program offers a NYC-based BIPOC jeweler a year-long NoLo Studios membership, a basic jewelry bench set up within the studio, financial support for business development and photography services from the NoLo collective community. Previous recepients include SADÉ (2020) and Desta Jewelry (2021)
If you are interested in receiving updates on the program to participate or to sponsor, click the link below.
PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS
Each year, during NYC Jewelry Week in November, HWA launches unique projects, with exceptional partners, to support the individuals and businesses within the HWA program. The projects are designed to support the individual needs and goals of the HWA participants and pervious partners include: 1stDibs, Muzo Emeralds, Greenwich St. Jewelers and more.
HERE WE ARE AWARDS
Launched in 2020, the HERE WE ARE Funding Awards recognize outstanding talent from within the HERE WE ARE programs. Each year, three notable individuals exhibiting outstanding dedication to their practice are offered unrestricted financial awards sponsored by leading industry organizations and businesses. HWA participants are automatically eligible for these grants, and recipients are announced each year during NYC Jewelry Week in November.
EXHIBITIONS AWARD $5000 – The Exhibition Award is granted to an established jeweler to produce an exhibition for NYCJW. Previous recipients include Lorraine West Jewelry and Third Crown. The Exhibitions Awards are sponsored by David Yurman.
EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS AWARDS $1500 – The Emerging Entrepreneurs Awards offers two awards of $1500 granted to emerging jewelers to expand their business. Previous recipients include Cheena Lee, Cindy Liebel, Dominique Renée, Jam & Rico, Harlin Jones and Metaalia Jewelry. The Emerging Entrepreneurs Awards are sponsored by Halstead and Myron Toback.
EQUITY STATEMENT
NYC Jewelry Week is dedicated to equity and inclusion, and we are committed to our community through the following tenets: Awareness + Education + Empowerment + Opportunity + Sustainability.
We embrace responsibility and accountability, and commit to cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture within the jewelry community through our programs, our platform, and our initiatives. We take a stand against racism, and actively build an environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, mindfulness, relationships, and dialogue.
Our strategic initiatives were conceived to address barriers to entry for underrepresented jewelers by providing access to information and resources, creating professional and economic growth opportunities, and embracing accessibility and sustainability practices within the industry.
An inclusive community is made up of everyone, and our commitment to everyone is jewelry for all. We commit to the engagement and inclusion of everyone regardless of age, culture, liability, education, gender, gender identity, language, origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Through our platform we build a culture that is inclusive through awareness, education, and empowerment. Through our partnerships we provide opportunities that sustain the artists, designers, and creatives we serve.
Our goal is to empower our selectees and educate our audience through this exciting program. As part of our commitment to jewelry for all, it is essential that we create space for transparency within the industry. We are committed to taking action and recognize the importance of making this commitment public, as such we have outlined the ways in which we take ACTION and create IMPACT through the HERE WE ARE program:
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
HERE WE ARE is supported by businesses and brands committed to supporting equity in the jewelry industry. These brands dedicate both time and finances to ensure that the HWA platform can support the jewelers within it and make positive change in the jewelry industry. Previous sponsors and partners include: Greenwich St. Jewelers, Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), 1stDibs, Muzo Emeralds, David Yurman, Halstead, Alain Simic, Toby Myles, and Liz Kantner.
HERE WE ARE COMMITTEE
HWA is proudly served and directed by a Committee of industry professionals who steer the program’s yearly activities and support the HWA honorees with professional guidance and support. Committee members have included: Jennifer Gandia, Filecellia Sampson, Alain Simic, Karen Davidov, Chris Oliver, Andrea Rosales-Balcarcel and Lorraine West.