OPEN CALL

Show the world how jewelry can transform culture. We invite designers, artists, makers, curators, and organizations worldwide to apply to host an activity during NYCJW26. We are looking for bold, compelling events and programs which celebrate the art and craft of jewelry. Our mission is to amplify diverse voices, nurture community, and honor the creativity that forms the jewelry world. This is your chance to educate, inspire, and fascinate a broad audience, whether in-person or online.

Visit the NYCJW25 Festival Schedule for examples of activities from last year.

We are seeking fully developed activities, not individual jewelry pieces. Examples include exhibitions, workshops, tours, panels, performances, shopping experiences, and interactive activations. If your idea is innovative, immersive, or unexpected, we want to see it! We also encourage visual artists, historians, researchers, and performers to propose programs that explore jewelry through context, concept, materials, techniques, or representation. We also welcome collaborative proposals between organizations and individuals. If you are unsure whether your idea fits, please contact us before applying or check out our FAQs.

Open Call Limitations

NYC Jewelry Week offers a program that is partially juried and partially curated, and cannot accept all proposals submitted through the Open Call. While we value every submission, our primary focus is on activities that foster public engagement rather than trade networking. Submissions will not be considered if they:
  • Target a niche or industry-specific audience rather than a broad public of jewelry enthusiasts.
  • They are excessively technical or specialized and not clear to a general audience.
  • Do not align with NYC Jewelry Week’s values.

WHERE AND HOW

  • In-Person Activities: Must take place in New York City during November 16–22, 2026. Activities can include exhibitions, workshops, tours, and other interactive experiences hosted at venues throughout the city. NYC Jewelry Week does not provide spaces, but we can assist successful applicants in connecting with potential venues.
  • Virtual Programs: Panels, interviews, lectures, tours, or other creative online experiences. Programs are pre-recorded live-to-tape during September and October and shared on YouTube during NYCJW26. We also encourage creative approaches to virtual engagement beyond these formats. To assist all virtual presenters, we offer technical guidance and resources, ensuring that even those less familiar with technology can deliver their programs effectively.

Ready to apply? Jump to the application form.

KEY DATES

April 1 → Open Call Opens
June 30 → Open Call Closes
July 1 – 15 → Application Review Period
July 15 – 31 → Notifications Sent to Applicants
September 15 → NYCJW26 Marketing Season Begins
November 16 – 22 → NYCJW26

What You’ll Need to Submit

  • Contact Information: Name, email, and relevant details.
  • Bio: A brief (150-200 words) bio about you, your collaborators and/or your organization.
  • Activity Description: Description and format.
  • File Uploads: Up to 4 files (JPEG, PDF, JPG, PNG) with a 4.5MB limit per file.

Ready to apply? Jump to the application form.

FEES

Open Call Application Fee

Your application is reviewed after payment of the $50 USD application fee. At the final step of the application form, you will be automatically directed to the payment page.

Participation Fees

  • $500 USD: Brands, galleries, dealers, individual artists and designers, collectives, retailers, and suppliers.
  • $350 USD: Registered charities, nonprofits, students, and educational institutions.

Application Fee Adjustment
If your proposal is accepted, the $50 USD application fee will be applied to your final balance.

Fee Reductions
Members of the BIPOC community and BIPOC-owned businesses are eligible for a self-selected 30% fee reduction. In recognition of historic under-representation, we aim to reduce financial hurdles to encourage participation. Please note that the $50 USD application fee is still required. If you do not qualify for the fee reduction but are experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss possible options or support that might be available.

Special Opportunity – HWA Exhibition Award
A $5,000 award will be granted to a BIPOC artist to present a solo exhibition at NYCJW26. For more information and application details, visit the HWA Exhibition Award page.

Ready to apply? Jump to the application form.

Benefits for Selected Participants

If your activity is selected for NYCJW26, you’ll receive guaranteed visibility and promotional support, including:

  • Branded Media: Tools and resources to promote your activity
  • Festival Schedule Listings: One main activity listing and two additional listings for related receptions or talks, which show their date, time, and location
  • Instagram Promotion: Shared post and dedicated story on @nycjewelryweek, reaching over 95K followers
  • Managed RSVPs: We handle RSVP collection for talks and receptions
  • Newsletter Feature: Inclusion in one NYCJW26 Daily Digest during festival week, with an average readership of 12,000

These benefits help your program reach a broad, engaged audience and amplify your impact during NYCJW26.

Ready to Apply?

Before accessing the Open Call Application Form, review the FAQs. This printable guide includes important information and previews the questions you’ll encounter in the application. It also outlines the written materials and files you should prepare in advance.

Submit your application by June 30, 2026, to be considered!

APPLICATION FORM