HWA Exhibition Award

Introduced in 2020, the HERE WE ARE Exhibition Award spotlights exceptional talent. Every year, one individual receives a financial grant to execute an in-person solo exhibition at NYC Jewelry Week. Once available exclusively to members of the HERE WE ARE cohort and alumni, applications are now open to the wider community.

EXHIBITION AWARD: $5000

The Exhibition Award honors an experienced jeweler who is Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. The jeweler must also have an extensive body of work. The winner develops a solo exhibition of their jewelry for NYC Jewelry Week in November of the same year. Previous recipients of this award include Lorraine West Jewelry, Third Crown, Angely Martinez Jewelry, Jam + Rico and Lingua Nigra.

How to Apply

Applications for the HWA Exhibition Award are accepted through our annual Open Call, April 1 – June 30. To apply, complete the Open Call application form and indicate that your proposal is for consideration for the award. A $50 application fee applies. The successful recipient will be notified by July 31.

If you do not see the option to apply for the HWA Exhibition Award, ensure that you have:

  • Self-identified as a member of the BIPOC community
  • Selected “Solo Exhibition” as your program submission type

Learn more about the Open Call here or check out the Open Call FAQ document for more information.

Selection Criteria

Through the Open Call process, jewelers must present a compelling concept and vision for their exhibition. The exhibition should encompass both archival work and recent collections, as a retrospective or a new collection launch. This project must be a solo endeavor, not a group show. The exhibition must align with NYCJW26 (November 16-22). Its duration may range from a one-day event to a seven-day presentation.

All proposals are initially reviewed by the NYCJW Programs Team. Accepted proposals are then evaluated by the HWA Exhibition Award committee.

Please note: Your application may be accepted independently of the HWA Exhibition Award. We will notify you of your proposal’s status before the committee selects the award winner. If your proposal is accepted, we hope you will participate, even if you do not receive the award.

Support and Resources

In addition to the $5,000 cash award, the recipient enjoys all the marketing support included with general participation in NYCJW26, along with extra PR and marketing assistance. They will have regular meetings with the NYCJW team during the planning stages to ensure their vision comes to life. Photography services for both the exhibition and the opening night reception are provided. While the recipient must secure their own venue, NYC Jewelry Week can assist in locating a space, but does not provide one.

Although the recipient receives support and services through the Exhibition Award, they are responsible for expenses beyond the award amount. This includes covering the general open call application fee, display rentals, venue rental, and any other logistical costs associated with executing an exhibition.

Questions? Please reach out to programs@nycjewelryweek.com for general inquiries about this award.