HWA Exhibition Award

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, the HERE WE ARE program highlights creators, and builds industry awareness around issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, representation, and allyship.

Introduced in 2020, the HERE WE ARE Funding Awards spotlight exceptional talent. Every year, one exceptional individual receives a financial grant to execute an exhibition at NYC Jewelry Week. Once restricted to members of the HERE WE ARE cohort and alumni, applications are now open to the wider community.

EXHIBITION AWARD: $5000

The Exhibition Award is presented to an experienced BIPOC jeweler with an extensive body of work. The winner develops an 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, and Angely Martinez Jewelry.

Applications for this award are accepted through our annual Open Call process, which runs from April 1 to June 30. Upon submission of their application to participate, we automatically consider qualifying individuals or brands. The successful recipient will be notified before July 31st.

Learn more about the Open Call here.

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 NYCJW24 (November 18-24), although its duration may range from a one-day event to a seven-day presentation.

A committee determines the award honoree based on this criteria. This year’s committee comprises a representative from the award sponsor, Malyia McNaughton, jeweler and gemologist, representing the BIJC board of directors, Bella Neyman, Co-Founder of NYC Jewelry Week, and Angely Martinez, the 2023 HWA Exhibition Award recipient.

Support and Resources

In addition to the $5,000 cash award, the recipient enjoys all the marketing support included with general participation in NYCJW24, 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.

In addition to receiving a cash award, the winner is honored at Rock the Jewels, the Black in Jewelry Coalition event held in conjunction with NYC Jewelry Week. Rock the Jewels serves as a vibrant celebration of diversity and creativity within the jewelry industry.

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