AJF’S 2027 LINDA PESHKIN SOLO EXHIBITION AWARD

Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2026.

PURPOSE OF AWARD

To provide the resources for the development and implementation of a solo exhibition of art jewelry that the artist would not otherwise have the means to undertake. All jewelry artists can apply; applications from artists presenting proposals for their first solo exhibition are encouraged. Artists must demonstrate how this award will impact their professional goals as well as enhance the field of art jewelry.

AMOUNT OF GRANT

• An award in the amount of $20,000 to be paid over two years ($10,000 at the beginning of the project and $10,000 at the completion of the project, but the frequency and amount of each payment can be adjusted to the project)
• All monies must be used for the implementation of the project
  • Artist will be responsible for taxes and payments to subcontractors
  • Every 6 months, the artist must provide an update (one page maximum) on project progress and how grant monies are spent
  • Note: the funds can be used to pay for previously incurred expenses if directly related to the project presented (example: materials already purchased, research, etc.)

JURORS

The jury will consist of three distinguished specialists in the field of art jewelry, selected by Art Jewelry Forum. The winner of the award is expected to serve as one of the jurors in the next edition.

The jurors for 2027 are Bella Neyman (US), Jorge Manilla (MX/BE/NO), and Geraldine Fenn (ZA), the winner of the 2025 award.
 

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

• The proposed exhibition must be about jewelry, loosely defined as:
  • worn on the body or enhances the body in some way
  • may utilize jewelry forms and/or history
  • all materials considered
• The proposed exhibition must be realized within a two-year time frame (for 2027 edition, that means by December 2029)
• The proposed exhibition must be shown at a gallery or other exhibition venue
• The proposal must include a letter from the proposed gallery or venue, stating that it agrees to show the exhibition if the proposal wins the award
• The proposed exhibition must include a final critical/curatorial text
• The proposed exhibition must include a catalog/booklet (to be added to AJF’s online library)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Artist bio 
  • One-page artist biography. (Note: the format of the artist bio is up to the applicant and can be narrative, resume, or CV format)
• Project proposal must be submitted in English
• Project proposal 
  • Two-page description outlining the proposed exhibition and how the award will help support your work and career, and how it would enhance the field of art jewelry
  • Letter from the proposed gallery or other venue, stating that it agrees to show the exhibition if the proposal wins the award
  • The project must include a curator (it may be the gallerist)
  • The project and budget must include a text by a writer (it may be the curator) to be published at the time of the opening of the exhibition
  • A catalog or exhibition booklet must be included as part of the project. It may be small and in any shape and size, but must include text and images from the exhibition, and must be made available for upload to AJF’s online digital archive
  • One letter of recommendation supporting the applicant’s readiness to realize a solo exhibition
• Proposal budget  
  • One-page budget detailing how the monies would be used to implement the project, including materials, estimates from outside vendors, travel costs, and other expenses
• Project proposal portfolio 
• 10 images that support/define/clarify the project proposal
  • Examples could be storyboard-style images to clarify the proposal, images that inspired the project, images of past work supporting the new proposal, etc.
• Each image must include a detailed caption that provides information about the image. Information could include (if a piece of jewelry): title of piece, year produced, dimensions, materials, photo credit; or an explanation of how the image supports or clarifies the proposal (must include a photo credit)
• All submitted images should be available in high-resolution (300 dpi or higher JPG file) and available to AJF for use in print media and/or on its website. (Note: High-resolution images do not need to be submitted in the application; they should be available if you are selected, for use as promotional materials.
• A project that was already proposed in a previous cycle of the award may be resubmitted, but all documentation, budget, and letter must be new (e.g., if you applied in 2025 the letter of recommendation or the letter from the gallery/venue used at the time will not be accepted; they must refer to the 2027 award and be dated 2026)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2026.

• One-page artist biography
• Two-page project proposal
• One-page detailed budget
• Ten images that support the proposal
• The following information must also be included in the digital application:
  • Date of birth—for information purposes only
  • Contact information, including name, email, and phone number
  • Country of origin—for information purposes only
  • Website and social media handles (if applicable)

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time (Denver, Colorado, US) on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Incomplete entries will not be accepted.   
 

• Professionals in the art jewelry field of any age and career phase are eligible
• Students currently enrolled in a degree program are not eligible (except PhD students)
• PhD students are eligible but not with exhibitions related to their academic or thesis work
• Applications from recent graduates and for first solo show are encouraged
• Professional staff and board members of AJF are not eligible to apply