Open Call for Biennale Collective Exhibition for Contemporary Studio Jewelry

With the Biennale of Contemporary Studio Jewelry, the ILJMuseum aims to expand the field of new making while providing an established platform to display new works of art. Creators do not need to follow trends, but experiment and evolve their artistic identity that, collectively, shapes contemporary material culture. The ILJMuseum encourages and supports the younger generation to engage with decorative arts on a creative and academic level.


This year’s subject brings the body to the forefront, exploring its symbolism, semiotic power and ways in which it becomes a living canvas of identity. Drawing inspiration from the longstanding human practice of body jewelry, this call invites artists to engage with the history of practices such as tattooing, piercing, scarification, or other forms of body jewelry. Through these types of body jewelry, we aim to reflect on how the body is shaped, marked, adorned, and transformed as a site of meaning.

Within this charged context, the contemporary art jeweler is invited to intervene, to respond, not just through adornment, but through concept, tension, and narrative. In modern times, these practices have taken on new forms and meanings, often tied to subcultures, gender expression, political autonomy, and personal storytelling.
Artists are therefore encouraged to experiment, also with materials, techniques, and symbolisms that reflect the physical and spiritual nature of the body. We welcome diverse interpretations that approach the body as canvas, battlefield, shrine, or archive. The goal is not to replicate, but to reinterpret. Not to copy, but to transform.
Curated by an independent committee, a selection of one-of-a-kind works, designed and manufactured by the same individual, will be displayed to promote contemporary art.



INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS, SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

Dates of Exhibition: February - December 2027 (Tentative)

Timeline:
- Application of interest Deadline: 1/3/2026
- Final Submission Deadline: 30/6/2026
- Selection Deadline: 25/7/2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 31/9/2026
*Selected artists will be informed about the deadline of providing pictures of the finalized work and shipping guidelines with the Notification of Acceptance.

Fees: 
- Application Fee: Not required
- Participation Fee: Not required

Eligibility:
- Open to all artists engaged in Studio Jewelry, Decorative Arts, Tattoo Photography.
- Each artist can submit one (1) design/work.
- Individual or collective works are accepted.
- Works must be one-of-a-kind.
- All works must be designed and manufactured within 2026.
- Works cannot be shown before the exhibition (social media included).
- The Curatorial ILJMuseum Team reserves the right not to accept your final submission.
- The ILJMuseum reserves the right on how to display the submitted work.
- The ILJMuseum reserves the right to edit the texts provided by the artists for the concistency of the supportive material.
- Any modification, adaptation, or production requirement related to the submitted work shall be borne by the artist (i.e. in the case of a photographic submission, all costs related to layout/graphic design and printing shall be covered by the artist.

Selection Process:
An independent committee of jury members consisting of industry professionals, academics and jewelry experts will review all submissions. The selection will be based on creativity & innovation, use of materials & craftsmanship, relevance to the theme, and overall social impact.


>> Submission Format & Requirements: E-mail your entry to educational@lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr
Submitted works: One (1)
Submission Type: Digital submissions only.

Submissions must include:
- Submissions must include at least one (1) image of the work in process/ idea/ design/ or photo.
- Description label of max. 150 words including the following information of the work; Title, type, materials, dimensions, techniques, core of inspiration.
- Artist Statement which justifies the inspiration of the work (max. 200 words).
- Short Bio of the artist including place and date of birth.
- One (1) portrait photo of the artist.
- One (1) photo of the artist in their workshop.
- Any other material related to the making process, research.
- Social Media profile links of the artist.

Transportation & Insurance
Transportation and insurance are organized and covered by the artist, collector, etc.
Selected works can be delivered personally by the artist to the Museum premises.
For works shipped to the museum, please note that transportation to and from the ILJMuseum, including customs, packaging or any other cost, burden directly to the participant.
The deadline for receiving the pieces will be provided with the Notification of Acceptance.
Insurance
Artists undertake the responsibility to insure nail-to-nail the selected work.