Open Call for the 23rd International Jewellery Art Competition: Paradox

A paradox appears where two seemingly contradictory orders exist at the same time — and precisely through this coexistence reveal new meanings.

What is heavy may appear light.
What is fragile may prove durable.
What is considered worthless may acquire particular value.

Jewellery itself is a field of paradoxes. It can adorn and discomfort, protect and restrict, remain close to the body and at the same time function as an autonomous object. It can be deeply intimate and simultaneously become a public statement.

Who can apply?
The competition is open internationally to artists, designers and makers working in the fields of contemporary jewellery, jewellery art and jewellery objects. Both established and emerging artists are welcome.

Conditions:
- Each participant may submit up to two works or two sets of works.
- Submitted works must be new and must not have been previously exhibited or entered in other competitions.
- There are no restrictions regarding materials or techniques.
- Maximum dimensions: 30 × 30 × 30 cm. Larger works may be accepted after prior consultation with the organisers.

Selection:
- There is no photographic preselection.
- The Jury will evaluate the original, physically submitted works during its meeting on 13 February 2027.
- The Jury will select works for the main exhibition and award the competition prizes and distinctions.

Awards:
The Jury will award 1st Prize, 2nd Prize and 3rd Prize, as well as possible distinctions.
The competition will also include the Young Voice Award, dedicated to participants who have not reached the age of 25 by the submission deadline.
Additional awards may be offered by partners and sponsors.

Exhibition and award ceremony:
The official announcement of the results and award ceremony will take place on 11 or 12 March 2027 at the Amber Museum in Gdańsk, during AMBERIF.

The selected works will form the PREZENTACJE 2027 — Paradox exhibition, which is planned to travel to further venues in Poland and abroad.
The exhibition cycle is planned to continue until 31 May 2027.

Deadline: 
Works must arrive by 31 January 2027. The date of arrival — not the shipping date — is decisive.

Participation fee:
Per submitted work or set:
50 PLN — STFZ members
90 PLN — other participants from Poland
20 EUR — participants from abroad

How to apply?
The application form, full competition regulations, shipping address, payment details and current organisational information are available at paradox.stfz.pl

This edition's jury will be composed of Ruudt Peters, internationally renowned contemporary jewellery artist and educator, Justyna Teodorczyk, Director of the Gallery of Art in Legnica and Jacek Byczewski, one of the leading figures in Polish contemporary jewellery, among others. 

Other questions? Please contact: paradox@stfz.pl