2026 Art Jewelry Forum Young Artist Award

The AJF Young Artist Award recognizes innovative work created by a jewelry artist early in their career. Through this award, Art Jewelry Forum supports new and exciting work that will inspire future developments in the field. For the fourth cycle in a row, the award is generously supported by collectors Karen and Michael Rotenberg, whose collection focuses on the innovative use of alternative materials by emerging and mid-career artists.

The award provides US$7,500 for the winner; US$1,000 awards for each of four finalists; and a travel allowance of US$1,000 each for the winner and finalists who travel to Munich. The winner will be recognized as a member of AJF on AJF's website for one year. Separate interviews will be conducted with the winner and each finalist, to be published on AJF's website in spring and summer of 2026. The jury consists of artist Bryan Parnham (2024 AJF Young Artist Award winner), gallerist Thereza Pedrosa, and maker and educator Jimena Rios.

Eligibility: Applicants must be makers of wearable art jewelry, 35 years of age or younger on November 9, 2025, and cannot be currently enrolled in a formal academic degree program. Work submitted must have been completed between 2024 and 2025 and must be unsupervised. Applications require a one-page resume, artist statement (maximum 1000 characters), and 6–10 digital images showing up to eight pieces of work. At least one image must show a piece being worn on the body, and one must show the back or underside of a piece. Each image file must be labeled with title, year produced, dimensions in millimeters, materials, and photo credit. The application fee is $25; AJF members at the US$50 level and above receive a fee waiver. Applications close November 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

The winning artist and finalists must deliver work to AJF member gallery Platina for display during Munich Jewellery Week in March 2026. The winning artist must travel to Munich on March 7, 2026, for the award ceremony and deliver a 10-minute presentation. Finalists are invited and encouraged to attend. The winning artist is expected to participate as a juror in the 2028 AJF Young Artist Award competition. Jury review will take place December 2025–January 2026, with notification in mid-February 2026.