Designed to advance the career of an exceptional artist working within the dynamic field of art jewelry, the grant is wonderfully inclusive, remaining open to international contemporary jewelry creators of any age and nationality. The proposed projects submitted for consideration should broadly center around jewelry, a medium that is interpreted with a refreshing and expansive definition by the organizing body, the Art Jewelry Forum (AJF).
As the global creative community prepares for the upcoming evaluation cycle, the Art Jewelry Forum has turned its spotlight toward the individuals entrusted with selecting the next recipient. This year, the panel consists of three esteemed jurors: Jorge Manilla, Geraldine Fenn, and prominent arts leader Bella Neyman. While Fenn and Manilla’s insights have been featured in prior segments of the forum’s ongoing conversation series, Neyman recently sat down to discuss her multifaceted journey in the jewelry world, the monumental impact of solo exhibitions, and the broader socio-economic landscape that continues to shape the future of the arts.
The timeline for the current cycle is already well underway, with the final deadline for submissions set for November 15, 2026. Artists hoping to secure the $20,000 award are encouraged to review the application criteria and prepare their comprehensive proposals well in advance of the autumn deadline.
Marking only the second time that the Art Jewelry Forum has been able to present this significant award, the grant is made possible entirely through the generosity and enduring passion of Linda Peshkin, an avid patron who shares a profound love for the art jewelry medium. When considering the weight and value of such an investment in a creative career, the conversation naturally shifts toward the rarity of these opportunities and the profound milestone that a solo exhibition represents for an emerging or mid-career maker.
Reflecting on her own pathway into this specialized creative sphere, Bella Neyman shares that her introduction to contemporary art jewelry happened roughly two decades ago through a specialized exhibition curated by Elyse Karlin. Showcasing the remarkable work of Hudson Valley jewelers at the Forbes Gallery, the exhibition opened Neyman’s eyes to a new dimension of wearable art. However, she notes that her true initiation into the global contemporary jewelry community came somewhat later, catalyzed by her early encounters with the Art Jewelry Forum and a pivotal, eye-opening trip to Munich Jewelry Week.
Those foundational experiences ultimately inspired Neyman to establish NYC Jewelry Week nine years ago, a celebrated annual festival that has since become a cornerstone of the international jewelry calendar. The upcoming iteration of the festival is scheduled to run from November 16 through November 22, 2026, serving once again as a vital platform where contemporary jewelry takes center stage.
Drawing from her extensive experience as a festival founder, curator, and observer of the field, Neyman emphasizes just how rare and essential dedicated exhibition opportunities truly are for contemporary makers. She points out that the single greatest barrier facing artists today is frequently financial in nature. Producing a cohesive body of work and mounting a professional exhibition is an immense fiscal undertaking, particularly for independent creators who lack the structural and financial backing of a commercial gallery.
By providing a substantial financial cushion, grants like the Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award give artists the critical resources required to operate independently and bring their artistic visions to life without compromise. Beyond the immediate logistical relief, Neyman views a solo show as a powerful point of validation for a maker’s dedication and skill.
More importantly, however, a solo exhibition offers an invaluable platform for an artist to articulate their unique narrative in a thoughtful, cohesive manner. Taking a collection of work out of the quiet isolation of the studio and presenting it to a wider audience allows for deep, far-reaching conversations that can fundamentally alter the trajectory of a career. According to Neyman, facilitating these dialogues is the ultimate goal of public presentation, and the impact of a successful solo show can resonate and echo throughout an artist’s professional life for many years to come.
When asked to consider the most pressing dialogues taking place within the creative community today, Neyman suggests that while contemporary makers grapple with a wide variety of conceptual and technical challenges, the most vital conversation remains deeply personal. Above all else, she believes that artists must remain fiercely true to themselves and the integrity of their individual practices amidst external pressures and shifting market trends.
Supporting these individual practices, however, requires a collective effort that extends far beyond the framework of philanthropic grants and awards. Neyman stresses that encouragement must happen across every tier of the creative ecosystem. Curators, writers, gallerists, and collectors all carry a shared responsibility to champion artists and sustain the infrastructure of the field.
Yet, Neyman also argues that the burden of support cannot rest on the private sector alone; governments must also step forward to formally recognize the indispensable role that the arts play in shaping vibrant cultures. For artists to thrive, they must be afforded a stable foundation that allows them to pursue their craft as a sustainable, full-time profession rather than a marginalized pursuit.
Critiquing lingering cultural stereotypes, Neyman asserts that the romanticized notion of the struggling, impoverished artist is dangerously outdated. When creative expression possesses the genuine power to transform lives and communities, society has a duty to build a reliable infrastructure to support those who create it. She points to a systemic flaw, particularly evident in contemporary culture, where children and young adults are frequently discouraged from pursuing careers in the arts out of an economic fear that they will be unable to support themselves.
Instead of steering the next generation away from creative fields, Neyman advocates for an educational approach that highlights the profound importance of the arts, takes deep pride in traditional and contemporary craftsmanship, honors cultural heritage, and actively encourages authentic self-expression capable of moving and inspiring others.
