The grant represents a vital funding mechanism in a sector where large-scale exhibition opportunities are remarkably scarce. Proposed projects submitted for consideration should broadly center on jewelry, maintaining a loosely defined yet focused scope within the discipline. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2026.
To shed light on the selection process, the vision behind the grant, and the broader landscape of contemporary adornment, Art Jewelry Forum spoke with Bella Neyman, one of the three distinguished jurors for the 2027 award cycle. Neyman serves alongside fellow jurors Jorge Manilla and Geraldine Fenn on the international panel evaluating this year’s submissions.
Neyman’s journey into the world of contemporary jewelry began roughly two decades ago through a pivotal exhibition. Initially introduced to the medium via a showcase curated by Elyse Karlin focusing on Hudson Valley jewelers at the Forbes Gallery, her deeper initiation came through Art Jewelry Forum and a subsequent, formative trip to Munich Jewelry Week. These experiences ignited a lasting commitment to the field, culminating nine years ago in her founding of NYC Jewelry Week. The annual festival, scheduled for November 16 through 22, 2026, continues to position contemporary jewelry at the forefront of the cultural conversation, celebrating the breadth and innovation of the medium.
The 2027 cycle marks the second time Art Jewelry Forum has presented the Solo Exhibition Award, made possible by the generosity and enduring passion for art jewelry shared by Linda Peshkin. Discussing the significance of the award, Neyman emphasized the profound career impact that a dedicated solo show can provide for an artist.
According to Neyman, opportunities for contemporary jewelry artists to mount solo exhibitions are exceedingly rare. The primary obstacle is financial, as producing a cohesive exhibition requires a substantial economic investment—particularly for independent artists who lack formal representation or gallery backing. By providing $20,000 in direct support, the Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award equips artists with the vital resources necessary to maintain their independence and bring ambitious creative visions to life.
Beyond financial relief, Neyman views a solo exhibition as an essential milestone of professional and artistic validation. More importantly, it serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling. A solo show grants an artist the rare platform to articulate their narrative in a thoughtful, cohesive manner, taking their work out of the solitary confines of the studio and introducing it to a wider public audience. For Neyman, facilitating these far-reaching conversations is the ultimate goal of the exhibition format, generating an impact that can resonate throughout an artist’s career for years to come.
When asked about the most critical conversations contemporary artists should be engaging with today, Neyman noted that while individual concerns vary widely across practices, the fundamental imperative remains consistent: artists must stay true to themselves and their unique creative processes.
Addressing the broader ecosystem of support for the arts, Neyman reflected on the myriad ways creators can be uplifted beyond competitive grants like the Linda Peshkin award. She stressed that supporting artists requires a collaborative effort across disciplines, involving curators, writers, gallerists, and collectors alike. Furthermore, she argued that governmental bodies bear a shared responsibility to recognize the foundational value of the arts within culture.
Neyman highlighted the urgent need to move past outdated cultural tropes regarding financial struggle in the creative sector, asserting that artists should be supported not only to create, but to sustain full-time careers. When a medium possesses the transformative power to impact lives, she noted, society must establish a secure foundation for its practitioners. In her view, systemic flaws become evident when communities discourage younger generations from pursuing artistic paths out of economic fear, rather than instilling pride in craft, honoring cultural heritage, and encouraging meaningful self-expression.
