Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is inviting jewellers, makers, designers, cultural organisations, charities and businesses to be part of its 2027 festival programme, with three open calls now live.
Running 1 to 31 May 2027 across Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and city centre, the festival brings together an exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a city-wide events programme, a month of hands-on workshops, and open studios across the Jewellery Quarter, each shaped by the people who take part. Organisations from across the UK are invited to put themselves forward to help deliver the events, workshops and open studios strands of the programme.
Events & Experiences Open Call
Bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, schools and charities can programme an event or experience that responds to the theme of jewellery. It might be a jewellery-inspired cocktail, a talk on jewellery heritage, late-night shopping or a performance inspired by gemstones. There’s no fixed format. Organisations can be based anywhere in the UK, as long as the event takes place in Birmingham during May 2027. Organisers develop and deliver their events, and the Biennial promotes them as part of the official programme.
Submit a short expression of interest by Monday 2 November 2026.
Jewellery Making Workshops Open Call
The Biennial wants every visitor to have the chance to make a piece of jewellery, on any day of the festival. Makers, jewellers, educators and organisations can run workshops for beginners, families, experienced makers or trade professionals. Workshops must be open to everyone and take place in Birmingham, mostly in the Jewellery Quarter. Leaders can charge commercial rates and run more than one session. Anyone keen to take part without a venue is encouraged to get in touch.
Submit a short expression of interest by Monday 2 November 2026.
Open Studios in the Jewellery Quarter
On Saturday 1 May and Saturday 29 May 2027, jewellery makers can open their studios, workspaces or homes to the public. Visitors can meet makers, see how they work and buy directly from them, with no commission taken. Open Studios in the Jewellery Quarter is run by Birmingham Open Studios, and there’s a £35 fee to confirm a place.
Apply through Birmingham Open Studios by Friday 20 November 2026.
Successful events and workshops will be confirmed from 19 November, and the full programme will be announced on 3 March 2027. For help with an application, or to discuss access needs, email coordinator@birminghamjewellerybiennial.com. For questions about Open Studios, email birminghamjewellerybiennial@birminghamopenstudios.co.uk.