Submit an event for the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial
The organisers of the UK’s newest jewellery festival are calling for event applications to add to the official calendar
By Amy Wakeham
The inaugural Birmingham Jewellery Biennial will arrive in the UK’s second city in May 2027. It will be month-long celebration dedicated to the art, innovation and heritage of jewellery, taking place in the country’s industry heartland.
The Biennial will include a city-wide programme of events and experiences themed around jewellery, created by businesses, organisations and partners. Its flagship moment will be a exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, featuring the best contemporary jewellery by artists and makers from across the country.
Submit your event to be considered for the official programme
Biennial judges on a tour of the Jewellery Quarter. (Image: Anne-Marie Hayes)
Although applications for the exhibition have now closed and judging finalised, the Biennial is still inviting organisations, jewellers and makers to submit applications for events to add to the official programme. Biennial organisers will then be available to assist successful applicants in finding suitable venues, with the goal of creating a bustling calendar of events over the course of the month-long festival.
Ideas of potential events include: pop-up jewellery exhibitions; jewellery history talks and tours; and open days and trade showcases. Expressions of interest applications must be made by 2 November 2026, while final chosen event plans will have to be submitted by 21 January 2027.
Jewellery heritage is woven into Birmingham's history
Birmingham has a long history of manufacturing jewellery. (Image: Hockley Mint)
The city’s Jewellery Quarter, which was awarded World Craft City status by the World Crafts Council in 2025, makes over 40% of the UK’s jewellery annually. It is also Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery and precious metals businesses, with 4,000 skilled craftspeople currently working from the area. The Biennial will uplift this historical manufacturing hub, and celebrate its current businesses, artisans and individuals who together generate around £750 million every year for the UK economy.
The Birmingham Jewellery Biennial will run from May 1st to 31st, 2027
Main image: The Quarterworkshop in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, which runs jewellery-making courses and workshops. (Photo: Anne-Marie Hayes)
