Organizer Information
AUTOR – The International Contemporary Jewellery Fair is one of Eastern Europe’s leading platforms dedicated to contemporary jewelry and wearable art. Founded and organized by the AUTOR Platform (S.C. AUTOR Platform S.R.L), the fair has built a strong reputation over more than two decades for discovering and promoting emerging and established jewelry designers worldwide.
With over 22 editions and more than 1,900 participating designers, AUTOR functions as both a curated marketplace and a critical cultural platform where jewelry is explored as a form of artistic language. The fair connects artists with collectors, curators, galleries, and a broader audience interested in contemporary craft and conceptual design. Its mission is to support innovation, artistic integrity, and the evolution of jewelry beyond ornamentation into a meaningful, expressive medium.
Title & Description
Young Designers at AUTOR International Contemporary Jewelry Fair 2026
The Young Designers at AUTOR 2026 open call invites emerging talents under the age of 26 to participate in one of the most influential contemporary jewelry fairs in Europe. This initiative is designed as a launch platform for early-career designers who demonstrate a strong artistic direction, conceptual clarity, and technical skill in contemporary jewelry practice.
Taking place as part of the 23rd edition of AUTOR Fair, scheduled for 16–17 May 2026 at the National Museum of Romanian History (MNIR) in Bucharest, this program offers selected participants the opportunity to exhibit, sell, and gain professional validation within an international context.
The theme is not explicitly defined, allowing artists to present work that reflects their personal vision and creative language. However, the selection process emphasizes coherence, originality, conceptual strength, and mastery of materials. The jury seeks works that go beyond aesthetics—pieces that communicate meaning, provoke thought, and contribute to the discourse of contemporary jewelry.
Participants will engage directly with audiences, collectors, and industry professionals, positioning their work within a dynamic marketplace where artistic expression meets cultural exchange.
Categories
- Contemporary Jewelry
- Wearable Art
- Craft / Goldsmithing
- Object Design
- Conceptual Design
- Material-Based Practices
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants
- Applicants must be under 26 years old at the time of application
- Open to emerging designers working in contemporary jewelry
- Individual artists only (collectives not specified for this section)
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear artistic direction and technical competence
Program Benefits & Awards
- Free participation (6 selected designers only)
- Exhibition space at AUTOR Fair (dedicated display table and chair)
- Opportunity to sell artworks directly to visitors and collectors
- Professional visibility within an international art fair context
- Promotion through AUTOR’s official communication channels (social media & platforms)
- Direct access to curators, collectors, and industry specialists
- Networking with international jewelry professionals
- Validation through a rigorous jury selection process
For non-selected applicants or general participants:
- Participation available with a fee of €500–600
Application Fee
- €35 application review fee (mandatory, non-refundable)
- Payment processed via Romanian online system (“MobilPay”)
- Selected Young Designers: Free participation
- Other participants: €500–600 participation fee
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- Portfolio of contemporary jewelry works
- High-quality images of artworks
- Personal and contact information
- Conceptual description of work (artistic vision and direction)
All submissions must comply with AUTOR’s terms and conditions and payment requirements.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
- Selection Results Announcement: 1 May 2026
- Event Dates: 16–17 May 2026
Location
Bucharest, Romania
Additional Details
- Selection is conducted by an international jury based on strict criteria: concept, coherence, originality, and technical execution
- Participants must be physically present during the fair
- Artists agree to AUTOR’s terms regarding image usage and data handling upon submission
- The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of selection outcome
- The event serves as both an exhibition and a commercial platform, encouraging direct engagement with audiences
AUTOR continues to position itself as a critical gateway for emerging jewelry artists seeking international exposure, professional validation, and entry into the global contemporary craft scene.