Organizer Information
The Inflow Association for Contemporary Arts is a professional cultural organization dedicated to promoting contemporary jewelry as a significant field within the broader contemporary art landscape. The association focuses on expanding the discourse around wearable art, material experimentation, and narrative-based artistic expression. Through exhibitions, international collaborations, and curatorial programs, Inflow supports both emerging and established artists working in contemporary goldsmithing, jewelry design, and object-based art practices.
Inflow has developed a strong international presence by collaborating with curators, museums, collectors, and educational institutions. Its programs aim to bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary conceptual approaches, positioning jewelry not only as decorative object-making but as a medium of storytelling, identity construction, and socio-cultural reflection.
Title & Description
International Juried Contemporary Art Jewelry Exhibition – “Narrative Space: Encounter”
This open call invites artists to participate in an international juried exhibition dedicated to contemporary art jewelry as a narrative and conceptual medium. The central theme, “Narrative Space – Encounter,” encourages artists to explore how jewelry can function as a carrier of personal, poetic, and collective storytelling.
Participants are asked to respond to one of two provided poetic excerpts—either Mihály Babits’ The Epilogue of the Lyric Poet or Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. Rather than literal translation, artists are expected to interpret emotional, philosophical, and conceptual impressions drawn from the text and translate them into wearable artworks.
The exhibition emphasizes jewelry as an interface between the inner world of the artist and the external perception of the viewer. Selected works will engage with themes of identity, memory, transformation, and human connection, highlighting how wearable objects can generate dialogue between creator, wearer, and audience.
The program also includes workshops, conferences, and international networking events, offering participants a multidimensional professional environment.
Categories
- Contemporary Art Jewelry
- Goldsmithing / Metalwork
- Wearable Art / Object Design
- Conceptual Jewelry Design
- Material-Based Art Practices
- Interdisciplinary Craft Practices
- Collectives, Art Schools, and Galleries are also eligible to apply
Eligibility
This open call is international and unrestricted. Applications are welcome from:
- Contemporary jewelry designers
- Goldsmiths and craft artists
- Visual artists working in wearable or object-based forms
- Artist collectives
- Art schools and educational institutions
- Galleries representing artists
There are no restrictions based on age, nationality, educational background, or professional experience level. Both emerging and established practitioners are encouraged to apply.
Works must be original, self-designed, and completed after 2023. Submissions must comply with size and wearability constraints.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Inclusion in an international juried exhibition in Budapest and Szentendre
- Exhibition exposure across multiple prestigious venues
- Participation in an international contemporary jewelry conference
- Invitation to a collaborative workshop with jurors and peers
- Inclusion in an official printed exhibition catalogue (with a complimentary copy)
- Professional photo and video documentation of exhibited works
- Online presentation in both English and Hungarian
- Eligibility for multiple award categories, including:
- Best Narrative Award
- Best Innovative Award
- Young Talent Award
- Collector’s Award
- “Top 6” selection for additional museum exhibition opportunity at Kiscell Museum
- Networking with international curators, collectors, and institutions
- Access to seminars, talks, and curated professional discussions
Additional awards include exhibition invitations, acquisitions, and participation in future international jewelry exhibitions.
Application Fee
- Application: Free of charge
- Participation fee (for selected artists only): EUR 130
Discounts available:
- 30% discount for NEKSZOE and FISE members
- 30% discount for students in accredited art programs
- Discounts cannot be combined
Participants are responsible for shipping, return shipping, insurance, and customs-related costs.
Application Requirements
- Short artist introduction (max 600 characters)
- Title(s) and description of submitted work(s) (max 600 characters)
- Concept statement aligned with the exhibition theme (max 600 characters)
- 2+ high-resolution images per artwork (white background, min 1080 px, 300 dpi, max 10MB)
- Materials list, dimensions, and year of creation
- Copyright declaration
- CV or institutional confirmation (for students, if applicable)
- Portfolio documentation of selected works (1–5 pieces allowed)
Works must be wearable and must not exceed 35 × 35 × 10 cm.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 29 April 2026
- Jury Evaluation: 30 April – 14 May 2026
- Results Notification: 15 May 2026
- Participation Fee Deadline: 22 May 2026
- Artwork Arrival Deadline: 21 June 2026
- Exhibition Opening: 28 August 2026
- Awarding Night & Conference: 29 August 2026
- Exhibition Period: 28 August – 20 September 2026
- Finissage Events: 19–20 September 2026
- Additional Exhibition (Top 6): 26 September – 1 November 2026 (Kiscell Museum)
Location
Budapest, Hungary
Additional Details
The selection process is conducted by an anonymous international jury, focusing on conceptual strength, craftsmanship, innovation, and relevance to the theme. Works are evaluated on their ability to communicate narrative depth through wearable form.
Shipping responsibility lies with the artist, including customs duties and insurance. The organizers assume responsibility only after physical receipt of works.
The exhibition emphasizes dialogue between tradition and contemporary practice, encouraging experimentation with materials, techniques, and wearable storytelling.