GEMZ is a talent accelerator programme initiated by Current Obsession (CO) in 2020 to support a new generation of young makers as they develop their voices. The main goals of GEMZ are to foster relationships between young creatives, cultural institutions, and the industry, as well as to build resilient, scalable, and sustainable individual practices or brands.
The name of the programme combines the definitions of ‘gem’ and ‘Generation Z’, a generation that offers a novel, multi-faceted perspective on the contemporary jewellery medium.
The open call for GEMZ is now live!
This marks the start of the third cycle of Current Obsession’s Talent Development programme and introduces a fresh new direction.
While previous cycles focused on fostering relationships between young creatives, cultural institutions, and the industry, the GEMZ programme now emphasises building resilient, scalable, and sustainable individual practices or brands.
Phase 1: Exploration (October – December 2024) invites up to 50 participants to join online Q&A sessions with renowned practitioners who will share their experiences and insights. This phase aims to create a dynamic international community where participants can engage with past GEMZ alumni, the Current Obsession team, and a network of international professionals.
Phase 2: Development (January – March 2025) offers a series of online workshops focusing on practice development, covering topics such as profiling and positioning, origins and materiality, storytelling and communication, and representation and sales.
Phase 3: Production (April – June 2025) provides a select group with the opportunity to produce a multiple or capsule collection under the mentorship of the programme’s experts. The final creations will be showcased at the OBSESSED! Jewellery Festival 2025.
Furthermore, some participants may have the opportunity to collaborate with Current Obsession on an emerging representation platform currently under development.
Curious to apply? Read the details below!
Application procedure GEMZ Cycle III
Current Obsession is looking for a selected group of young makers, whose way of working and thinking is exemplary for the current and future state of the contemporary jewellery medium. We invite makers from the field of jewellery and beyond, that through their work explore the meaning of contemporary adornment.
Are you a recent graduate – BA or MA, within the past 5 years – or an autodidact who founded your practice within this timeframe? If so, please feel free to send in your application.
Your application should include:
1: An up-to-date portfolio (max. 10 pages) showcasing your work through imagery, possibly video and written statements about the inspiration, concept, and creative process leading up to the works.
2: An up-to-date resume including contact details and information about your education, work experience and an overview of exhibitions you have been a part of.
3: A cover letter (max. 500 words) covering:
• A brief introduction.
• Your motivation to join the programme.
• The ways in which you would like to develop your practice as a part of the programme.
The submission deadline is 01-10-2024, 23.59 PM Central European Time (CET).
Applications that are incomplete or sent in after the deadline will unfortunately not be taken into consideration.
Selection procedure:
Submissions will be evaluated by a committee consisting of CO team members, former GEMZ’s and/or independent practitioners.
The committee will base their selection on the following:
• The artistic and substantive quality that the applicant shows through their portfolio and motivation letter
• The degree of innovation in technology, use of materials and methodology in relation to the contemporary jewellery and related mediums
• The extent to which (the work of) the applicant reflects on current economical, social, cultural and / or environmental matters
• The distinctive and exemplary nature of the applicants’ practice
From the submissions, a total of 50 will be selected to join phase 1 and 2 of the programme. A selection of 10 participants will continue to the third phase of the programme.
Commitment:
Participants need to take the following into consideration:
• Participation comes free of charge. Current Obsession does expect an investment in time. Therefore, individuals who are in full time employment or education, can not apply.
• As a part of Phase 3, applicants must be able to produce work remotely, either in their own studio space or local workshops.
