PRESS RELEASE: Birmingham Jewellery Biennial Is Set To Dazzle Visitors From All Over The World In May 2027

Birmingham will host a glittering, month-long festival in May 2027, celebrating over 250 years of jewellery making in the city, with exhibitions, activities and workshops featuring the work of world-class creatives plus the chance for visitors to make their own jewellery every day.

The announcement marks one year since Birmingham was awarded World Craft City status, recognising its rich heritage, skilled artisans and innovation in jewellery and allied trades.

One year on since Birmingham was named as a World Craft City for Jewellery and Allied Trades by the World Crafts Council, organisers have announced that Birmingham Jewellery Biennial will take place across the Jewellery Quarter and wider city centre throughout May 2027.

Dedicated to the art, innovation and heritage of jewellery, Birmingham Jewellery Biennial will bring together sparkling exhibitions, show-stopping installations and special events in the month-long celebration of British and international craft and design.

Set against the backdrop of Birmingham’s centuries-long reputation of producing some of the world’s most well-known pieces, visitors will be able to learn the rich history of jewellery making, discover and buy new pieces and even design their own, in the same place that produced The FA Cup, Wimbledon trophies, The Queen’s Birthday Honours medals and Beyonce’s diamond-encrusted stilettos.

Co-founded by Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University, Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is set to become the UK’s leading festival dedicated to the art, innovation, and heritage of jewellery. Designed to showcase artistic excellence and elite craftsmanship from leading national and international names, alongside up and coming makers, the curated festival is set to attract visitors to the Jewellery Quarter and wider city, from across the globe.

In the months leading up to May 2027, there will be opportunities for creatives and businesses to become part of the celebrations. An initial UK-wide open call will give jewellery artists the chance to feature in a flagship exhibition which will remain in situ throughout the festival, as well as awarding the winners with monetary prizes. Further details will be available via the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial website.

The concept of the Biennial was part of Birmingham’s successful bid to be recognised as a World Craft City, placing it alongside just eight other European cities and cultural hotspots from around the world including Fabriano in Italy, Jaipur in India and Kyoto in Japan.

Birmingham received the accolade in May 2025 after a bid was submitted by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University and supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company. Following a rigorous judging process, including an international visit from an esteemed panel, Birmingham was awarded World Craft City status for displaying exceptional craft heritage, a strong maker community, and a clear commitment to developing craft into the future.

Alex Nicholson Evans, Festival Director and City Curator, said: “We are thrilled that, one year on from receiving World Craft City status, we are finally able to announce that Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is becoming a reality. We have some extremely exciting plans in the works for this much anticipated showcase of design and craftsmanship. I have no doubts that this will be a major new cultural event for the country, putting a spotlight on the incredible creative talent we have here in the UK, and there is no better home for it than the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.”

David Mba, Vice Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “It feels very poignant to be announcing Birmingham Jewellery Biennial today. Being part of the bid to have Birmingham recognised was an incredibly proud moment for us and our world-renowned School of Jewellery. We’re delighted to be co-founding the Biennial, to bring our plans to life. We wanted to put Birmingham’s jewellery-making talents on an international platform and have big ambitions to ensure that the Biennial is a key event on the jewellery industry’s calendar.”

Ben Massey, Chief Executive of The National Association of Jewellers said:

“The jewellery industry is a proud and vital part of the UK’s cultural and creative landscape - rich in heritage, driven by innovation, and defined by exceptional skill. This national festival is not about a glimpse behind the scenes; it is a full celebration and recognition of the people and businesses behind the work - those who design, make, and craft pieces that mark life’s most meaningful moments. From jewellery and silverware to watches and allied crafts, it shines a light on the creativity, craftsmanship, and enduring value our industry brings to society.”

Birmingham Jewellery Biennial will take place across Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and the wider city from 1-31st May 2027. Stay up to date by joining the mailing list at www.birminghamjewellerybiennial.com  

About Birmingham City University

From art, accounting and architecture to midwifery, media and mechanical engineering, BCU transforms the lives of its students by offering a wide range of contemporary and flexible courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Home to the award-winning School of Jewellery, the internationally renowned Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and the innovative business incubator STEAMhouse, BCU has a history stretching back to 1843. It is also focused on the future, with its new strategy – ‘Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond’ - committed to the regeneration of the city and to enhancing communities across the West Midlands.

About Jewellery Quarter Development Trust

The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) is a community-led, self-funded organisation dedicated to supporting the heritage, culture, and regeneration of

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. Through a combination of grants, partnerships, and commercial activities, the JQDT works to ensure the area’s continued growth while preserving its unique character. The Trust delivers key projects that benefit local residents, businesses, and visitors, with a focus on cultural, community, and experiential initiatives. For more information, visit www.jqdt.org

About the City Curator role

The role of City Curator came out of the Future Business District Study which looked at what the long-term impact of the pandemic would be on city centre business districts and how it can be ensured they remain desirable places to live, work, visit and do business. The initial idea was that the role would act as a Creative Director for the city centre; commissioning events, festivals, and art, and supporting how the public realm is shaped in its broadest sense. The City Curator is a new role for Birmingham city centre, quite uniquely, supported by all five city centre BIDs, by the City Council and by wider city centre partners. The two day a week position has been funded by Colmore BID.