Unlocking Creativity in the Big Apple: 92NY Announces 2026 Jewelry Artist Residency
A prestigious call to artists offers a month-long immersion in New York City’s vibrant cultural landscape, complete with studio access, housing, and professional mentorship.
For jewelry designers and metalsmiths around the globe, few cities offer the magnetic pull of New York. From the historic Diamond District to the avant-garde galleries of Chelsea and the world-class collections at the Met, the city is a living, breathing mood board for creatives. Now, the 92nd Street Y (92NY), a cultural beacon on the Upper East Side, is offering one artist the golden ticket to experience it all.
The 92NY Jewelry Center has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 2026 Jewelry Artist Residency. Now entering its eighth year, this program stands alone as the only jewelry designer residency hosted within a New York City-based educational institution. It represents a rare opportunity for artists to step away from their daily routines and dive headfirst into a month of unrestricted creativity, research, and professional growth in the heart of the art world.
A Golden Opportunity for Jewelers and Metalsmiths
The residency is designed to be a career-defining moment for the selected artist. Scheduled to run from August 17 through September 13, 2026, the program offers a sanctuary for focused work. Unlike many residencies that may charge fees or require artists to find their own way, 92NY provides a fully supported experience.
According to the organization’s announcement, the residency is open to jewelers and metalsmiths at any stage of their career. Whether you are an emerging voice just beginning to make waves or an established professional looking to pivot your aesthetic or deep-dive into a new technique, the doors are open. The program’s primary goal is to allow the artist to develop a new body of work or complete significant research while engaging directly with New York City’s multifaceted cultural community.
Jonathan Wahl, the Director of the 92NY Jewelry Center and a celebrated artist in his own right, emphasized the global nature of this search.
“We welcome submissions from the United States and around the world,” Wahl stated. His invitation reflects the program’s history of attracting diverse talent from various continents, bringing unique perspectives to the historic studios of the 92NY.
What the 2026 Residency Includes: More Than Just a Studio
The 2026 Residency package is comprehensive, designed to remove logistical barriers so the artist can focus entirely on their craft.
World-Class Facilities and 24-Hour Access
The centerpiece of the residency is the workspace. The selected artist will be granted 24-hour access to private studio space within the 92NY. This round-the-clock availability is a game-changer for artists who work best during the quiet hours of the night or those who wish to maximize every moment of their month in the city.
The 92NY Jewelry Center is not just any workshop; it is the oldest open studio in New York City and the largest program of its kind in the nation. The facilities are state-of-the-art, boasting four fully equipped studios that cater to a wide range of techniques. While the resident artist will have their own private area, they will have access to resources that support:
- Enameling: Kilns and designated areas for vitreous enamel work.
- Casting: Centrifuge casting equipment for reproducing wax models in metal.
- Silversmithing and Goldsmithing: A vast array of stakes, hammers, and forming tools.
- Finishing: Professional polishing, grinding, and tumbling equipment to bring pieces to a museum-quality finish.
Living in the Heart of the Art World
To ensure the resident can fully immerse themselves in the city, 92NY provides studio apartment accommodations for the duration of the stay. Located within the 92NY residence, this housing places the artist right on Lexington Avenue, steps away from Central Park and the Museum Mile.
In addition to housing, the residency covers travel expenses to and from New York City. This financial support is crucial for international applicants, ensuring that the cost of flights does not deter the most talented individuals from applying.
Professional Growth and Networking
A residency is more than just time to work; it is about the connections you make. The 92NY program is structured to integrate the visiting artist into the local and international design community.
Curatorial Consultations
According to the statement released by 92NY, the artist in residence receives professional consultations with representatives from local cultural venues. These meetings are invaluable, offering the artist face-to-face time with curators, gallery owners, and critics who shape the contemporary jewelry market. In a city like New York, a single introduction can lead to future exhibitions, representation, or collaborations.
The Two-Day Workshop
The residency also provides a platform for the artist to showcase their expertise. The recipient will have the opportunity to present their work and techniques during a two-day workshop at the Jewelry Center. This educational component allows the artist to engage with the 92NY student community—a passionate group of makers ranging from hobbyists to professionals—and share their unique aesthetic or technical approach.
A Legacy of Excellence: Previous Residents
The 92NY Jewelry Residency has built a reputation for identifying and supporting exceptional talent. Looking at the roster of past residents reveals a commitment to diversity in style, material, and origin. Prospective applicants can look to these alumni to understand the caliber of work the panel seeks.
- Bettina Speckner (2025): A renowned German artist known for her poetic use of photography in jewelry. She often sets ferrotypes (early photographs on metal) into intricate settings, blurring the line between memory, object, and ornament.
- Shin-Ryeong Kim (2024): This South Korean artist is celebrated for her mastery of the “marriage of metal” technique and her use of mother-of-pearl. Her work often explores optical illusions and geometric structures, bringing a contemporary edge to traditional craftsmanship.
- Sungho Cho (2023): Known for his innovative approach to materials and form.
- Alexander Blank (2022): A Munich-based artist whose work often features pop-culture iconography and surrealist elements carved from high-density foam and other non-traditional materials.
- Claudia Lepik (2019): An Estonian artist whose work is often described as architectural and theatrical, pushing the boundaries of scale and wearability.
- Ineke Heerkens (2018): A Dutch artist who brings a painterly approach to jewelry, often focusing on color and ceramic elements.
- Göran Kling (2017): The inaugural resident, a Swedish goldsmith whose hip-hop and street-style inspired jewelry—worn by icons like A$AP Rocky—demonstrated the program’s openness to modern, edgy interpretations of the craft.
About the 92NY Jewelry Center
Understanding the host institution is key for any applicant. The 92NY Jewelry Center is a hub of education and creativity that has served the community for decades. Founded in the 1930s, it has evolved from a single metalworking class into a comprehensive department that serves over 1,000 students annually.
The center’s philosophy bridges the gap between fine art and craft. It is a place where historical techniques like granulation are taught alongside cutting-edge 3D printing and CAD design. For a visiting resident, this environment offers a perfect balance: the solitude of a private studio combined with the energy of a bustling educational facility filled with students and faculty who are passionate about metal.
How to Apply for the 2026 Residency
The search for the 2026 resident is currently underway, but the clock is ticking.
Application Deadline
All applications for the 92nd Street Y’s 2026 jewelry artist residency must be submitted by April 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
The Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and merit-based. This year’s applications will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts and professionals in the arts and humanities. While the specific names of the jurors change annually, they typically include curators, established artists, and critics with a deep understanding of the contemporary jewelry field.
The panel looks for a combination of technical skill, a distinct artistic voice, and a clear proposal of how the residency—and specifically the New York location—will benefit the artist’s practice.
Notification
The waiting period is short. The winner will be notified by mid-April, giving the selected artist several months to prepare for their August arrival in the United States.
Why You Should Apply
For many jewelers, the isolation of the studio can be both a blessing and a curse. The 92NY Residency offers a rare chance to break that isolation without sacrificing productivity. It is an invitation to let the energy of New York City seep into your work, to discuss your ideas with industry leaders, and to join a lineage of distinguished alumni who have left their mark on the field.
Whether you are a metalsmith obsessed with ancient techniques or a contemporary designer experimenting with alternative materials, this residency offers the time, space, and resources to push your boundaries.
Do not miss this opportunity to define the next chapter of your artistic career.
For more information on submission guidelines and to access the application portal, interested artists should visit the official 92NY website.
