About NJW
Nelson Jewellery Week (NJW) was initiated by Arts Council Nelson in 2021 as a response to a collaboration with Refinery ArtSpace and the Handshake Project, run by Wellington based Peter Deckers and Hilda Gascard. Handshake Project brought their 10th anniversary exhibition Chain Reaction to the gallery and from this NJW was born.
The aim of NJW was to create a broader context around this exhibition and provide the opportunity for wider participation for the Whakatū and Aotearoa jewellery community.
Since then NJW has grown to become a celebration of contemporary jewellery making - for everybody. The intention remains to invite a wide lens to art jewellery with an array of exhibitions, workshops, public talks and events for the public to view and participate in.
Jewellery is to be seen, talked about, read about and especially worn and celebrated.
It is a means of expression for maker and wearer alike and offers an invitation to experience contemporary art in both a uniquely personal way and as part of a community
NJW is brought to you by a small and dedicated team of practitioners and enthusiasts. Pictured are the 2023 Co-Project Managers Katie Pascoe (left) and Kay Van Dyk (right)
We would like to acknowledge and thank our funders Creative New Zealand, Nelson Regional Development Agency, Nelson City Council, and our partners Refinery ArtSpace, Te Pūkenga Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Objectspace, the Suter Art Gallery te Aratoi o Whakatū, and Uniquely Nelson for their generous support.
Photographs | Melissa Banks
