GEMZ

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 fourth cycle of Current Obsession’s Talent Accelerator Programme, GEMZ, drops this summer 2026!

For 2026–2027, we are hunting for the next cohort of jewellery artists, designers, and makers, whether you graduated between 2023 and 2026 or are self-taught with at least four years of active studio practice, to level up across our one-year programme.

The programme unfolds in three phases. EXPLORATION kicks off with online sessions from industry heavyweights, breaking down what actually means to have a sustainable and successful practice: legal non-negotiables, curation, ethical art practices, marketing and profiling. In DEVELOPMENT, you will map out a project plan and pitch a physical piece to create. Finally, in PRODUCTION, a select crew will bring those ideas to life supported by one-on-one and group mentorship.

Catch up on the last edition [here], or grab the Cycle III publication, GEMZ: WET, from the CO Store [here].