Shine 2026: Application Guidelines and FAQs
Pages Contents
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1. Overview
2. Who can apply?
3. What are the key deadlines, Shine training programme schedule and sales requirements?
4. How to apply?
Step 1: Get informed before applying
Step 2: Application formats
Step 3: Supporting documentation
Step 4: Application form details
Step 5. What happens next after applying?
8 FAQs
1. Overview
The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Shine 2026 programme is a free 4-month training opportunity for early-career jewellery and silversmithing designermakers. It offers expert guidance on presenting, selling, and showcasing a new collection both online and in person.
Up to 10 participants will benefit from webinars, self-paced learning, and practical assignments, and may showcase their collection via the Goldsmiths’ Centre online shop, other platforms, and a live pop-up selling event in September.
Need help?
Email our team at applications@goldsmiths-centre.org
2. Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply if you are:
in your first 5 years of business
able to present a new collection at the time of application
committed to undertake and complete the all of the Shine training programme (as outlined below in the training programme schedule)
committed to growing a business as a designer maker, jeweller or silversmith
resident in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
And if your collection fits the following criteria:
coherent and tells a good story through the design and materials
well-made and finished collection of at least 10 objects or items of jewellery
appropriately priced and presented
can be sold from the Goldsmiths’ Centre Shop Talent online shop
3. What are the key deadlines and Shine training programme schedule?
Key deadlines:
Info Session What to Know Before You Applying, delivered online. Register now for a free place: Thu 23 April, 12.30pm - 1pm, or Tue 28 April 2026, 6pm – 6.30pm
Application deadline: Mon 18 May 2026 by 5pm
Training programme - part-time, online (see Section 3 schedule) must be completed by all participants: Fri 5 June – Thu 17 September 2026
In person pop-up selling event and exhibition launch at the Goldsmiths' Centre: Wed 16 September 2026
Shine 2026 exhibition at the Goldsmiths' Centre: Fri 18 September - Fri 18 December 2026
Your work (the exhibits) will be available to purchase via the Goldsmiths' Centre's online shop: Wed 16 September - Tue 31 August 2027
Training Programme Schedule:
Selected participants must take part in all elements of the 2026 programme, delivered through the sessions below, plus follow-up sessions in autumn/winter 2026:
Module
Hosted/Organised by Date and time Delivery format
1. Moodle online learning platform onboarding The Goldsmiths' Centre team From Fri 5 June 2026 Email invitation / instructions
2. LIVE: Induction to Shine online training; introduction to the filming and photography assignment brief. Q&A. Shine organiserCharlotte Dew, Head of Public Programmes, The Goldsmiths' Centre Mon 15 June 2026, 3pm4.30pm Live Zoom
3. RECORDED: Presenting yourself and your work on
Smartphone video experts - John Dixon w/c 15 June Pre-recorded film
camera and Ralph Tittley, Brightest Bulb 2026
4. RECORDED: Photographing your work
5. RECORDED: Speaking to camera and taking part in live events
Smartphone video experts - John Dixon and Ralph Tittley, Brightest Bulb
w/c 15 June 2026
Pre-recorded film
6. LIVE: Interviews with Shine exhibitors
Smartphone video experts - John Dixon and Ralph Tittley, Brightest Bulb w/c 22 June 2026
Pre-recorded film
7. LIVE: Pricing and product review 1-2-1 session
8. LIVE: Photographing your work Q&A: ask questions about the training film and get advice on how to improve your photographs
Creative Content Producer - Rae Gellel, Head of Public ProgrammesCharlotte Dew, Head of Digital and CommunicationsIsabel Keim, The Goldsmiths’ Centre
Alison Skeates, Founder and Head of Buying at EC One, Head of Public ProgrammesCharlotte Dew, Curatorial AssociateGreg Parsons, Programme Coordinator
Digital Marketing Executive and Fine Jewellery Maker – Kay Konecna, The Goldsmiths’ Centre
From w/c 22 June –24 July 2026
Live Zoom (personal time/appointmen t for each maker)
9. LIVE: Writing about your work
Author and Creative Writing specialistShaun Levin
Tue 23 June 2026
Live Zoom (personal time/appointmen t for each maker)
Wed 24 June 2026 –2pm4.30pm Live Zoom
Wed 8 July 2026, 2pm4pm or Thu 9 July 2026, 10am12pm or 2pm-4pm
Live Zoom sessions (one of these session times will be allocated to each maker)
10. RECORDED: Selling at Luxury Retail Sales w/c 20 July Pre-recorded film
a distance
11. LIVE: Improving your online presence
12. LIVE: Promoting your Shine presence
Consultant - Zoe Cooper, Zoe Cooper Associates 2026
Fashion, Business and Digital ConsultantToyin Laketu
Head of Digital and Communications Isabel Keim, The Goldsmiths’ Centre
Additional events and deadlines:
Wed 29 July, 2026,10am -12.30pm Live Zoom
Wed 26 August 2026, 3pm - 4.30pm Live Zoom
Delivery of Shine collection to the Goldsmiths' Centre (unless requested sooner for re-photography): by or on Fri 14 August 2026
Participation in the Shine 2026 exhibition and selling pop-up launch event on the afternoon and evening of Wed 16 September 2026.
Goldsmiths' Fair introduction (to help with a future application, if desirable)
Shine sales requirement
Sales requirements:
Shine participants will also be expected to work with the Goldsmiths’ Centre to make their work available for purchase through the Centre’s online shop, Goldsmiths' Shop Talent, unless there is an agreed reason not to.
The Goldsmiths’ Centre will take a commission of 15%+VAT on sales, to cover costs. Applicants are asked to confirm the availability of work for sale this application.
4. How to apply?
This section details how to apply and the supporting documents you will need to submit your application.
Step 1: Get informed before applying
Read this guide; or attend one of online Q&A info sessions (optional) to ensure that you understand the application process.
Step 2: Applications formats
You can apply for the Shine programme either via:
a. our online application form, which can be accessed via any standard web browser on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The
application takes around 30 minutes if you have your images and object dimensions ready. You can save and return to it before the deadline. Have all required supporting documents ready to upload, as listed in this guide, to make the process easier.
b. a video captured on your camera phone or computer, submitted via a Vimeo or YouTube link (set to private or unlisted), Google Drive or Dropbox. Only parts of the application can be submitted this way. Please contact charlotte.dew@goldsmithscentre.org before submitting.
See our FAQs for a step by step guide on how to best capture your submission.
Step 3: Supporting documentation
Submit details and images for a collection of 10 – 12 finished jewellery pieces or objects. All required materials must be included with your application or it will not be accepted.
Photo: Provide a portrait photograph of yourself working in your workshop or studio. Include a photographer credit if applicable. Minimum file size of 1.5MB (up to a maximum of 1GB), 300 dpi resolution, and saved in JPG, PNG, or TIFF format. Label your file using your first and second name (e.g. first name_last name).
Images of your work: For each work proposed for the exhibition, submit a photograph on a white background. Images must be 1.5MB–1GB, 300 dpi, in JPG, PNG, or TIFF format. Name each file to identify you and link it to the object number (e.g. object 1_your name_object title).
Step 4: Application form details
Complete all sections of the online application form as follows:
Section 3:
Contact information
Section 4: Business Information
Your name, preferred name for public use (if different from your first and last name or business name), email address, mobile and/or landline number and postal address.
Your business name, business website, social media accounts, number of years trading as a business, whether you are registered VAT and if so, your registration number.
A description of your business in up to 300
Section 6: Your Story
words and list any awards, prizes, exhibitions you have received, been nominated for, or taken part in.
The title of the collection of work that you are proposing for the Shine exhibition and selling pop-up event.
A 100-word (max) third-person description of the proposed Shine collection, covering its inspiration, themes, and making process.
A brief biography of up to 100 words written in the third person.
Section 7 – Section 19: Your Collection
Section 20: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Survey
Details and images for a collection of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 12 items of finished jewellery or objects. For all objects, you must submit:
an object name/title
dimensions in mm (including, as appropriate height, width, depth, ring size, chain length in inches)
materials (e.g. Sterling silver, 18ct gold etc)
list of all techniques using in production (e.g. casting, engraving, chasing etc.)
retail price in Pound sterling
replacement value in Pound sterling (for insurance purposes, usually 50% of retail price)
whether this piece is a sample (e.g. another piece is be made to order), or whether it is available for direct sale through the Goldsmiths’ Centre online shop the lead time for delivery in weeks if made to order
Before submitting your application, you must complete a short anonymous EDI survey to help us improve accessibility and fairness. This survey will not impact your application.
Section 21: Declaration You are required to sign a declaration
confirming that:
all information in your application is true.
the proposed collection will be available ahead of the exhibition in August and may be held by the Goldsmiths’ Centre until January for dispatch if sold (for dates, see Training Programme Schedule)
you will take part in all elements of the Shine programme as outlined in the Training Programme Schedule.
your data may be stored on an electronic database for administrative purposes in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR, and will not be shared without your consent.
your submitted images may be used for Goldsmiths’ Centre promotional purposes (including print, press, social media, website, and e-newsletters).
the Goldsmiths’ Centre may change venues, speakers, or cancel the event if required due to circumstances beyond its control.
Step 5: Once your application has been submitted, Charlotte Dew will be in touch from charlotte.dew@goldsmiths-centre.org to say that your application form has been received and inform you in regards to any clarifications or outstanding information required.
Your anonymous application will be reviewed by an independent selection panel made up of invited external industry experts, a former Shine participant and the Goldsmiths' Centre team. You will be notified on or by 29 May 2026 of the outcome of your application by charlotte.dew@goldsmiths-centre.org
If you have not heard back from us before the application deadline, please contact us to check that your application has been received.
Please note: Regularly check your inbox and junk mail for correspondence and ensure that you have added both charlotte.dew@goldsmiths-centre.org and erin.sleeper@goldsmithscentre.org to your safe list.