FUTURE projects
Professional Development Initiatives for Aotearoa Jewellery Artists
Since 2011, M101 has led a series of professional development initiatives for contemporary jewellery artists in Aotearoa New Zealand, most notably the internationally recognised Handshake Project. Conceived as a practical master’s framework, Handshake offered emerging artists high-profile learning through sustained mentorship, coaching, and exhibition opportunities—bridging the gap between formal education and independent practice. The Handshake Project could only exist through the generous support of Creative New Zealand and the many volunteers who have contributed their time, knowledge, and care over the years.
In the wake of COVID-19, the New Zealand art education landscape has suffered significant setbacks. The closure and contraction of tertiary programmes have disrupted the flow of talented graduates and weakened the infrastructure that supports rigorous artistic development. M101 advocates for a renewed vision: one that integrates historical awareness, conceptual inquiry, and technical learning into a robust and future-facing art education system. The viability of projects like Handshake depends on the presence of such institutions, which cultivate the foundational skills and critical thinking necessary for advanced practice.
In response to this shifting terrain, M101 has pivoted toward preservation and sector resilience. Current initiatives include the Aotearoa Jewellery Triennial, the Suter Jewellery Biennial (in collaboration with the Suter Art Gallery), Jewellery LAB (a year-long development programme in partnership with The National, Christchurch), and upcoming international exhibitions in Munich and Sydney (2026) and a few more smaller projects.
These projects are supported by a mentor programme and a lecture series featuring international speakers, designed to foster dialogue, visibility, and excellence within the field.
While the Handshake Project is temporarily paused, M101 remains committed to nurturing the next generation of contemporary jewellers. Its future depends on the emergence of a renewed educational vision—one that restores momentum, affirms artistic value, and builds pathways for meaningful, context-rich practice in Aotearoa.
https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/898312/156124404284130945 (article of Peter Deckers about the HS project in Leaflet #5)
Watch this space
