From Waste Material To Unique Jewellery

What is the programme?

You will take part in an intensive three-day international residency where you will explore the creative potential of recycled, reused, and unconventional materials. Through hands-on work, mentoring, and exchange with other participants, you will get to know contemporary approaches to sustainable design and develop your ideas into unique pieces of jewellery and other wearable objects.
The academy brings together material exploration, design thinking, storytelling through design, and practical making in a stimulating international environment.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is intended for:

• emerging creators at the beginning of their professional journey in jewellery design and contemporary craft,
• students and graduates of art, design, and related fields,
• anyone interested in sustainability and circular design,
• creators who want to explore new materials and develop their creative expression,
• anyone interested in textile structures, material interweaving, and transformation.
• No prior technical knowledge is required.

What will you do?

Over the course of three intensive days, you will:

• participate in hands-on workshops in sustainable jewellery design,
• experiment with recycled, reused, and alternative materials,
• learn about contemporary craft techniques and low-impact processes,
• develop your own creative concepts through material exploration and making,
• receive mentoring support and ongoing feedback,
• create and refine your final pieces,
• present your work at a final presentation and group discussion.

What will you gain?

By the end of the programme, you will:

• create three sustainably designed jewellery pieces using different techniques,
• develop your own design concept and document it appropriately,
• gain practical experience in sustainable approaches to jewellery design,
• improve your skills in presenting and communicating your creative work,
• deepen your understanding of sustainability in contemporary craft and design,
• become part of an international network of creators.

Programme details

Dates: 30 September – 2 October 2026
Location: WEHUB, Thessaloniki, Greece
Format: three-day international residency
Number of participants: 28
Application deadline: 12 June 2026
Apply via the LINK.

Financial support

If you are selected, the following will be covered:

• travel costs,
• accommodation,
• meals.

More detailed information on organisation and cost coverage will be provided after selection.
For Slovenia, the partner organisation is Center Rog.
Contact: lucija.jankovec@center-rog.si

How will applications be selected?

Selection will be based on:

1. Your creative vision
Your interest or experience in craft, jewellery design, or other creative practices, as well as originality and creative potential demonstrated through your portfolio or presented works.

2. Your interest in the programme themes
Interest in sustainability, material experimentation, creative development, and collaboration.

3. Your English language proficiency
A level of English that allows you to actively participate in an international environment.

Important information

If selected, you will be required to attend all programme activities and actively participate throughout the programme. Full attendance is a condition for receiving the final certificate of successful completion.
Before the residency begins, all selected participants will sign an agreement outlining the programme goals, expectations regarding participation, and the conditions for obtaining the certificate.