The Halstead Grant is calling for entries. The grant awards a grand prize of $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Halstead headquarters in Prescott, AZ, press assistance, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.
The deadline for the grant is May 1. There will be a smaller cohort of finalists, but their prizes will be increased to $1,000 cash grant and $250 in jewelry supplies.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, student or professional jewelry designer intending to pursue a full-time career in metal jewelry design and sell on a national level. They must have a cohesive collection for resale that includes significant sterling or fine silver elements. The business must have started in the last 5 years and applicants are allowed 3 attempts.
The Halstead Grant began in 2006 to bring the business plan concept to the jewelry community and encourage makers to establish clear goals and measurable steps toward self-sufficiency. The Halstead Grant application process guides participants through the elements of a complete strategy for entrepreneurship. Participants all receive general feedback from the competition jurors, with finalists receiving individual feedback reports specific to their entries.
The 2023 judging committee includes Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott, Halstead Director of Finance Brad Scott, Halstead’s Marketing & Creative Manager, Kelli Vanyek Greene, Halstead’s Studio Coordinator Sylvie Alusitz, and guest judge Michelle Moyer.
Michelle (Haumont) Moyer is the owner of KP Studio in Phoenix, AZ and the artist behind Michelle Haumont Jewelry. She has been a metalsmith for over a decade and began teaching in 2013. She opened KP Studio in 2016 to create a community of metalsmiths, from beginning to advanced, learning from each other while learning the craft. She has fostered a welcome and friendly environment for all who take a class through the studio.