Applying for Goldsmiths’ Fair: my experience – Alice Biolo

Alice Biolo creates kinetic jewellery and sculptural pieces that unfold through interaction. Her work investigates insecurity, grief, trauma, and internal struggles, using symbolism and mixed materials to reveal hidden layers. By inviting interaction, her jewellery transforms hidden elements into intimate discoveries and powerful narratives.

Alice successfully applied for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2025 and was the recipient of one of 10 bursary stands and was awarded the Louisa Guinness Gallery Award in week two for her ‘Hidden Ring’ piece, which was also purchased for the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection.

We spoke to Alice about her application experience and what it meant to her and her business to exhibit at the Fair.

How many years have you been running your business?

I started my business in July 2023, immediately after graduating with a BA (Hons) from The Glasgow School of Art. I am currently halfway through my third year of running the business.

What made you apply to the Fair?  

I applied to the Fair because I was looking for opportunities in the UK to connect both with an audience and with other artists like myself. Previously, my network and opportunities were mainly international and focused on exhibitions rather than selling at fairs.

I had visited the Fair in previous years and felt it was the right event where I could see both myself and my work thrive, so I began working towards it. I initially applied to Spotlighting and Shine through the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Progressing from a smaller-scale event such as Shine felt like a natural step; it prepared me for face-to-face events for the first time and helped me build the confidence to finally take the leap and apply for the Goldsmiths’ Fair.

How did you hear about the bursary scheme?

I initially noticed the bursary scheme being advertised online through social media. I then got in contact with previous EBB recipients from earlier years who are based in Glasgow, in order to gain first-hand insight and ask for advice on how best to prepare my application.

How did you find the application process?

Surprisingly easy! I felt a bit daunted before applying, as it was my first time and I tend to second-guess myself in written applications. Connecting with past exhibitors and receiving their feedback definitely helped me understand whether it was the right time for me to apply. Once I felt confident, I gathered all the necessary information and completed the application in one afternoon. Overall, I found the process clear, concise, and relatively fast.

How did you choose which work to submit?

I decided to apply a few months before the application opened and began designing new pieces specifically for the submission. I wanted to challenge myself technically and present work that was entirely new and had not been exhibited previously. Most importantly, I aimed to submit a coherent body of work that clearly showcased the new direction I was taking in my practice.

While designing the pieces, I also wanted to introduce a sense of diversity within the collection, showcasing both statement brooches and more wearable, budget-friendly options such as rings.

How did you find the training given by the Goldsmiths’ Centre?

As mentioned earlier, I progressed through the Getting Started, Spotlighting, and Shine programmes. My career initially focused more on the fine-art side of jewellery, where I exhibited very small bodies of work or individual pieces, with little emphasis on selling. I started out completely unprepared, but gradually, through the different programmes, I gained essential knowledge in areas such as social media and website presence, product photography, filming videos, and how to write and speak about my work in face-to-face events and pop-ups. I also learned about practical aspects such as self-employment, taxes, and how to price my work properly.

Despite this preparation, I was still nervous about participating in the Fair and unsure of what to expect. The EBB training, however, was absolutely excellent. The team shared valuable behind-the-scenes insights into what we could potentially expect, including an overview of visitors and guidance on preparing for the online launch of the event. We also received in-person selling skills coaching, took part in a Q&A with past exhibitors where we could ask specific questions, and attended an industry panel advice session where I received invaluable one-to-one feedback.

After completing the EBB training, I can confidently say that I felt fully prepared for my first time at the Fair, and it took a massive weight off my chest.

Which aspect of the Emerging Business Bursary scheme did you feel was most valuable to you and your business?

The industry panel advice session was extremely valuable to me, as it provided one-to-one feedback tailored specifically to my practice and business. I also found the selling skills coaching session particularly insightful, as this side of the business was very new to me. It helped me overcome some insecurities through clear methods and practical, easy-to-apply tips.

Another aspect of the EBB that I found highly valuable was the financial support provided through the bursary. This gave me greater freedom to create new work for the Fair, with less pressure around costs and the need to estimate potential profits simply to cover expenses.

How has the Fair exposure impacted your client base?

As I am still relatively new to a UK audience, the Fair was a real game changer for me. While some clients were already familiar with my work from previous exhibitions, I met many new faces throughout the week and made strong new connections. These included new and potential future clients, as well as fellow exhibitors and other industry professionals visiting the Fair, which I value greatly.

Was there anything about the Fair you wish you’d known? What’s your top tip for new applicants/exhibitors?

I was initially nervous about the amount of work I was bringing, as I didn’t have a large amount of stock. It turned out to be exactly the right amount for my first time at the Fair, and all that anxiety was completely unnecessary, something I wish I had known beforehand. My main advice would be to bring a strong, coherent body of work and, even if you don’t have a lot of pieces, to find an original and dynamic way to display them.

One very practical thing I wish I’d known: don’t bring brand-new microfibre towels to clean glass displays, they leave a lot of residue and fluff that’s incredibly hard to remove once your stand is fully set up!

I also received many compliments on my display, which was completely DIY and quite minimal. This showed me that even on a low budget, it’s possible to create a display that truly represents you and your work while standing out from other stands. Thinking carefully about presentation and how it complements your work would definitely be a top tip for new applicants, as visitors really do notice it.

What was it like being selected for one of the Goldsmiths’ Fair Awards? 

Being selected for the Louisa Guinness Gallery Award was an incredible privilege and a huge confidence boost. I had been following the gallery even before the Fair and had always dreamed of exhibiting with them, so it was surreal that in the same year I not only had the opportunity to exhibit at the Goldsmiths’ Fair but also receive an award and participate in a show at the gallery as part of it. Both institutions are highly respected, and being publicly recognised felt like a major milestone in my career, significantly boosting my credibility as an artist.

See Alice’s work on her website and Instagram (@alicebiolo)