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Handshake2 is the second edition of Handshake, a contemporary jewellery mentoring project in New Zealand. It is aimed at New Zealand contemporary jewellery artists, especially graduates and emerging makers who still need ongoing support after completing jewellery or art studies. Rather than a conventional recorded course or online learning platform, it is a long-term artistic practice project that combines international mentor feedback, creative development, blog-based documentation, and exhibition outcomes.
At the heart of the project is the pairing of New Zealand mentees with global mentors or role models they choose or are matched with. The text explicitly says it “reverses” the traditional apprenticeship model: instead of students working for mentors, mentors help participants develop ideas and exhibition work through feedback, advice, and support. The project uses tools such as Skype, Blogs, and FaceTime to create a virtual studio. Participants document research, design, making, self-reflection, mentor suggestions, and related materials through personal blogs, giving the project a strong process-based learning component.
Handshake2 also includes more structured development activities, such as Jewelcamp, Benjamin Lignel’s masterclass intensive, and multiple exhibitions in New Zealand and overseas, including Toi Pōneke, Stanley Street Gallery, Avid Gallery, and Pah Homestead. As a result, the learning outcomes do not remain at the discussion stage; they are tested in real exhibition contexts.
The website does not disclose application fees, participation costs, or payment methods. What can be confirmed is that Handshake2 received funding from Creative New Zealand and was supported by Makers 101, JEMbooks, and Whitireia NZ. It also operated an online store for additional fundraising. This makes it look more like a funded, selection-based artistic development project than a publicly sold course product.
Its strengths include international mentor resources, a long period of creative support, an emphasis on real works and exhibition outcomes, and the use of public blogs to preserve the learning process. These elements can be highly valuable for deepening an artist’s practice. The downsides are also clear: the page feels more like a historical archive, and it lacks practical current information such as enrollment, pricing, class hours, application requirements, or certificates. The field is also highly focused on contemporary jewellery, so it may not suit general design learners or broader art enthusiasts.
It is best suited to contemporary jewellery artists, art graduates, and research-oriented makers who already have a body of work and want professional mentor critique as well as access to an exhibition framework. It is not suitable for users looking to systematically learn the basics of jewellery making, obtain a professional certificate, or find a standardized online course.
The site shows clear signs of being based on WordPress.com, and the main text does not provide any information about access from China. Actual accessibility should be verified through local network testing; for now, it is rated as unknown.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on handshake2.com official site.
handshake2.com is an New Zealand Education provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 4.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Workable. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach handshake2.com directly.