Open call for illustrators

“Velanidi” invites children’s book illustrators to apply for the creative residency program (April 27 – May 4, 2025) in Peleta, South Kynouria.

Program Description
“Velanidi” team is excited to host a children’s book illustrator in Peleta, South Kynouria. The program aims to foster connections between art, nature, and local cultural heritage. The selected illustrator will have the opportunity to explore the plateau of Peleta, drawing inspiration from the region as a means to enrich his/her artistic themes and prepare illustrative material that reflects the landscapes and people of the area.

Th guest illustrator selected for the residency is expected to collaborate with the students of the Primary School of Peleta. 

Residency Benefits
Guest illustrator of “Velanidi” will be provided with accommodation in a two-bedroom house. Illustrators with families are encouraged to apply.
Guest will also have access to a workspace and a library, which includes resources on local history and the natural environment of the area, as well as a growing collection of children’s books.

For this specific residency program, “Velanidi” offers an honorarium of 500€. Residents are responsible for covering their transportation costs to and from Athens, as well as their local travel and food expenses during their stay in Peleta.

Application Guidelines
Applicants are invited to outline a project they wish to work on during their stay in Peleta, considering the thematic focus on the natural landscape and the relationship between people and their environment. The program also welcomes broader approaches, allowing participants to explore other aspects of the village’s cultural and social life. Priority will be given to proposals that encourage the participation of students, both through the artistic process and by incorporating stories and traditions of the area into the final work.

To apply, please submit:

A. CV
B. Portfolio of recent works
C. Short description of the proposed project (300 words)
Email your application to info@velanidi-residency.gr.

Important Information
Residency Duration: April 27 – May 4, 2025
Application Deadline: February 16, 2025
Eligibility: The open call is addressed to illustrators who have illustrated at least one children’s book published in Greece.
Proposal Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated by a five-member committee consisting of:

Alexa Apostolaki, Publisher, Kaleidoscope Publications
Angeliki Giannikopoulou, Professor of Children’s Literature, Department of Primary Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Katerina Konstantinou, Ph.D., Art Historian & Social Anthropologist, Velanidi
Maria Bacha, Illustrator
Georgia Souvatzi, Art Historian, Communication & Marketing Manager for publishing houses, Velanidi
Contact
For more information or clarifications, please email your inquiries to info@velanidi-residency.gr.

The program is organized by the NGO Modal Public Heritage Lab, with the support and under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture.