Dear Artists,
The Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) invites you to participate in the three-day Professional Development Workshop, taking place in Santorini on 26–28 September 2025 at Vedema Resort, Megalochori.
This workshop is dedicated to artists living and working in Santorini who engage with clay or other material-based practices. It represents a unique opportunity to meet, exchange experiences, and gain valuable tools to strengthen both your artistic and professional path.
Professional Development Program
Three-Day Professional Development Workshop for Artists Working with Material-Based Practices.
As part of the initiative “Clay Commons: Bridging Heritage, Innovation and Community”, the Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) is launching for the first time a three-day professional development workshop for artists working with clay and other material-based practices. The program provides essential tools for sustaining a contemporary artistic career, connecting creative practice with professional skills, access to institutions, and broader cultural networks.
This intensive workshop is designed to help artists articulate and communicate their work more effectively: in person, in writing, and online. Participants will explore strategies for building a strong portfolio, writing compelling artist statements, applying for funding, presenting their work during studio visits and virtual meetings, and cultivating long-term relationships with curators, collectors, and institutions.
Applications are now open, and early registration is strongly recommended. Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through the online form. Following the completion of the evaluation process, all applicants will be notified via email.
Participation is free of charge, as part of BCK’s commitment to supporting the professional development of artists. The number of participants is limited, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, following application review.
WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Santorini 26–28 September 2025 Vedema Resort, Megalochori
Athens 17–19 October 2025 Sealed Earth Studio
Rhodes 21–23 November 2025 Auberge de France
KEY TOPICS
Professional Presentation - Portfolio: Editing, formatting, and presenting your work in digital and print formats.
- Artist Statements & Applications: Communicating your artistic vision clearly and persuasively across platforms.
Funding & Sustainability - Funding Strategies: Crafting grant proposals, planning sponsorships, and identifying relevant support structures.
- Publishing & Self-Initiated Projects: From artist book prototypes to collaborative editorial initiatives.
Visibility & Networks - Digital Presence: Building an effective online identity through websites, social media, and digital tools.
- Networking & Outreach: Engaging in studio visits, connecting with curators, and strengthening long-term visibility in the field.
Career Development - Exhibition & Career Planning: Navigating opportunities - from artist-run spaces to international platforms.
- Rights & Agreements: Understanding copyrights, usage rights, and professional contracts.
INSTRUCTORS
Lambros Papanikolatos
Director of BCK and of the BA (Hons) in Photography with Video program at AKTO, in collaboration with Middlesex University. An experienced academic and curator, specializing in photography, art management, and art promotion. With a background in cultural management, artistic curation, production, and communication, he brings essential insights and tools for navigating today’s art world.
Eleni Lozou
Artist Liaison of BCK, an artist manager and exhibition maker with a background in institutional programming and contemporary art synergies. She supports artists in developing sustainable practices, building meaningful professional connections, and advancing their work within broader cultural contexts. With hands-on experience in artist representation, project development, and institutional partnerships, she brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to contemporary artistic practice. | |
