OPEN CALL 2027 “Nature & Perception” Art Residency in a Monastery

Α program, in a 16th century monastery, in the mountains of Peloponnese, aimed at visual artists, photographers, musicians, writers, directors, actors, etc., lasts 10 days. Philosophy of the Program The Art of Perception Nature and Perception unfolds as a ten-day field of attention — a journey through landscape, silence, and creation. It is not a workshop in the conventional sense, but a process of unlearning and returning: slowing down vision to rediscover perception as an act of life itself. In this space, the artist is invited to listen before seeing, to perceive before defining — to let nature become mirror and measure. Structure Morning: Guided walks through the landscape. Sensory exercises of observation, sound, and light. The day begins with silence, movement, and an openness to what the environment reveals. Afternoon: Individual time for creation. Artists return to their rooms or workspaces to continue their projects — writing, photographing, composing, or simply reflecting. The mentor remains available for discussion and feedback. Evening: Group meetings — open dialogues around artistic practice, perception, and the philosophy of seeing. Occasional silent walks or readings close the day, under the sound of the river and the evening light. Artistic Approach — The Practice of Attention There are no predefined goals, only an invitation to explore how perception becomes creation. Each participant follows their own rhythm, responding to place, time, and inner state. The process is guided by principles of presence, simplicity, and respect for environment — dissolving boundaries between the observer and the observed, the self and the landscape. Art emerges not from production, but from awareness. The Role of the Mentor — Guidance Through Presence The guiding mentor accompanies participants throughout the seminar — not to instruct, but to curate experience. Through gentle prompts, conversations, and shared walks, the mentor supports each artist’s process, cultivating trust in observation and authenticity of response. The focus is on exchange, listening, and the shared act of perceiving together. Outcome — From Observation to Offering By the end of the seminar, each participant shapes an individual body of work — visual, textual, or ephemeral — as a reflection of their encounter with nature and perception. The program concludes with a collective presentation within the monastery or its surrounding landscape: a quiet moment of sharing, where process becomes offering and perception becomes form. Duration of residency Duration – 12 Days (11 overnight stays) 04-15 May 2027 / 15-26 May 2027 Accommodation Poretsou Monastery Participants are accommodated in double rooms inside the monastery complex — simple, luminous spaces that open toward the forest and the sound of running water. Each room retains its monastic clarity: stone, wood, and light.There are shared indoor and outdoor areas for reading, writing, and reflection, as well as open spaces under the pine trees that serve as natural studios. Artists are invited to work individually or in silence, allowing their practice to unfold through presence and observation rather than production.The landscape itself becomes the workspace — paths, riversides, and courtyards offering sites for walking, photographing, drawing, or contemplation. Meals are shared in the monastery’s dining area, prepared with local ingredients and seasonal produce.The rhythm of the day — movement, creation, rest — follows the natural flow of light, encouraging a deep sense of connection between body, space, and perception. In this environment, living and working are not separate: the act of inhabiting becomes part of the creative process. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Nature and Perception unfolds as a ten-day field of attention — a journey through landscape, silence, and creation.It is not a workshop in the conventional sense, but a process of unlearning and returning: slowing down vision to rediscover perception as an act of life itself.In this space, the artist is invited to listen before seeing, to perceive before defining — to let nature become mirror and measure. Structure Morning: Guided walks through the landscape. Sensory exercises of observation, sound, and light. The day begins with silence, movement, and an openness to what the environment reveals. Afternoon: Individual time for creation. Artists return to their rooms or workspaces to continue their projects — writing, photographing, composing, or simply reflecting. The mentor remains available for discussion and feedback. Evening: Group meetings — open dialogues around artistic practice, perception, and the philosophy of seeing. Occasional silent walks or readings close the day, under the sound of the river and the evening light. Artistic Approach — The Practice of Attention There are no predefined goals, only an invitation to explore how perception becomes creation.Each participant follows their own rhythm, responding to place, time, and inner state.The process is guided by principles of presence, simplicity, and respect for environment — dissolving boundaries between the observer and the observed, the self and the landscape.Art emerges not from production, but from awareness. The Role of the Mentor — Guidance Through Presence The guiding mentor accompanies participants throughout the seminar — not to instruct, but to curate experience.Through gentle prompts, conversations, and shared walks, the mentor supports each artist’s process, cultivating trust in observation and authenticity of response. The focus is on exchange, listening, and the shared act of perceiving together. Outcome — From Observation to Offering By the end of the seminar, each participant shapes an individual body of work — visual, textual, or ephemeral — as a reflection of their encounter with nature and perception. The program concludes with a collective presentation within the monastery or its surrounding landscape:a quiet mom