Open Call for JELO6 Project CYPRUS

In a world that prioritizes knowledge, intellect, and technological perfection, we tend to overlook the significance of our bodies and sensory experiences. Jewelers, craftsmen, and artists are uniquely privileged to work primarily with their hands, engaging their senses, rhythm, and movement. Ideas are powerful, and inspiration fuels our creativity; yet without kinesthetic coordination, and direct interaction with materials, we cannot fully experience the alchemical transformation inherent in the creative process. It is through our tangible experiences that we bring our visions to life. 

We live in an era of constant change, where rapid technological advancements shape our lives. This moment presents a unique opportunity to step into the future consciously, integrating the tools and wisdom that we have inherited. Tradition has shaped who we are, and while AI offers new possibilities, true progress is rooted in understanding our heritage. Honoring our past allows us to move forward with purpose, ensuring that artistic legacies remain relevant.

Cyprus boasts a rich tradition in crafts that reflects its diverse cultural heritage and history. Pottery, weaving, lacemaking, and silversmithing reflect skills passed down through generations, inspired by the island’s natural beauty and folklore. Today, Cypriot artisans continue these time-honored techniques while infusing them with contemporary creativity, ensuring their vitality for future generations.

Jewelers, Ceramists and small-scale Sculptors of all levels, from aspiring students to seasoned professionals, are warmly encouraged to embrace this opportunity to share with us and our audience, their creativity and passion. Together, we can breathe new life into traditional processes, patterns, and artifacts while respecting their symbolic and historical significance. By doing so, we contribute to heritage preservation, empower artists, and promote ethical craftsmanship.


JELO6 Project CYPRUS aims through collective action, to promote Craftsmanship in Contemporary Jewelry, Ceramics, and small scale Sculpture/Objects both in Cyprus, and abroad, enhancing awareness and exchange of views, while establishing a dialogue between national and international designer/makers or entities active in these fields. In particular, it aims to:
- Inform and educate the public on issues related to Jewelry, Applied Arts and Crafts as art forms and a means of creative expression.
- Support individual artists and creative groups that are active in these particular fields.
- Bring together all interested and collaborative parties/members (artists, galleries, collectors, museums and other institutions promoting the arts and culture etc.) through communication and networking.


THE PROJECT:
JELO6 Project Cyprus 2025, will take place between the 12th and 16th of November. The central exhibition JEWELRY + OBJECTS + our 6 SENSES will be hosted by two main Venues: The Old Town Hall and the New Town hall of Nicosia. All satellite exhibitions and events will be hosted by a number of venues and cultural spaces situated all around the old part of the city.

ELIGIBILITY:
he organization JELO6 Project Cyprus 2025 is addressed to schools, independent designers/makers, groups and galleries from all Cyprus and all countries around the world that:
- Consider jewelry and wearable art, ceramics, small-scale sculpture and applied arts in general, as a means of self-expression, self-discovery and healing through embodiment in times of transition.
- Through their action are trying to push the boundaries between past and future grounds, establishing bridges and interconnected practices.

We are also looking for: authentic approaches, and excellence of craftsmanship.


Note that: there are no restrictions regarding the material, and concept of the work presented, however, size restrictions apply (please look at the “material required” included in the application section). No brand names will be admitted to participate. Please remember that: all works must be new and carefully selected to converse with our theme. Pieces that are part of past collections (more than two years old) or have been exhibited before will not be accepted.

Artists, Groups, Galleries and Schools that decide to apply should be ready to bring their work in person and join us at the opening/s. To be eligible to participate, each of the artists (or the one that assumes the responsibility to represent their group) should be properly registered as a self-employed worker in the Social Security system or be part of a company for taxation purposes.


THE JURY
Our central exhibition: JEWELRY + OBJECTS + our 6 SENSES is a Juried project. All satellite exhibitions go through a selection process as well. As the central exhibition will host three categories of artworks, we have invited the following Jury groups:

For the Contemporary Jewelry Category in alphabetical order:
- Broadhead Caroline, Artist and Educator - former Course Leader BA Jewelry Design, Central Saint Martins, London
- Lalaounis Ioanna, Director of the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens
- Manilla Jorge, Artist and Educator, Professor of Metal and Jewelry Art at the Oslo National Academy of Arts
- Pattichis Nicos Chr., Publisher, Architect and Art Collector
- Piersinaru Dan, Art and Cultural Events Organizer, Founder of the Autor Jewelry Fair in Romania


For the Ceramics and Sculpture / Installation Pieces Category in alphabetical order:
- Anastassiades Michael, Designer
- Manthou Konstantia, Architect, Artist and Creative Director for the Benaki Museum Shops
- Papadoukas Konstantinos, Sculptor, Product Designer, Lecturer Vakalo College of art and Design
- Ribeiro Paulo, Architect, Founder and Director of Contemporania High Craftsmanship Barcelona
More Jury Members in this section to be confirmed soon…


CRITERIA: Participants and applications, will be assessed by our jury according to the following criteria:
1) Conceptual approach, research line, coherence of work
2) Originality of design, composition and/or materials used
3) Craftsmanship and/or technical innovation.


INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS: HOW TO APPLY for the central exhibitions JELO6 Project / CYPRUS with the theme: Feel.Embody.Create.

Those interested in applying should read the instructions below carefully and send all required materials via WeTransfer to this email address: jelo6project@gmail.com

Required materials should describe one collection of work. Specifically please send,
-Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail, Web/Blog Address, Place and Date of Birth
-CV
-5 Photos representative of the work. Each photo should show only one piece of jewelry, photographed on white background. Dimensions: 10x15cm. Minimum resolution: 300 dpi. Format: JPG, JPEG. Each photo should be named as follows: Artist Name_Description_Title.jpg. ex: JohnSmith_Brooch_UnderTheSkin.jpg.
-Captions for each of the submitted photos, describing materials used for the making of the specific pictured piece, as well as the true dimensions of the objects to be exhibited.
-Brief Artist Statement (120 words max) presenting the concept behind the collection, inspiration, techniques and materials used etc.

All information submitted must be original, unedited and up to date. (The work must have been produced during the last couple of years and it should not have been exhibited before in Cyprus).

Application forms must be received by May 25th 2025. No entries past the deadline will be accepted.


PARTICIPATION FEE:
The application process has a non-refundable fee of 35 euros. Follow the online directions while applying.

If the application is accepted, to confirm your participation in JELO6 Project / CYPRUS 2025 if selected, please note that the amount of 650 euros + VAT 19%, should be deposited to the JELO6 Project team’s account. If your application reaches us before the 1st of May 2025, a 20% reduction will apply to the fee.

IMPORTANT: VAT is payable by everyone except those EU residents who have a tax identification number that is suitable for use in intra-Community transactions. Please use the VAT confirmation program - VIES - following the link: https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/taxation/vat/check-vat-numbervies/index_el.htm.
Participants should pay the respective fees by the 14th of July 2025 for their participation to be confirmed. Missing the deadline will result in cancellation of their application.

Bank details:
Name: LIANA PATTIHIS ACCOUNT
NO: 121-10-022521-00
IBAN: CY66005001210001211002252100
HELLENIC BANK SWIFT: HEBACY2N
Reference: JELO6 PROJECT CYPRUS


IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
25/05/2025: application deadline
11/11/2025: delivery of all artworks on site. Completed between 10.00 and 12.00 noon (unless otherwise agreed).
12/11/2025: @17.30, our team finishes with setting up, and @19.00 we open our doors to the public.
16/11/2025: dismantling, after 19.00


TERMS, CONDITIONS and OBLIGATIONS OF JELO6 Projects Organizers HERE p.9-11

JELO6 Project CYPRUS is organized by the JELO6 Team: Niki Stylianou, Liana Pattihis, Dionysis Grigoratos, Akis Pattihis in Communications Strategy, Konstantinos Zissis in Visual Promotion.


For more information on the application process and participation, please contact jelo6project@gmail.com