Athens 2026
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JELO6 Project ATHENS, 13-17 May 2026
Our team invites you to the second edition of the event:
JELO6 Project / ATHENS
With the theme :
Can Art ultimately be a-political?
JELO6 Athens 2026 invites artists, makers, and collectives,
working in the fields of contemporary jewelry, ceramics, and art objects
to participate with works, installations, or other actions
that explore the relationship between art, society, and political responsibility.
Through their own practice, participants are invited to express how art can become a space of co-creation and dialogue, care and community, expression and resistance, conscious and responsible action.
More About the Theme
Art has always been a field of expression, conflict, dreaming, and resistance. But today, in a world of social inequalities, environmental crisis, and political and cultural fluidity, can we truly speak of apolitical art? Or is every act of creation—even the most “private” one—already a political gesture, because it expresses a way of existing and relating to the world?
Participatory art emerges from the need to redefine the relationship between creator, artwork, and viewer. At its core lies the act of “togetherness”—the belief that art is not the privilege of a few, but a shared space of expression, coformation, and social dialogue. When the viewer is invited to cocreate, to share experiences, or to bring their personal story into the process, art ceases to be an object of aesthetic consumption and becomes a political act of participation.
In a world where social inequalities and cultural exclusions are widening, participatory art functions as a framework of care, community, and empowerment. Creation becomes a way for silenced voices to be heard, for knowledge to emerge from the margins, for relationships to be built through collaboration. The aesthetic experience is transformed into a social act, into a micropolitical field where every gesture matters—from shaping an object to telling a story.
Participatory art does not promise to change the world in a spectacular way; it invites us, however, to reimagine how we coexist within it. In this collective act of creation, the “I” shifts toward the “we”—and it is precisely there that the most essential form of politics is born.
JELO6 Athens 2026 invites creators of contemporary jewelry, ceramics, and art objects to approach this question through their own practice. To explore how material, gesture, and the relationship with the public can express participation, coexistence, and the political dimension of creation.
To create works that speak not only about the world, but with the world.
We invite you to participate!
Vision & Goals
The JELO6 Project Athens is driven by a collective vision: to elevate contemporary craftsmanship and the applied arts as they unfold today in the fields of contemporary jewelry, ceramics, and smallscale sculpture/objects, as well as in the fertile intersections between these disciplines. With an outward-looking approach, the project seeks to strengthen these practices both within Greece and internationally.
At its heart lies a commitment to cultivating awareness, fostering dialogue, and encouraging the exchange of ideas. JELO6 aspires to create a dynamic platform where creators, designers, and cultural institutions—local and global—can meet, converse, and collaborate.
More specifically, the program aims to:
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Engage and educate the public on contemporary jewelry, design, applied arts, and craftsmanship—highlighting their role as vital forms of artistic and creative expression.
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Support individual artists and creative collectives working within these fields, offering visibility, connection, and opportunities for growth.
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Bring together the wider ecosystem—artists, galleries, collectors, museums, and cultural organizations—through meaningful communication and networking, strengthening the community that sustains these practices.
Τhe Project:
The JELO6 Project ATHENS 2026 will take place from 13–17 May 2026.
The central exhibition, JEWELRY + OBJECTS + our 6 SENSES, will be hosted at the Benaki Museum – Pireos 138.
Satellite exhibitions and events will unfold across collaborating galleries and art spaces, as well as in alternative venues throughout the center of Athens, creating a vibrant network of artistic activity across the city.
The Benaki Museum on Pireos Street stands along one of Athens’ major new cultural and developmental axes. The renovation of the existing building—structured around an internal courtyard—was made possible through the cofunding of the Ministry of Culture and the European Union.
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The Museum’s mission is to:​​
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Support scholarly research in the fields of history, archaeology, material culture studies, architecture, photography, the visual and performing arts, and literature.
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Educate its audiences through permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions, courses, programs, events, publications, and openaccess resources.
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Play an active role in fostering social cohesion, safeguarding global cultural heritage, and promoting intercultural dialogue.
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Maintain a dynamic relationship with developments in both the Greek and international cultural landscape.
We are delighted and deeply grateful for their generous hosting support.
Participation Criteria
JELO6 Athens 2026 welcomes applications from schools, independent designers/creators, collectives, and galleries from across Greece and from all countries worldwide, who:
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Understand contemporary jewelry, wearable art, ceramics, smallscale sculpture/objects, and the applied arts more broadly as mediums of selfexpression, selfknowledge, and—where relevant—healing, through embodied engagement during periods of transition, and
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Through their practice, seek to expand the boundaries between disciplines—whether artistic or academic—as well as between past and future, building bridges and interconnected approaches.
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We are also seeking authentic artistic voices and a high level of craftsmanship.
There are no restrictions regarding materials or conceptual approach for the works submitted.
Brand names will not be accepted.
Please note:
All works must be new and carefully selected to engage meaningfully with the theme of the event.
Works belonging to older collections (more than two or three years old) or previously exhibited will not be accepted.
ARTISTS, COLLECTIVES, GALLERIES, AND SCHOOLS SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION MUST BE PREPARED TO PERSONALLY TRANSPORT THEIR WORKS TO ATHENS AND TO ATTEND THE OPENING EVENT.
The Jury
The central exhibition JEWELRY + OBJECTS + our 6 SENSES is a juried project.
The members of the jury committee will be announced during the first ten days of January 2026.
All satellite exhibitions will also undergo a selection process, conducted by the JELO6 Project team.
Individual Artists
Application Guidelines for the Central Exhibition of JELO6 Project ATHENS 2026
“JEWELRY + OBJECTS + our 6 SENSES – Can Art Be A-Political?”
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The central exhibition of JELO6 Project Athens, which will take place at the Benaki Museum – Pireos 138, will feature INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS working in the fields of jewelry, ceramics, and objectmaking. Their work will be presented alongside that of the awardwinning artists from the previous edition as well as the invited guests of the event.
Interested INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS are invited to read the following guidelines carefully and submit all required materials through the designated application form.
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Note: All submitted materials must describe one cohesive body of work.
Submission Deadline: 1 March 2026
No applications will be accepted after this date.
Financial Terms / Participation Fee
Application Fee: €25 (nonrefundable). Payment is made electronically during the submission process.
Participation Fee: For the main exhibition and for INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS, the participation fee is €495 (VAT included).
Applications submitted before 1 February 2026 are eligible for a 10% discount.
Selected artists must complete payment of the participation fee by 20 March 2026.
Failure to meet this deadline will result in cancellation of participation.
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Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
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Conceptual Approach – coherence, depth of research, and clarity of the artistic idea
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Originality – innovation in design, composition, and use of materials
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Craftsmanship & Technical Innovation – quality of execution and inventive technical solutions
Solo Exhibitions, Artist Groups, Collectives,
Galleries, Schools
Application guidelines for Satellite Exhibitions — JELO6 Project ATHENS 2026​
​As part of its broader cultural program, JELO6 Athens 2026 will host a series of Satellite Exhibitions across selected venues in the city of Athens. These exhibitions will complement the central exhibition at the Benaki Museum (Pireos 138) and will contribute to the creation of a diverse, citywide artistic network that reflects the scope and vision of the JELO6 Project.
The Satellite Program is open to solo artists, artist groups, collectives, galleries, and art & design schools engaged in the fields of contemporary jewelry, ceramics, smallscale sculpture/objects, wearable art, and the applied arts. The aim of the program is to support highquality artistic presentations that enrich the cultural landscape of the festival and foster dialogue within the international creative community.
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Financial Terms / Participation Fee
Application Fee: €25 (non-refundable). Payment is made electronically during the submission process.
Participation Fee: To support the administrative, promotional, and organizational framework of the festival, the following participation fees apply:
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Solo Exhibition: €300 (VAT included)
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Artist Groups / Collectives: €400 (VAT included) forn 2-8 participants
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Galleries: €400 (VAT included) forn 2-8 participants
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Art & Design Schools: €250 (VAT included) forn 2-8 participants
Participants are responsible for securing and financing their own exhibition venue. JELO6 Project ATHENS will help with spaces. There will be several options: from shop/gallery windows, to low-cost art spaces. For more information get in touch with the JELO6 Project team writing to: jelo6project@gmail.com
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In return, JELO6 Athens 2026 will provide:
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Inclusion in the official printed and digital program of the festival
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Promotion through the JELO6 communication channels
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Coordination support and visibility within the official festival map and schedule
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Integration into the broader international network of JELO6 participants and audiences.
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(IN CASE OF SALES DURING THE EVENT, ANTICLASTICS WILL HAVE NO CLAIMS OR TAX LIABILITY)
Applications submitted before 1 February 2026 are eligible for a 10% discount.
Selected artists must complete payment of the participation fee by 20 March 2026.
Failure to meet this deadline will result in cancellation of participation.
Submission Procedure
Applicants are invited to submit:
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A concise exhibition proposal (concept, objectives, participating artists)
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Visual material (images or sketches of proposed works)
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Venue information (confirmed or under negotiation)
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A profile of the artist, collective, gallery, or institution
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Contact details for the responsible representative
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JELO6 Athens 2026 encourages proposals that demonstrate artistic integrity, conceptual clarity, and a commitment to advancing contemporary creative practice. We look forward to receiving submissions that will contribute to a rich and multifaceted festival program.
Responsibilities of the Organizing Team
The JELO6 Project ATHENS 2026 is organized and administered by the JELO6 Project Team, which is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the event. Specifically, the organizing team undertakes the following responsibilities:
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Coordination and Collaboration: The JELO6 team oversees communication and cooperation with all relevant private and public institutions involved in the festival’s planning and execution.
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Communication and Promotion: The team manages the dissemination and promotion of the event through print media, radio, social media, poster campaigns, and press presentations, ensuring broad visibility and public engagement.
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Production of the Official Catalogue: The JELO6 team is responsible for producing the official festival catalogue, which will include all participating artists and a detailed map of the JELO6 Athens Hot Spots.
In addition, the JELO6 team undertakes the curation, set up and communication of the central group exhibitions, providing individual artists with the opportunity to present their work at the Benaki Museum – Pireos 138.
For satellite exhibitions and all other activities—such as solo exhibitions, gallery exhibitions, workshops, performances, and related events—once proposals have been selected, the JELO6 team may advise or assist participants in identifying suitable exhibition venues, including traditional exhibition spaces, shop windows, and alternative art locations.
Please note:
The installation of all exhibitions other than the central exhibition JEWELRY + OBJECTS + our 6 SENSES at the Benaki Museum – Pireos 138 is the sole responsibility of the participants.
Important Dates
• 1 March 2026: Application deadline
• 30 April 2026: Onsite delivery of works, Benaki Museum, Pireos 138 (10:00–12:00, unless otherwise agreed)
• 13 May 2026: Completion of installation (17:30) & Opening at 19:00
• 17 May 2026: Deinstallation of works after the Awards Ceremony
Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to exhibitors participating in JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026 in the main exhibition for Individual Artists. The organization reserves the right to revise these terms and conditions without prior notice.
Conditions of Admission. All exhibitors must submit a complete application package by the stated deadline. All information provided must be accurate and up to date. All complete applications will be reviewed. The event reserves the right to accept or decline any application. All decisions are final.
By submitting an application and being selected, the applicant accepts that this agreement becomes valid and binding for both parties. All participation fees must be paid by the specified deadline.
PLEASE NOTE: Only the works shown in the submitted photographs will be exhibited. No additional pieces will be accepted.
JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026 reserves the right to correct or remove any material or work that is deemed unsuitable or inconsistent with the aims and conditions of the exhibition.
JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026 is not responsible for transportation, shipping, or insurance costs of the exhibited works.
JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026 and the Benaki Museum – Pireos 138 will provide security for the exhibition space. However, exhibitors assume full responsibility for any risk of loss or damage. Participants are strongly advised to insure all works against theft, loss, or damage during the event, including transportation and storage.
Sales and Commissions. JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026 allows artists to sell works or accept special orders/commissions during the event week without the involvement of the organization.
The organization does not mediate, manage, or assume responsibility for any sales or commission agreements between artists and potential buyers.
Artists are required to issue invoices in accordance with applicable regulations.
It is the sole responsibility of exhibitors to comply with all legal and tax obligations related to sales.
JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026 does not handle payments and does not provide a cash desk or card terminal.
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Photography / Video. Participants agree to allow the organization to use photographs and/or video material of the artworks provided, as well as any visual documentation captured during the event, for promotional purposes across various media, including
In case a participant cancels. The jury reserves the right to cancel any participation based on false information or failure to comply with the specified criteria and deadlines.
If a participant cancels after payment has been made, a 100% cancellation fee applies.
Refunds will only be considered in exceptional cases and must be approved in writing by JELO6 Project / ATHENS 2026.
For more information or in case of questions, please write to:
If you need to download and print the information from this page as a PDF, click this link.
