Open Call for Disabled and Deaf Artists in Greece and Germany

Online mini-residency “Worthy to be Remembered Artistic Reflections on Memory and History”

We invite disabled and Deaf artists based in Greece and Germany to apply for “Worthy to be Remembered”, a cross-discipline art commission project that explores the hidden histories of disabled individuals who played key roles in the Resistance movement in Greece and were persecuted under the Nazi regime. The project invites creative expression as a means to honor and reimagine these overlooked narratives.

A yellowed newspaper page faintly bears the title: "Voice of the Disabled." On it, the details are written in black letters: *For artists with disabilities and deaf individuals, "Worthy to be Remembered – Artistic Reflections on Memory and History," submission deadline: 07/13/2025. At the top right, the page appears to turn to the next, where the words "open call" are written in black. At the bottom, on a white strip, the logos of Liminal, Berlinklusion, and the Observatory for the Study and Countering of the Far-Right are displayed, along with the note: "The program is co-funded by the German Federal Foreign Office through resources from the Greek-German Future Fund," next to the logo of the German Embassy.

About Worthy to be Remembered

The project “Worthy to be Remembered Artistic Reflections on Memory and History” is an initiative of liminal and Berlinklusion and based on the history findings of the previous liminal project “Worthy to be Remembered: Honouring Disabled Victims of Nazi Persecution in Greece and Germany” funded by the Greek-German Fund for the Future.

The project “Worthy to be Remembered: Honouring Disabled Victims of Nazi Persecution in Greece and Germany” shed light on the often-overlooked history of disabled individuals persecuted under the Nazi regime in both Greece and Germany. The project contributed to historical research by highlighting the underrecognized resistance of disabled individuals within the Greek National Liberation Front (EAM) during the Occupation (1941–1944) and exposing the brutal violence they endured—culminating in the blockade of Athens hospitals by local collaborators on November 30, 1943. The research led to the publication of two accessible articles in German and Greek, available freely online here.

Under a gloomy sky, the Hartheim Castle looms imposingly over a barren, fallow landscape. The large rectangular structure is flanked by turrets on all four corners, each topped with a conical roof. Windows around the perimeter reveal the presence of three high-ceilinged floors within. At the center of one side, a taller turret rises — the highest point of the entire castle — leading up to a large chimney. Smaller buildings surround the castle, scattered among bare trees.
Engraving black and white work. It depicts a battle scene where people are lying on the ground. In front a man with his lower limbs cut off and his eyes covered opens his shirt and exposes his chest in front of men in uniform pointing their rifles at him.
Above the entrance of the Central Frostbite Hospital hangs a black banner with white capital letters that read: "G. Marinakis was murdered, 5-3-43."

Building on this foundation, “Worthy to be Remembered: Artistic Reflections on Memory and History” seeks to disseminate the key findings of the previous project, and honor the memory of disabled individuals while confronting the erasure of the disability movement’s heritage.

We are interested in how artistic practice can be a vehicle for remembrance, recognition, and critical reflection—shedding light on the pivotal role of disabled individuals in the Greek Resistance and connecting historical injustices to contemporary forms of ableism and exclusion. By drawing parallels between past and present discrimination, we aim to promote a counter-narrative rooted in inclusivity, transnational awareness, and solidarity.

“Worthy to be Remembered: Artistic Reflections on Memory and History” is led by liminal (Greece) in collaboration with Berlinklusion (Germany), a disability led collective creating inclusive and accessible art projects, Simeio: Researching & Confronting the Far Right (Greece), and historian Iason Chandrinos (Greece).

About the Open Call

Through this open call, we are seeking four disabled and Deaf artists—two based in Greece and two in Germany—who will be commissioned and supported through an online mini-residency program to create accessible artworks inspired by these historical narratives and their contemporary resonances.

The selected artists will first come together online to meet each other and participate in a two-day workshop. These sessions will introduce them to the historical context and key concepts of accessibility in performing and visual arts practices.

From July to November, artists will continue working independently, at their own pace and in their chosen environments, with flexible scheduling. Between September and November, participants will receive personalized, one-on-one online mentoring from members of liminal and Berlinklusion, supporting the development of their artistic projects.

At the end of November, the artists will present their work-in-progress, share insights into their creative processes, and reflect on the themes explored during the program in a final online event held in English. These works are not required to be final pieces—this format is designed to encourage experimentation, exploration, and ongoing artistic development. With the support of the lead organizations, artists are encouraged to incorporate accessibility into the design of their work, ensuring their creations are inclusive and enjoyable for all audiences.

🔎 We Are Looking For:

Four disabled or Deaf artists (two from Greece, two from Germany, or groups of disabled and non-disabled artists, provided that the initiative is led by a disabled or Deaf artist).

The artists:

  • Can work in any medium (visual art, performance, digital media, sound, text-based work, etc.).
  • Should have a strong interest in memory, history, disability justice, and access.
  • Are expected to incorporate accessibility into their creative process, ensuring that the final artworks are accessible to diverse audiences.

What Selected Artists Receive:

  • A two-day online workshop (July 22nd and 24th).  Topics: introduction to the historical context, far-right ideology and ableism; from historical research to artistic practice; and embedding accessibility in performing and visual arts practices.

  • One-on-one mentorship and personalized guidance with experienced artists and scholars (2 x 2 hour sessions for each artist).

  • An opportunity to test and improve the accessibility and impact of your work through focus groups with diverse audience members.

  • Presentation of artworks or work-in-progress in an accessible online event (end of November).

  • Each selected artist will receive a stipend of €2,000. This amount can be used at the artist’s discretion, including to cover access costs and artwork production expenses.

  • Accessibility services will be provided by the partner organizations to ensure the inclusive participation of all artists. For more information, please refer to the Accessibility section.

  • Promotion on official social media, website and newsletters.

  • Audiovisual recording of the project presentation.

  • Support in networking with the local art scenes in Athens and Berlin.

👉 Important Dates and information

  • Application deadline: 13 July 2025

  • Announcement of results: by 18 July 2025

  • Workshops: 22 & 24 July 2025

  • Mentoring Sessions: determined by artists and liminal/Berlinklusion between September-October

  • Showcase event: End of November

Before applying, please ensure you are available to participate in the online workshops on July 22nd & 24th, 2025 and committed to fully participate in all activities.

The main working language of the program will be English, as all events and workshops will be conducted in English within the context of international collaboration. Interpretation in German Sign Language (DGS) and Greek Sign Language (GSL) will be provided upon request. Artists are free to work at their own schedule and in their preferred location. In Greece, it is also possible to access an accessible physical workspace, subject to prior agreement with the organizers. (Accessible venue available information here).

Accessibility

Access is central to this project. All workshops and events will take place online, with accessibility support tailored to the needs of each participant.

Specifically, the program can provide audio description support, Greek and German SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing), Greek and German Sign Language interpretation.

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on:

  • the relevance of their artistic background and interests,
  • their motivation to explore the historical theme and access within artistic practices,
  • their willingness to engage collaboratively and reflectively in the programme.

How to Apply

Please submit:

  1. A short statement of interest (max 500 words or video/audio, max 3 mins)
  2. A brief artist bio and/or CV
  3. Up to 3 samples of your work (images, links, or descriptions) / artist portfolio

Deadline: 13 July 2025

How to Submit Your Application

📋 You may submit your application by filling the form in one of the following languages:

📩 Alternatively, you can submit your application by email by downloading and completing the application file.

Application FormDownload

📌 If applying via email:

  • Download the form in Greek, English or German

  • Please send your completed application to [email protected]

  • Include “WTBR-Application” in the subject line

  • Ensure that all required questions are answered in the attached document

For questions or to request the application in alternative formats, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 30 6980342222 (Greece) or +49 178 133 4761 (Germany).

logo Πρεσβείας Ομοσπονδιακής Δημοκρατίας της Γερμανίας στην Αθήνα

The project is co-funded by the German Federal Foreign Office through the Greek-German Future Fund.