Annual Open Call for Cypriot and Cypriot diaspora artists

SYNO invites Cypriot and Cypriot diaspora artists to apply to its Open Call. Shortlisted artists will receive dedicated public profiles on the platform and will be featured through editorial formats, including dialogues with internationally recognized curators and critics. Finalists will also receive an unrestricted cash prize

Applications closed

Applications open May 14

Jury review September

Application deadline Closed

Shortlist and finalists announced November 2026

Jury

Hicham Khalidi

Hicham Khalidi has been Director of the Jan van Eyck Academie since 2018. In 2024, he curated the Dutch Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Previously, he worked as Associate Curator at Lafayette Anticipations and held curatorial roles for the Sharjah Biennial, the Biennale of Sydney, and the Marrakech Biennale.
Elena Ketelsen González

Elena Ketelsen González is a curator, writer, and educator currently serving as Associate Curator at MoMA PS1. Previously, she held curatorial and programming positions at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Gracie Mansion Conservancy, and the Museum of the City of New York. She is also the founder of the grassroots curatorial initiative La Salita.
Elena Stylianou

Elena Stylianou is Director of NiMAC and Associate Professor in Art History and Theory at European University Cyprus. She has curated exhibitions including Repetitive Acts, In the Sea of the Setting Sun, and Ar(t)chaeology, and co-edited several important publications on Cypriot contemporary art and visual culture.
Ioulita Toumazi

Ioulita Toumazi is a Cypriot art theorist, curator, and writer. Her texts have appeared in exhibition catalogues, artists’ books, and platforms dedicated to art criticism.
Kyle Dancewicz

Kyle Dancewicz is Deputy Director at SculptureCenter in New York, which he joined in 2016 as Exhibition and Programme Manager. He is also curator of the Cyprus Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale.

Awards of €3,500

Three finalists in each category — emerging and established artists — will be selected, with each receiving an award of 3,500 €

In addition, up to 10 shortlisted artists will be featured on the website through editorial formats, including dialogues with internationally recognized curators and critics. All shortlisted artists will also be featured in the SYNO Yearbook, to be published by the end of 2026.

FAQ

Who can apply?

The Open Call is open to Cypriot and Cypriot diaspora artists, as well as artists whose practices maintain a meaningful connection to Cyprus. Applicants who are not Cypriot or part of the diaspora are welcome to indicate this relationship within their artist statement

Is there a fee?

No. There is no application fee

Do I need a published artist profile?

No. You can create your profile as you apply. If you’re selected, we’ll publish it with an “Open Call selected” mark

How many works should I submit?

Submit a focused selection of recent works or one significant project, with up to 10 images in total

Can I change my application after sending it?

You can’t edit an application after submitting it. While it’s under review, you can withdraw it and submit a new application before the deadline