Natural dye retreat
with George Petsikopoulos
MAY 8-12, 2026
About
6 selected participants will be invited to attend a 5-day fully funded natural dye retreat in Chios, Greece, from May 8–12, 2027, led by visual artist George Petsikopoulos.
Rooted in traditional textile crafts and natural dye practices, the retreat offers an immersive experience centered around colour, material, process, and nature. Set within the quiet landscape of Chios, the program combines hands-on workshops with communal meals, time by the sea, and space for rest, reflection, and creative exploration.
Throughout the retreat, participants will experiment with plant-based dyes, fabric preparation, pigment extraction, colour layering, and textile processes using natural materials sourced from the island and surrounding environment.
Open to artists, designers, makers, and complete beginners alike, the retreat values curiosity, experimentation, and connection over technical experience or finished outcomes.
MATERIAL EXPLORATION
Participants will work closely with textiles, plants, pigments, and organic dye sources while developing their own visual language through colour and process.
HANDS-ON PROCESS
This is a tactile and immersive experience centered around making, experimenting, and learning through direct engagement with natural materials.
LIMITED SPOTS
To keep the experience intimate and hands-on, spaces are intentionally limited to a small group of participants.
FULLY FUNDED EXPERIENCE
Six selected participants will attend the retreat free of charge, with accommodation, meals, workshops, materials, and activities fully covered. Participants are only responsible for their travel to Chios.
What to Expect
RETREAT DATES - MAY 8-12, 2026
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE - sEPTEMBER 1, 2026
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WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT - october 1, 2026
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ALL RETREAT COSTS FULLY COVERED
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€15 APPLICATION FEE
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ALL RESIDENCY COSTS FULLY COVERED
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FAQS & TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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Six selected participants will receive a fully funded place in the retreat. Accommodation, meals, workshops, materials, and all retreat activities will be fully covered by Descoverartists. Selected participants will only need to cover their travel to and from Chios.
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To apply for the retreat, participants are asked to submit a short application along with a €15 application fee. The fee helps support the review process and allows us to carefully curate a thoughtful and engaged group of participants. The retreat designed to be accessible while maintaining an intentional selection process.
50 shortlisted artists will be asked to provide more information by September 15th, 2026.
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We cover the participants’ full retreat costs, accommodation, excursions, meals, and materials needed during the residency.
Any additional expenses (travel, private car rental, travel insurance, etc.) are to be covered by the participant. -
Yes! You can send us an email with your full name and email address and any changes you would like to make to your application at hello@descoverartists.com
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Expectations: Cleaning and maintaining the house during our retreats is undertaken collectively. The artists are expected to respect the island, its inhabitants, the environment, animals, and local culture and to respect the other residents.
Living expenses: While there are a few expenses the residents need to consider while at the retreat, it is worth having funds for trips to local cafes and the like. Calculate approximately 5-15 euros a day for such incidentals.
Minimum number of applicants: This retreats run only if a minimum number of participants is reached. If not, Descoverartists will inform all confirmed participants and issue a full refund for the application fee.
Damages to the house or other areas on the island: We are not responsible for any loss or damage caused by the artists during their stay at our retreats. The artists must adhere to the house rules established by the owners or pay any fees charged after checkout.