Open Call for the DO ART TOGETHER! Mentorship Program
REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/WMp9NqZDXBk5NVPP8
Picture Doc and FSH1 join forces to create a multicultural educational program!
Workshops, mentoring, and artistic collaboration at Pracownia Duży Pokój in Warsaw
Do you want to develop your photography skills, gain new knowledge, and connect with a multicultural community? DO ART TOGETHER is a unique mentorship program for Warsaw residents—both Poles and migrants from beyond the eastern border. If you’re passionate about photography and want to work on your own project under the guidance of experienced artists, this program is for you!
What is the program about?
DO ART TOGETHER is a nine-month mentorship program combining education, artistic development, and social integration. Participants will work in small groups and individually with mentors—professional photographers, visual artists, and educators. The program includes theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and consultations on individual projects.
In short: You will attend lectures and workshops, work on a long-term project with your chosen mentor, and take part in consultations. The program will culminate in public project presentations at Pracownia Duży Pokój in December.
Program Format
The program will be conducted in a hybrid format:
On-site – at Pracownia Duży Pokój, the Picture Doc Foundation gallery in the center of Warsaw.
Online – for participants who cannot attend in person in exceptional situations. Some lectures will also be available online.
Sessions with Katerina Kouzmitcheva – two on-site and five online sessions.
Program Structure
Every month, each participant will attend sessions led by different mentors to learn about their work methods, photography approaches, and develop new skills.
After the first month, participants will choose one mentor to guide their project until the end of the program.
You can attend all sessions or select specific ones.
Each session consists of a lecture/workshop and project consultations.
Each participant selects a mentor for individual consultations on their long-term project, while other participants can attend consultations as observers.
Language of Lectures
Pay attention to the lecture languages! Mentors speak different languages: Polish, English, Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian. The main language will be determined at the beginning, but consultations may be held in various languages. You can find information on each mentor’s language skills in their biography and the program schedule.
The program is completely free!
Topics covered:
✔️ Creating narratives in photography.
✔️ Working on an individual photographic project – from concept to realization.
✔️ Workshops on photo editing, visual storytelling, and photobooks (including zine-making!).
✔️ Modern photography technologies – 3D exhibition design.
✔️ Ethics in photography and working with project subjects.
✔️ Promoting your work – how to navigate the industry and secure funding for your projects.
During the program, participants will create their own photography projects, which will be showcased at a two-day final event at Pracownia Duży Pokój, as well as at two special events for visually and hearing-impaired audiences. This is a unique opportunity to present your work to an audience, mentors, and representatives of Warsaw’s artistic community.
REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/WMp9NqZDXBk5NVPP8
Mentors – Who Will You Work With?
You can find the full versions of biographies and course descriptions at the bottom of the page in PDF format or here.
Mentors #PictureDoc
Julia Klewaniec – artist, photographer, cultural animator. Graduate of Photography at the Łódź Film School. Director of the Picture Doc Foundation, exhibition co-organizer, and project coordinator. Winner of “Talent of the Year” (Pix.House, 2022), part of the Futures Talents European platform.
Piotr Wójcik – photographer, president of the Picture Doc Foundation, lecturer at the University of Warsaw. Grand Press Photo 2022 winner, documented key Polish political figures, and worked in Gazeta Wyborcza (1989–2011).
Wioletta Kulas – graphic and typography designer, specializing in artistic books and posters. She has designed visual identities for numerous exhibitions and publications.
Łukasz Pawłowski – curator integrating photography with new technologies, focusing on 3D graphics and AI. His works have been exhibited in CSW Toruń, Galeria Pauza, and Fotofestiwal.
Mentors #FSh1
Volha Shukaila – Belarusian photographer and photo editor focusing on migration, human rights, and women’s roles. Worked for TUT.BY Media before relocating to Poland.
Julia Szabłowska – photo editor, photographer, and curator, formerly head of photography at Belsat TV. Founded New Home Project to support Belarusian and Ukrainian children through photography.
Katerina Kouzmitcheva – Belarusian photographer based in Wrocław, working at the intersection of documentary and artistic photography. Winner of TIFA and BIFA awards, member of WOMEN PHOTOGRAPH.
Yauhen Attsetski – documentary photographer and journalist, focused on social movements and human rights. Worked with UNDP, UNICEF, The New York Times, and won Grand Prix Prafota 2020.
Who is it for?
People interested in photography – whether you’re already working on projects or just starting out. Open to those 18+.
Artists with migration backgrounds – we offer 10 spots for Polish participants and 10 for migrants.
Students, graduates of art programs, and self-taught artists looking for professional support.
Those who want to create, learn, and build relationships in an artistic community.
How to Apply?
Submit an application including:
✔️ Short bio – a few words about yourself.
✔️ Brief description of your interests in photography.
✔️ Portfolio (1–3 projects in PDF format or a link).
✔️ Motivation letter – why do you want to join the program?
✔️ Project idea you’d like to develop.
✔️ Completed questionnaire specifying your mentor preferences.
All requirements are in the registration form! Applications are only accepted via the form: https://forms.gle/WMp9NqZDXBk5NVPP8
Application deadline: March 26, 2025, at 23:59
Submit your application through the registration form. If you have questions, contact julia.bader@picture-doc.org.
Limited spots available! Final participant selection will be made by a jury of program mentors.
Where and When?
Location: Pracownia Duży Pokój, ul. Warecka 4/6, Warsaw + online
Program duration: 9 months
Workshops: April, May, June, July, September, October, November
Public presentations & special events: December
Languages: Polish, English, Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian
What Will You Gain?
A free educational program – a unique opportunity to learn in a professional environment.
Join a multicultural creative community – build connections and integrate with the local artistic scene.
Access to knowledge from international mentors.
Artistic growth & professional guidance – develop a long-term project under expert supervision.
Showcase your work at a public event.
Learn how to promote your art and secure funding.
Improve your language skills in a creative environment.
Don’t miss this opportunity for growth and creative collaboration!
More info: picture-doc.org
Contact:
PL: julia.bader@picture-doc.org
BY, RUS, UKR: marja.karneyenka@gmail.com
Picture Doc: info@picture-doc.org
REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/WMp9NqZDXBk5NVPP8
DO ART TOGETHER – let’s create a diverse artistic community together!