The collaboration between Kotba Calleja and the Malta Community of Illustrators (MCOI) is an opportunity for talented illustrators to have their work published in one top quality publication produced by Kotba Calleja. An exhibition of sketchbooks, where artists can showcase and sell their work, will also be launched towards the end of the project.

2. What are the main outcomes of this call?

This call will lead to an exhibition of sketchbooks and a publication of illustrations alongside some poetry from Malta. The whole project will run from December 2024 to the end of 2025.

3. What's in it for the artists?

Shortlisted artists will have their work featured in the final exhibition with all expenses covered by the project. Those illustrators who make it to the final shortlist will be featured in the final book. Free copies of the book will be given to each participant.

4. What about financial remuneration?

This project is conceived as an equitable opportunity for illustrators to work with a local publisher and vice-versa. This call is an open invitation and not a commission. In view of this, although there is no upfront payment, artists selected in the second shortlist will be compensated if they are asked for additional commissions beyond their initial work.

5. Will the artists be able to sell their works during the exhibition?

Absolutely! Artists can decide to sell works from their sketchbooks during the exhibition, as well as any related prints. The sketchbook will be kept by the artist after the collaboration is over.

6. What is expected from artists in the Expression of Interest phase?

Artists are invited to submit a short portfolio and an artist statement to express their interest in participating. This phase is open to all artists willing to work on paper (sketchbooks).

7. What happens after the first selection?

A maximum of twenty artists will be shortlisted and provided with a Kotba Calleja handmade sketchbook. They will receive a brief together with writings from Maltese writers and poets to illustrate in this phase. The artists are free to interpret the writings in whichever way they wish. They are also free to choose any traditional media they prefer.

8. How are the final artists chosen for publication?

After the second phase, three (or possibly more, depending on the content we are presented with)finalists will be selected for publication. If we feel that we need more work from these three artists, they will receive a new brief and a set of writings to choose from for their additional drawings. There will be compensation for these new drawings should they happen, since they would be specifically commissioned rather than being part of the initial collaboration.

9. When will the exhibition and publication be launched?

The exhibition of all sketchbooks and the publication will be launched towards the end of 2025.

10. Who will produce and sell the book?

Kotba Calleja will handle the production and sales of the published book. They will also handle expenses related to putting the book together, printing, distribution and marketing.

11. I am not a Maltese illustrator and I do not live in Malta, can I still participate in the call?

Yes, of course. You're more than welcome to participate. As Maltese organisations, both Kotba Calleja and MCOI, will however ensure that a majority of the illustrators represented in the exhibition and the final publication are from or operating from Malta and Gozo.

12. What is the deadline of the call?

The first call is open until January the 17th. Submissions after that date will not be accepted.

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