None of the three. Self-taught artists, students, illustrators, webcomic creators, designers and hobbyists are all welcome, and so are working professionals — there is no experience ceiling and no floor. What we look at is how you think visually. Applicants must be 18 or older and apply as individuals; team or duo entries are not accepted.

Yes, from anywhere in the world. Travel and visa arrangements remain your own responsibility.

We send you a micro-story in English. You submit a graphic adaptation of that story — not a story of your own — and you adapt it in full, rather than a single scene or excerpt.

Any medium: ink, pencil, digital, watercolour, collage, or a phone photograph of a rough pencil sketch. There is no fixed page or panel count — the length follows the story. Captions and any other text in your adaptation can be in a language of your choice. You should not need to buy anything to apply.

One PDF, named FullName_Linewright2026.pdf, maximum [file size TBC]. One submission per applicant, so send your strongest version.

Appupen selects them, looking broadly at visual storytelling instinct rather than technical polish. Results are emailed on 7 September 2026, and selected artists confirm their place by paying the fee within three days. Given the number of applications expected for six to eight places, we are not able to give individual feedback to those who are not selected. Nor can we extend the deadline — the short window keeps the selection and the residency schedule on track.

Yes. A small number of runners-up are told by email that they have been waitlisted, and are contacted within a week if a place opens up.

Tell us as soon as you know, so your place can go to a waitlisted artist. The dates cannot be rescheduled, and the residency cannot be attended remotely.

The fee is ₹30,000 per selected artist, payable within three days of selection to confirm your place. Accommodation and all meals for the full six days are included. Travel to Kolkata is not.

Your own laptop, materials and setup. Arts Acre provides the studio space, but not individual equipment.

The six days are not expected to produce the finished piece — you complete the remaining pages at home afterwards. Appupen continues to mentor you remotely, as and when you need it, until the work is publication-ready. It is then published in the graphic anthology, within a year of the works being completed. Any text in a language other than English is translated for the published edition.

Yes. You retain the rights, and by participating you grant Antonym Collections the right to publish your piece in the anthology. You also receive a signed copy of the anthology and a certificate of participation.