GRAPHIC SHORT STORY RESIDENCY 2026
Six days with Appupen. One published graphic anthology.
Very few artists get to learn directly from one of India's most influential graphic novelists. Six to eight will, this September. Apply Now!! Open Now What the Residency IsFrom 24–29 September, those selected will spend six immersive days at Arts Acre, Kolkata, working alongside Appupen to transform an existing Indian short story into a graphic narrative. Every page will be discussed, challenged and refined under his guidance. And when the residency ends, the mentorship doesn't. Appupen provides remote support, as and when required, until your story is publication-ready. The finished works will then be brought together in a professionally published graphic anthology by Antonym Collections.
This isn't a workshop.It's a mentorship that ends on a bookshelf. How to Apply
We'll send you a short story in English. You send us back your graphic interpretation.
Ink. Pencil. Digital. Watercolour. Ballpoint pen on the back of a metro ticket.
Any medium. Any style.
We're not looking for polished pages. We're looking for storytellers — artists who know how to make images
carry emotion, movement and meaning.
Self-taught artists. Art school students. Illustrators. Webcomic creators. Designers. Weekend doodlers. The
person who can't stop filling notebook margins with characters.
No fine arts degree.
No published work.
No impressive résumé.
If you can tell a story through images — or you're determined to learn — you belong here.
What You'll Leave With- Six days of in-person mentorship with Appupen at Arts Acre.
- Remote support from Appupen, as and when required, until your story is ready for publication.
- Your work published in a graphic anthology by The Antonym Collections, alongside fellow resident artists.
- A copy of the anthology, signed by Appupen.
- A certificate and official letter of participation from The Antonym Collections.
- Accommodation and meals throughout the residency.
You'll leave with your work in print. About Appupen
Appupen (George Mathen) is one of India's most influential graphic novelists, known for works like Legends of
Halahala and Aspyrus. He is the sole mentor for this residency, both in person and remotely.
This is a paid residency: ₹30,000 per selected applicant. Accommodation and meals are included.
FAQsAbout the residency
What is this residency, exactly?
A six-day, in-person residency at Arts Acre, Kolkata (24–29 September 2026), where 6–8 selected artists work directly with graphic novelist Appupen to turn an Indian short story into a graphic narrative. Mentorship continues remotely after the residency until each story is publication-ready. All finished works are published together in a graphic anthology by Antonym Collections.
Who is Appupen?
Appupen (George Mathen) is one of India’s most influential graphic novelists, known for works like Legends of Halahala and Aspyrus. He is the sole mentor for this residency, both in person and remotely.
Is this a workshop or a mentorship?
It’s a mentorship, not a workshop. The six in-person days are the start of a working relationship that continues until your piece is ready for publication — there’s no fixed end date to the guidance until the work is done.
EligibilityWho can apply?
Anyone who can tell a story through images — self-taught artists, art students, illustrators, webcomic creators, designers, hobbyists. No fine arts degree, published work, or professional portfolio required.
Is there an age limit?
Yes — applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Do I need to be based in India, or can I apply from abroad?
Yes — anyone, from anywhere in the world, can apply. Travel and visa arrangements remain the applicant’s own responsibility.
Can I apply as a team or duo?
No — this is an individual mentorship and residency. Only individual applications are accepted.
Can professional/published illustrators apply, or is this only for beginners?
Both. There’s no experience ceiling. The residency looks at how you think visually, not your current skill level or track record.
The SubmissionWhat exactly do I submit?
You’ll receive a short micro-story from us. You submit a graphic adaptation of that story — not a story of your own.
What language will the story be given to me in?
Whichever Indian language you select at the time of application (English or any Indian language of your choice).
Does my graphic adaptation need to be in that same language, or can I use captions in a different one?
No — your graphic submission, including any captions or text, can be in any language of your choice, regardless of which language the story was given to you in.
What medium can I use?
Any. Ink, pencil, digital, watercolour, collage — even a rough sketch on paper. We’re evaluating visual storytelling instinct, not finish quality.
How many pages should I submit?
There’s no fixed page or panel count. The micro-story we give you needs to be adapted in full — not a partial excerpt or a single scene — so the length of your submission will naturally follow the length of the story.
What file format and size should I submit in?
Submissions should be in PDF format. Maximum file size to be confirmed once the application form is built.
Can I submit more than one version or interpretation?
One submission per applicant. Send your strongest version.
Will I need to buy any materials or software to apply?
No — the whole point of “any medium, any style” is that a phone photo of a pencil sketch is a valid submission.
Deadlines and ProcessWhen do applications open and close?
Applications open 15 August 2026 and close 31 August 2026, at 11:59 PM IST.
Can I get an extension if I’m not ready by the deadline?
No extensions — the six-week window is designed to keep momentum for everyone involved, including the jury and the residency schedule that follows.
When will selected artists be announced?
14 September 2026, by email (and/or the contact you apply with).
Who selects the artists, and what are they looking for?
Appupen selects the artists, looking broadly at visual storytelling instinct rather than technical polish.
Will I get feedback if I’m not selected?
No individual feedback will be given to applicants who are not selected, given the expected volume of applications for 6–8 spots.
The Residency itselfWhere is it held?
Arts Acre, New Town, Kolkata, from 24–29 September 2026.
Is accommodation and food provided?
Yes, accommodation and meals are included for the full residency for selected artists.
Is travel to Kolkata covered?
No, travel is not covered. Only accommodation and meals during the residency are included.
Is there a fee to attend?
Yes, this is a paid residency. The residency fee is ₹25,000.
What happens if I’m selected but can’t attend the residency dates?
Yes. A small number of runners-up are kept on a waitlist and informed by email that they’ve been waitlisted. If a slot opens up, waitlisted candidates will be contacted within a week.
Do I need to bring my own materials/laptop?
Yes — please bring your own laptop and any materials or setup you need. Arts Acre provides the studio space, but not individual equipment.
After the residencyWhat happens to my work after the six days?
Appupen continues mentoring you remotely until your piece is publication-ready. Your finished work is then included in a graphic anthology published by Antonym Collections.
Do I keep the rights to my work?
Yes — you retain the rights to your work. By participating, you grant Antonym Collections the right to publish your piece in the anthology.
What do I get besides publication?
A signed copy of the published anthology, an official certificate of participation from Antonym Collections, plus the mentorship itself.
Will my story be published in the language I submitted it in, or in English?
Stories in any Indian language are translated into English for the final published anthology.
What is this residency, exactly?
A six-day, in-person residency at Arts Acre, Kolkata (24–29 September 2026), where 6–8 selected artists work directly with graphic novelist Appupen to turn an Indian short story into a graphic narrative. Mentorship continues remotely after the residency until each story is publication-ready. All finished works are published together in a graphic anthology by Antonym Collections.
Who is Appupen?
Appupen (George Mathen) is one of India's most influential graphic novelists, known for works like Legends of Halahala and Aspyrus. He is the sole mentor for this residency, both in person and remotely.
Is this a workshop or a mentorship?
It's a mentorship, not a workshop. The six in-person days are the start of a working relationship that continues until your piece is ready for publication — there's no fixed end date to the guidance until the work is done.
Who can apply?
Anyone who can tell a story through images — self-taught artists, art students, illustrators, webcomic creators, designers, hobbyists. No fine arts degree, published work, or professional portfolio required.
Is there an age limit?
Yes — applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Do I need to be based in India, or can I apply from abroad?
Yes — anyone, from anywhere in the world, can apply. Travel and visa arrangements remain the applicant's own responsibility.
Can I apply as a team or duo?
No — this is an individual mentorship and residency. Only individual applications are accepted.
Can professional/published illustrators apply, or is this only for beginners?
Both. There's no experience ceiling. The residency looks at how you think visually, not your current skill level or track record.
What exactly do I submit?
You'll receive a short micro-story from us. You submit a graphic adaptation of that story — not a story of your own.
What language will the story be given to me in?
Whichever Indian language you select at the time of application (English or any Indian language of your choice).
Does my graphic adaptation need to be in that same language, or can I use captions in a different one?
No — your graphic submission, including any captions or text, can be in any language of your choice, regardless of which language the story was given to you in.
What medium can I use?
Any. Ink, pencil, digital, watercolour, collage — even a rough sketch on paper. We're evaluating visual storytelling instinct, not finish quality.
How many pages should I submit?
There's no fixed page or panel count. The micro-story we give you needs to be adapted in full — not a partial excerpt or a single scene — so the length of your submission will naturally follow the length of the story.
What file format and size should I submit in?
Submissions should be in PDF format. Maximum file size to be confirmed once the application form is built.
Can I submit more than one version or interpretation?
One submission per applicant. Send your strongest version.
Will I need to buy any materials or software to apply?
No — the whole point of "any medium, any style" is that a phone photo of a pencil sketch is a valid submission.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open 15 August 2026 and close 31 August 2026, at 11:59 PM IST.
Can I get an extension if I'm not ready by the deadline?
No extensions — the six-week window is designed to keep momentum for everyone involved, including the jury and the residency schedule that follows.
When will selected artists be announced?
14 September 2026, by email (and/or the contact you apply with).
Who selects the artists, and what are they looking for?
Appupen selects the artists, looking broadly at visual storytelling instinct rather than technical polish.
Will I get feedback if I'm not selected?
No individual feedback will be given to applicants who are not selected, given the expected volume of applications for 6–8 spots.
Where is it held?
Arts Acre, New Town, Kolkata, from 24–29 September 2026.
Is accommodation and food provided?
Yes, accommodation and meals are included for the full residency for selected artists.
Is travel to Kolkata covered?
No, travel is not covered. Only accommodation and meals during the residency are included.
Is there a fee to attend?
Yes, this is a paid residency. The residency fee is ₹25,000.
What happens if I'm selected but can't attend the residency dates?
Yes. A small number of runners-up are kept on a waitlist and informed by email that they've been waitlisted. If a slot opens up, waitlisted candidates will be contacted within a week.
Do I need to bring my own materials/laptop?
Yes — please bring your own laptop and any materials or setup you need. Arts Acre provides the studio space, but not individual equipment.
What happens to my work after the six days?
Appupen continues mentoring you remotely until your piece is publication-ready. Your finished work is then included in a graphic anthology published by Antonym Collections.
Do I keep the rights to my work?
Yes — you retain the rights to your work. By participating, you grant Antonym Collections the right to publish your piece in the anthology.
What do I get besides publication?
A signed copy of the published anthology, an official certificate of participation from Antonym Collections, plus the mentorship itself.
Will my story be published in the language I submitted it in, or in English?
Stories in any Indian language are translated into English for the final published anthology.
Submit Your Application Click here Still have questions?For anything not covered here, write to us at rohini@antonymcollection.com or call +91 8583932538; we're happy to help before you apply, not just after.