Open Call for Journalists. Connecting Cultures Through Journalism. Cultural Journalism Exchange (Greece Edition)

The Ukrainian media outlet Chytomo (Readable), (https://chytomo.com/en/), in collaboration with the Odessa branch of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC), invites Greek journalists with an interest in cultural topics to apply for participation in the Cultural Journalism Exchange Programme (Greece Edition). The Cultural Journalism Exchange (Greece Edition) is an international initiative implemented through a collaboration between Chytomo, a Ukrainian media outlet specialising in cultural journalism, and the Odessa branch of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC). This project aims to bring together cultural journalists from Greece and Ukraine to foster intercultural dialogue, collaborative practice, and shared reflection on the role of culture in times of war. As part of the initiative, the editorial team of Chytomo will undertake a working visit to Greece.

The welcome and presentation event will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 18.00, at the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC), located at 50 Stratigou Kallari St., Palaio Psychiko. Selected participants will take part in networking sessions with Ukrainian journalists and will be eligible to receive financial support for the publication of selected articles developed within the framework of the programme. Special emphasis will be given to stories that highlight the cultural connections between Greece and Ukraine, such as the stories of Greeks in Ukraine, the experiences of Ukrainians living in Greece, and the shared cultural memory formed between the two peoples.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are invited to express their interest in participating in the Cultural Journalism Exchange (Greece Edition) provided they meet the following criteria:

1. Professional Background
You are currently working as a journalist with a demonstrated interest in cultural topics,
or
You are active as a cultural journalist or literary critic,
or
You have published journalistic contributions in Greek media over the past three years on topics related to culture, international relations, or social issues.

2. Commitment to Intercultural Dialogue
You demonstrate a strong interest in fostering intercultural dialogue and are capable of identifying and reporting on topics that bring people together across national and cultural boundaries.

3. Interest in Long-Term Cooperation
You are willing to build and maintain long-term professional connections with Chytomo media outlet and/or other Ukrainian journalists, with the goal of fostering cross-border exchange and collaboration in the field of cultural journalism.

The project timeline:
• June 30, 2025 (Monday): Presentation of the Chytomo media outlet and opportunities for collaboration between Chytomo and Greek editorials. Networking session and lunch with participants. In-person event.

• July-August: Pitching the topics, exchanging news between the editorials. Production/ coproduction of journalistic texts, publishing them on Chytomo. A fee will be offered for articles selected for publication. Online

Cultural journalists, news editors, media researchers, and representatives of relevant media and cultural institutions are cordially invited to register for the event.

Your presence will be a great honour, as we look forward to meaningful future collaboration and the creation of a dynamic network for communication and exchange of ideas.

For additional information, or to express the interest in booking a meeting with the Chytomo team please contact: vasia.tzanakari@gmail.com.

This project is supported by House of Europe, an EU-funded programme that promotes professional and creative exchange between Ukrainian professionals and their counterparts in the European Union and the United Kingdom.