PLURAL INK: UK–Colombia Comics Collaboration on Sustainable Publishing
A cross-cultural comics residency by Festival Entreviñetas #12 and Thought Bubble 2025
Supported by the British Council – Circular Culture Fund
✨ What we’re looking for
We’re inviting one UK-based comics artist to take part in a unique creative residency in Colombia, exploring the intersection of comics, sustainability, and collaborative publishing. As part of the project “UK–Colombia Comics Collaboration on Sustainable Publishing in the Comics Sector,” the selected artist will co-create a bilingual guide-comic on sustainable practices in comics — including ethical publishing, risograph printing, and environmentally conscious approaches to organising cultural festivals. This binational project is developed in partnership with Festival Entreviñetas #12 — under its 2025 curatorial theme Tinta Plural — and Thought Bubble, two leading platforms in the comics world committed to inclusive storytelling and creative innovation.
📍 About the residency
Dates in Colombia: August 26 – September 9, 2025
Locations: Bogotá (Entreviñetas Festival, Aug 27–31) and Buenaventura (Risotura Microfestival, Sept 6–7)
This is a collaborative, cross-cultural process grounded in comics storytelling, alternative publishing, community exchange, and editorial experimentation.
📅 Timeline
Call opens: July 7, 2025
Deadline to apply: July 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. UK Time
Artist selected by: August 1, 2025
Virtual induction: August 6–22, 2025
Residency in Colombia: August 27 – September 9, 2025
Follow-up collaboration + printing: September–October
Project launch at Thought Bubble: November 15–16, 2025
📄 [Download full timeline here]
👀 Who can apply
This opportunity is open to:
Past and present Thought Bubble Comic Convention exhibitors
Comics artists and visual storytellers currently based in the UK
Aged 18 or older at the time of application
With experience in comics, illustration, zines, and/or independent publishing
Open to collaboration, cultural exchange, and community-based work
We especially encourage applications from artists who identify as women, Afro-descendant, disabled, or part of underrepresented communities in comics and publishing — but these are not limiting criteria. We’re looking for original voices with a commitment to creative dialogue and sustainability. No Spanish language skills are required — interpretation support will be provided during key moments of the residency. However, an interest in learning or engaging with Spanish will be considered a plus.
🎨 What you’ll do
Collaborate with a Colombian artist or group of artists on a bilingual guide-comic focused on sustainable practices in comics — including ethical publishing, risograph printing, and environmentally conscious approaches to cultural festivals
Participate in the Festival Entreviñetas in Bogotá (Aug 27–31), contributing to talks, workshops, and public events
Travel to Buenaventura (Sept 6–7) for a micro festival with local youth, artists, and community collectives
Engage in a creative residency rooted in dialogue, territorial knowledge, and cross-cultural exchange
Present the final work during Thought Bubble in Harrogate (Nov 15–16, 2025), as part of its official programme — along with virtual presentations aimed at Colombian and global audiences to share the project's outcomes, process, and learnings
💼 What we offer
Artist fee: £550 GBP
Fully covered travel: Round-trip international flight, in-country transportation, and accommodation in both Bogotá and Buenaventura
General stipend to support meals and personal expenses during the residency
Travel insurance covering health and emergencies throughout the trip
Curatorial and editorial mentorship from the teams at Entreviñetas and Thought Bubble
Visibility and circulation of the final publication in Colombia, the UK, and online platforms
Connections and exposure to a binational network of artists, studios, festivals, and independent collectives
📬 How to apply
Please submit the following in English via https://bit.ly/pluralinkapplication by July 25, 2025, 11:59 p.m. UK Time:
A link to your portfolio or website (no WeTransfer)
A brief letter of motivation (max 400 words) or a self-recorded video (max 3 minutes) explaining why you want to be part of this project
A short bio (max 150 words)
Confirmation of your availability for the travel and residency dates
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, feel free to contact us at hola@entrevinetas.org and/or info@thoughtbubblefestival.com. Or via WhatsApp to this phone number: +57 319 436 3300
🖋 About the organisers
Entreviñetas (Colombia) is one of Latin America's most vibrant platforms dedicated to the art of comics and visual storytelling. Since 2010, it has created opportunities for education, cultural leadership, and community well-being through the power of comics and social imagination. With 12 editions of its festival and a wide range of collaborative, community-driven projects across Colombia and beyond, Entreviñetas connects emerging and established voices in the field. entrevinetas.org
Thought Bubble (UK) is the UK’s leading comics art festival, celebrating inclusive storytelling and championing creators from around the world. Held annually in Harrogate, it brings together international artists, publishers, and audiences through an inspiring programme of talks, workshops, exhibitions, and a world-renowned comic art fair. thoughtbubblefestival.com
This collaboration is made possible with the support of the British Council’s Circular Culture Fund, which promotes sustainability in creative industries through international partnerships. It also takes place in the context of the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Colombia and the United Kingdom, celebrating a shared commitment to cultural exchange and international cooperation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to speak Spanish to apply?
No. Spanish is not required. Interpretation support will be provided during key parts of the residency. However, interest in learning or engaging with Spanish is a plus.
2. What kind of work will I be doing?
You will co-create a bilingual guide-comic centered on sustainable publishing in the comics field — exploring ethical practices, risograph printing, and environmentally conscious approaches to organising festivals. In addition, you’ll take part in public events, workshops, and cultural exchange activities during the residency in Colombia.
3. Do I need to have risograph or environmental experience?
No. Prior experience in risograph or sustainability is not required. What matters is an openness to explore these themes and contribute your artistic perspective through the lens of comics art and visual storytelling.
4. What costs are covered?
The program covers:
Round-trip international flights (UK–Colombia)
Local transportation in Colombia
Accommodation in Bogotá and Buenaventura
Meals and personal expenses through a general stipend
Travel insurance
Artist fee of £550
5. Can I propose an existing project?
This is a collaborative process. While you can share interests and ideas, the final project will be co-created with Colombian counterparts and guided by the curatorial team.
6. What is the expected time commitment before the trip?
Selected artists should be available for:
A virtual induction period between August 5–23, with at least two short online meetings and self-paced preparation
Two weeks in Colombia: August 26–September 9
Optional follow-up sessions (online) for editing and launch coordination
7. Will the final publication be printed?
Yes. The guide-comic will be printed via risograph and distributed through Entreviñetas and Thought Bubble platforms, as well as showcased at both festivals and online.
8. Is this opportunity open to collectives or duos?
Currently, only individual applications are accepted.
9. Is the artist expected to deliver a talk or workshop?
Yes. You may be invited to participate in public programming (e.g., a panel or workshop) during the residency. Support will be provided.
10. What are the selection criteria?
The jury will consider:
Originality and clarity of artistic voice
Motivation and relevance to the themes
Commitment to collaboration and sustainability
Representation of diverse or underrepresented communities
11. Who will select the artist?
The selected artist will be chosen by a binational jury composed of representatives from both Entreviñetas and Thought Bubble. This selection committee will include curators, artists, and/or publishing professionals from Colombia and the UK, ensuring a balanced and collaborative perspective.
12. Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?
No visa is required for UK nationals visiting Colombia for less than 90 days. However, selected participants will be required to complete some formal procedures, including:
Signing a participation agreement with the organisers
Providing travel documentation
Presenting an international vaccination certificate (particularly for yellow fever), since part of the residency takes place in Buenaventura, on the Pacific Coast, where this is a standard health requirement
The organisers will provide guidance and support during these steps.
13. What are Bogotá and Buenaventura like?
Bogotá is Colombia’s high-altitude capital and one of the most dynamic cities in Latin America for the arts, publishing, and cultural life. The Entreviñetas Festival takes place across several venues and welcomes artists, editors, and readers from across the region. Buenaventura, located on Colombia’s Pacific Coast, is a vibrant, Afro-descendant city with a strong cultural identity and deep ties to community-based artistic expression. The satellite micro festival there is a more intimate experience, rooted in local knowledge and collective creation. Both locations offer different but complementary perspectives for a rich, immersive residency.
📬 Need support? Contact us:
Email: hola@entrevinetas.org / info@thoughtbubblefestival.com
WhatsApp: +57 319 436 3300
Let’s imagine the future of comics — together.