The Exchange is a collaborative photographic retreat co-sponsored by Nearest Truth & Palm Tree Workshops
Episode 486: This podcast features an in-depth discussion between Brad Feuerhelm of Nearest Truth Workshops and Marilena Stafylidou of Palm Tree Workshops about our collaborative retreat, The Exchange, scheduled for early June of 2026.
We will be joined by our eminent colleagues Jim Goldberg, Alessandra Sanguinetti, and curator Holly Roussell. Here is some context from our press release. Please reach out to find out more!
About the workshop
The Palm Tree Workshops & Nearest Truth Workshops Santorini
THE EXCHANGE RETREAT: DEVELOP YOUR WORK-IN-PROGRESS
Led by Magnum photographers Jim Goldberg and Alessandra Sanguinetti and international curator Holly Roussell. With support from Palm Tree Workshops founder Marilena Stafylidou and Nearest Truth Workshops founder Brad Feuerhelm.
May 31–June 7, 2026
Santorini, Greece
The Exchange Retreat is a collaboration between Nearest Truth and Palm Tree Workshops, inspired by our shared belief in creative synergies. As two of Europe’s central workshop organizers, we have conceived this program to facilitate a more in-depth experience for our shared audiences. Sessions will comprise:
- group instruction
- individual meetings
- individual presentations
- group critiques and discussion
- lectures
Sessions will take place at Marilena’s lovely family estate, the Palm Tree Residence, on the island of Santorini. The space is large and will be broken into individual and group teaching environments. The retreat includes a communal lunch. Accommodation is not provided. It is up to participants to find their place to stay and to be present at the estate daily for participation. A list with potential hotels and places to stay will be provided.
Who will lead the retreat?
Magnum photographers Jim Goldberg and Alessandra Sanguinetti, with international curator Holly Roussell as guest lecturer. Brad Feuerhelm, founder of Nearest Truth Workshops, and Marilena Stafylidou, founder of Palm Tree Workshops, will also be on hand to provide personalized support and insights.
What makes the retreat special?
One of the primary goals of the Exchange is to help artists bring their projects to fruition. With this in mind, Brad and Marilena will host an introductory meeting for participants, and they will conduct a follow-up session with each participant via Zoom two months after the workshop. In other words, the exchange continues beyond your stay at the retreat.
Who is the Exchange Retreat for?
The retreat is designed for artists seeking to meaningfully develop a work in progress while benefiting from an earnest exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. It doesn’t matter if you are developing a project or a book—we are open to looking at either. (We encourage you to outline the work in your application.)
Workshop size
Participation is limited to 14 artists.
Scholarships
The Exchange is pleased to offer three scholarships for Greek female artists living and working in Greece:
- One full scholarship: Apply by February 1, 2026. Winner announced February 6, 2026.
- Two half scholarships: Apply by March 1, 2026. Winners announced March 8, 2026.
When you apply for the workshop (scroll down for details), kindly note that you would like to be considered for a scholarship.
