location: Frasta, Tzoumerka, Epirus, Greece
 
dates: 28/09/2025 - 31/10/2025
 
co-organizers : Municipality of Central Tzoumerka, Technical Chamber of Greece - Epirus Department, Epirus Regional Union of Municipalities
 
supported by: John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, The Sahinis Family, The A. G. Leventis Foundation, Green Fund, Non- Profit Civil Company AEGEAS
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photos: Iason Anastasiadis, Ioanna Ntoutsi (BLK), Athina Apostolou

completed project

The present call concerns the implementation of a dual educational program entitled "Keretsi* | Apprenticeship and Hands-on Workshop on Mortars for Traditional and Sustainable Building Practices", which includes a professional apprenticeship for young craftspeople and a 12-day hands-on workshop. A total of twenty-six (26) participants from Greece and abroad—young craftspeople, students, and professionals from the fields of construction and cultural heritage— will contribute to the restoration works of the School of Frasta in Tzoumerka, a new research and education centre that Boulouki is developing in Epirus region, NW Greece. The program will take place in October 2025 and will be accompanied by a rich educational and awareness-raising activities.

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The project focuses on the transmission of the historical know-how of the use of lime and clay mortars in plastering and pointing applications through the completion of the corresponding works in the school building. At the same time, through an expanded public events programme, the project will also function as a hub for the exchange of knowledge and good practices around the interpretation, promotion, and protection of the rich heritage of mortars in traditional construction. The aim is to achieve pluralism through the participation of researchers, professionals and groups from different countries, but also through awareness-raising and local community involvement.

*keretsi means lime in the secret language of craftspeople
 

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(A) Apprenticeship for young craftspeople

The 5-week professional apprenticeship program (29/09-31/10) aims at the intensive training of six (6) young craftspeople in theoretical and practical aspects of the application of traditional lime and clay mortars. Under the guidance and supervision of the project team and two experienced craftspeople/trainers, they will undertake the completion of the building works on repointing and plastering, as well as they will also participate in the activities of the hands-on workshop. The apprentices will be provided with accommodation and receive a wage of EUR 50/day, as well as relevant insurance (total of EUR 1.250 net). 

The criteria on which the selection will be based can be described as follows:

• Age: The call is open to candidates up to 45 years old.

• Experience & motivation to participate: Working experience with traditional crafts and any previous participation in workshops or educational activities will be positively considered.

• Locality: The call is addressed to craftspeople from all over Greece, however priority will be given to applicants from the region of Tzoumerka and Epirus.
   

The program includes:

• 25 days of paid work (8 hours Monday to Friday) on a restoration and renovation project.

• Participation in the workshop training activities described below.

Important information and dates
Available positions: 6 
Application deadline: 30 June 2025 (Extension until 6 July 2025)
Notification of acceptance: by 7 July 2025
Apprenticeship duration: 29 September-31 October 2025
Location: Frasta, Tzoumerka, Epirus, Greece

Wage and benefits: 50 EUR/day + insurance (1250 EUR net) and accommodation

Travel expenses to and from Tzoumerka and all other personal expenses are covered solely by the participants​

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​Apply here

(B) 12-day hands-on workshop

The 12-day hands-on workshop (13/10 - 24/10) is addressed to twenty (20) participants, students and/or professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, archaeology, cultural management and other related disciplines. Under the supervision of the trainees and trainers, they will support the restoration/renovation project and participate in a series of seminars, lectures, community outreach and field visits for a holistic approach to heritage and sustainable building issues.

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The program includes:

• 10 days of hands-on training in the use of lime and clay mortars for plastering and pointing applications, through the completion of restoration works on the historic School building. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating reuse and recycling practices within the construction process.

• Specialized seminars on mortars preparation and the application of historical decorative plastering techniques.

• Lectures, presentations, and demonstrations delivered by renowned researchers and practitioners, focusing on the architectural, construction, cultural, and social dimensions of traditional mortars technologies.

• One-day excursion to sites of architectural and cultural interest, highlighting traditional construction methods and regional practices.

• Roundtable discussion with representatives of research organizations, institutional bodies and companies focusing on traditional and contemporary building practices, especially those related to the protection of historic buildings and monuments.

• Exhibition presenting the team’s work on traditional lime kilns, including audiovisual material and architectural documentation.

​Important information and dates
Available positions: 20
Application deadline: 30 June 2025
Notification of acceptance: by 7 July 2025
Workshop dates: 13 - 24 October 2025
Location: Frasta, Tzoumerka, Epirus, Greece

Participation fees
550 EUR for accommodation in a double or triple hotel room, with breakfast included.

350 EUR for undergraduate students and the unemployed
50 EUR for permanent residents of the Municipalities of Central and Northern Tzoumerka (accommodation not included).

The costs include participation in the workshop, accommodation in a triple hotel room (breakfast included) for 13 nights in Tzoumerka (arrival on Sunday 12.10.2025 and departure on Saturday 25.10.2025), a snack per day provided during the fieldwork, the provision of tools and educational material, liability insurance during the fieldwork and transport within the programme. Travel expenses to and from Tzoumerka and all other personal expenses are covered solely by the participants.
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​Apply here

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Information
email: workshop@boulouki.org
ph: +30211 1828348

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The program is co-organized by the “Boulouki” Itinerant Workshop on Traditional Building Techniques, Municipality of Central Tzoumerka, Municipality of Northern Tzoumerka, Technical Chamber of Greece - Epirus Department, Epirus Regional Union of Municipalities. With the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the Sahinis Family, the A. G. Leventis Foundation, European Heritage Days 2025, the Green Fund, and the Non-Profit Civil Company AEGEAS, this initiative is carried out under the auspices and with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture.