This call is for a 2-month residency period November-December 2024.

Tartu is the second largest town of Estonia but is widely considered its intellectual capital – vitally significant in developing the educational system, culture, science and literature in the Estonian language.

In 2015 Tartu was designated UNESCO City of Literature which has further enhanced the vibrant literary scene. The Tartu City of Literature residency program aims to increase international exchange and communication, contribute to the mobility of writers and translators, offer a creative and inspiring environment, and provide writers an opportunity to introduce their work to Estonian readers.

The programme is open to all writers and translators (translating from Estonian to other languages) from across the world, who meet the criteria described below. The residency program is coordinated by the Estonian Literary Society in cooperation with Tartu Department of the Estonian Writers Union and in partnership with various other literary institutions.

In 2024 Tartu is the European Capital of Culture – under the title The Arts of Survival the capital of culture programme offers a wide range of events and activities attracting both local and international audiences. You can learn more about the concept and the programme on the website. From November 7th to 9th the interdisciplinary festival ‘Crazy Tartu’ will take place, bringing together writers, poets, musicians and artists from all over Estonia and also from abroad. The resident will be offered an opportunity to perform at the festival.

What Tartu City of Literature offer:

• 2-month stay at the Karl Ristikivi residency apartment;
• A scholarship of 600 euros per month;
• Compensation of travel costs to and from Tartu up to 350 euros;
• An opportunity to get engaged in the cultural scene of Tartu and to perform at different events, the interdisciplinary festival ‘Crazy Tartu’ taking place from November 7th to 9th 2024;
• A contact person who is responsible for planning performances, meetings and tours and helps to engage in the local literary life.

How to apply:

1. Fill in the online application form available HERE
2. Please upload a fragment (up to 5 pages) of a published text (in Estonian or English) or a fragment of a published translation (from Estonian into another language) in the respective section of the form.

If it’s helpful, you can see some of the work a previous Manchester writer David Hartley has created through his residency with Tartu City of Literature below.

The deadline for applications is September 25th. The results will be announced by October 4th at the latest and only one applicant will be selected.