Organizer Information
VARES is an experimental cultural platform based in Valga, Estonia, dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations in art, architecture, and community-based projects. The organization fosters creative exploration that blends practical skills, performative practices, and participatory design. Through residencies, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, VARES encourages dialogue between creators and the local community, emphasizing sustainable and innovative approaches to cultural production.
Title & Description
VARES: Inventing Sauna Residency 2026
This two-month Residency invites architects, builders, engineers, inventors, artists, and cultural researchers to co-create an interdisciplinary sauna school. Participants will collaboratively design, construct, and experiment with a floating sauna on the Pedeli River, exploring both traditional and speculative forms of sauna rituals.
The program combines hands-on construction, independent research, and experimental workshops, emphasizing the performative, social, and ritual dimensions of sauna culture. Residents will also contribute to a public program featuring workshops, readings, performances, and community events, ensuring the sauna remains a living, participatory element in the local infrastructure after the residency.
Categories
Visual Arts, Architecture, Interdisciplinary Arts, Performance, Craft, Design, Installation
Eligibility
- Open to Europe-based or Europe-affiliated architects, interior architects, builders, engineers, inventors, artists, performers, researchers, and theorists.
- Emerging and professional practitioners welcome.
- Individuals or small groups (1–2 applicants per group).
- No formal academic credentials required, though practical skills with tools are advantageous.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residency period: 13 July – 5 September 2026
- Stipend & Travel Support: Includes living costs, accommodation, and travel expenses.
- Production Budget: Materials and resources for construction and public programming.
- Accommodation: Private bedroom, shared residency spaces, access to workshop with essential tools.
- Mentorship by experienced builder Päär Keedus and VARES curators.
- Access to the local community, networks, and public engagement activities.
- Completed sauna becomes part of the local public infrastructure.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form via VARES
- CV (max 25 MB) and optional portfolio
- Statement of interest: motivation letter and/or description of proposed contribution (max 10 MB)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 19 April 2026
- Selection Results: Early May 2026
- Residency Period: 13 July – 5 September 2026
- Opening Event: 29 August 2026
Location
Valga, Estonia
Additional Details
- Full-time participation is required; days away affect the stipend.
- Hands-on construction combined with playful experimentation is encouraged.
- Residents may assume roles such as firekeeper, whisk maker, water carrier, or body washer to explore performative aspects of sauna rituals.
- Public programming contributions are encouraged but flexible.
- A maximum of five participants will be selected.
- Shared accommodations for group applicants.