Organizer Information
LOORE (The Estonian Creative Residencies Network) is a network of 18 artist residency organizations across Estonia, established to improve collaboration, representation, and support for creative mobility. This specific program is funded by the Estonian Ministry of Culture and aims to provide support to Ukrainian and Ukraine-based artists and art professionals affected by the war.
Title & Description
Residencies for Ukrainian Artists
This open call offers seven 7-week residencies hosted by various LOORE network members. The purpose is to provide a safe, supportive environment for creatives to work, offering free accommodation, studio access, and financial aid. Artists will have opportunities for networking, including visits, workshops, talks, and programs in different locations across Estonia.
Categories
Multidisciplinary. The call is open to artists and art professionals, including writers, curators, critics, and musicians. Specific host focuses include:
- Literature (Estonian Literary Society)
- Visual Art, Architecture, Film, Ecology, Research, Multidisciplinary (KORDON)
- Film Music (KULLAAUGU)
- Visual Arts, Writers, Poets, Musicians, Multidisciplinary (LOOVLINNAK)
- Community Practices, Visual Arts, Multidisciplinary (MAAJAAM & NARVA ART RESIDENCY)
- Visual Arts, Art History, Curating, Multidisciplinary (TARTU ARTISTS’ UNION)
Eligibility
- Open to Ukrainian and Ukraine-based artists and art professionals affected by the war in Ukraine.
- Creatives of all ages, genders, and levels of experience are welcome, though some residencies (e.g., Estonian Literary Society) prefer previously published authors.
- It is possible to attend in pairs or with family, but the grant money does not cover the costs of additional participants.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residency: 7-week residency period.
- Stipend: A total grant of 1550€.
- Travel Allowance: An additional 250€ for travel costs.
- Accommodation & Studio: Free accommodation and studio access provided by the host organisation.
- Networking: Unique networking opportunities within the LOORE network, including visits, workshops, talks, and programs in other locations.
Individual Residency Programs Summary
Seven different organizations across Estonia are hosting the residencies, each with a unique focus and set of requirements:
- Estonian Literary Society (Tartu):
- Focus: Literature and other forms of verbal art (writers, translators).
- Available Time: June to September 2026.
- Requirements: Openness and interest in Estonian culture, upper-intermediate spoken English, and a creative work sample (up to 5 pages of prose/poetry) in English translation. Preference is given to previously published authors.
- KORDON (Hiiumaa Island):
- Focus: Visual art, architecture, film, ecology, research, and multidisciplinary work.
- Available Time: September to October 2026.
- Requirements: Welcomes all creative practitioners and researchers interested in the dialogue between the built environment and nature.
- KULLAAUGU (Põlvamaa):
- Focus: Film music.
- Available Time: Either April to May or September to October 2026.
- Requirements: Open to artists working with film music. Expected to produce film music for one full-length, short, or animation project. Provides a private sound studio.
- LOOVLINNAK / CREATIVE CITY (Pärnu):
- Focus: Visual arts, writers, poets, musicians, and multidisciplinary work.
- Available Time: July to August 2026.
- Requirements: Artists must be self-sufficient and capable of independent art making without constant assistance. No specific outcome is required, and all ages/experiences are welcome. Strong connection to performance art.
- MAAJAAM (South Estonia):
- Focus: Community practices, visual arts, and multidisciplinary work.
- Available Time: September to October 2026.
- Requirements: Interest in using specific technical equipment and tools, such as the CNC plasma cutter, laser cutter, 3D printer, or audio production gear, for experimental work at the intersection of technology and the environment.
- NARVA ART RESIDENCY (NART) (Narva):
- Focus: Community practices, visual arts, and multidisciplinary work.
- Available Time: Mid-August to late September 2026.
- Requirements: Particularly suitable for practitioners whose work is socially engaged and who are open to dialogue and collaboration with local communities. Access to the historic Kreenholm factory complex.
- TARTU ARTISTS’ UNION (Tartu):
- Focus: Visual arts, art history, curating, and multidisciplinary work.
- Available Time: March to June and August to October 2026.
- Requirements: Welcomes visual artists and curators. The residency is especially suitable for families or artists with partners, as the apartment is large enough. No requirements or desired outcomes are set.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completion of the online application form, where applicants select their preferences for a maximum of three residency programs.
- Sample of creative work (up to 5 pages of prose or poetry in English translation) required for applicants to the Estonian Literary Society.
- All applicants must align their artistic proposal with the specific focus and expectations of their chosen host organisation (e.g., film music for KULLAAUGU, interest in technical equipment for MAAJAAM).
- Web interview may be conducted with the shortlisted applicants.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 January 2026
- Notification Date: 8 February 2026
- Residencies Period: March 1st – October 31st, 2026.
Location
Estonia
Additional Details
The overall grant funding is focused on the primary resident and does not cover costs for accompanying family members or partners.
Residents are generally expected to engage in creative work and are encouraged to present their work publicly (e.g., KORDON, Estonian Literary Society). For Kullaugu, the expectation is to produce film music for one full-length, short, or animated film.