Organizer Information:

Narva Art Residency (NART) in cooperation with the Narva City Architecture and Urban Planning Department. NART provides artists with the opportunity to focus on creative work in an inspiring environment on the border between Estonia and Russia.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the NAIR 2026 Narva Urban Installation Residency (Light Installation).

This program invites artists to create a new, large-scale public installation or sculpture on the edge of the Pähklimäe district in Narva. The chosen artwork will be a long-term addition to the city, creating a new landmark. The artwork must explore the use of light (such as daylight reflections, nighttime lighting, or colored light) to enhance the safety and beauty of the area.

Category:

Public Art, Spatial Design, & Installation.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to artists, architects, designers, and creative practitioners from Estonia and internationally. You may apply as an individual or as an artistic duo (provided you are willing to share a single room during the residency).
  • Artwork Lifespan: The installation must be created from highly durable materials to ensure a minimum lifespan of at least 5 years outdoors.
  • Light Integration: The installation MUST be equally attractive during both the day and night, functioning beautifully with and without lighting solutions.
  • Building Permits: If your proposed sculpture is over 5 meters in height, it legally requires a building permit and MUST be officially designed by a qualified architect. If it is under 5 meters, it only requires a basic construction project approval from the city.
  • Language: Applications must be submitted in English or Estonian.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Artist Stipend: A personal creative grant of €3,000 EUR.
  • Production Budget: €11,000 EUR to cover all materials, construction, transport, labor, and necessary design services.
  • Travel Support: Travel costs are reimbursed up to €1,000 EUR.
  • Accommodation: Two months of hosted residency at NART to manage the project from sketch to completion.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Production Logistics: The artist must take a hands-on approach and manage all production within the €11,000 budget. If you lack technical architectural skills, you must use part of this budget to hire a specialist to create compliant permit drawings.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Portal: Applications are submitted via a Google Form.
  • Required Documents & Strict Limits:
    1. Applicant info and CV/Biography.
    2. Short portfolio (Maximum 5 relevant projects).
    3. Concept description (Maximum 800 words).
    4. Technical drawings (must include a plan, three views, and a site layout).
    5. A highly detailed cost estimate/budget (noting if you will handle construction drawings or hire a service provider).
    6. A production timeline.

How to Apply?

Upload all required documents and details to the official NAIR 2026 Google Form.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: May 15, 2026, at 23:59 (Estonian time).
  • Preparation & Permits: June – July 2026.
  • Residency & Construction Dates: August 10 – October 9, 2026.

Location:

Narva Art Residency (NART) and the Pähklimäe district in Narva, Estonia.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: residentuur@artun.ee

Website & Application Details: https://www.nart.ee/en/open-call-nair-2026/