Organizer Information
The residency is coordinated by the Estonian Literary Society, Estonia's oldest literary association, founded in 1907 and affiliated with the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Since 2015, the Society has also served as the Tartu City of Literature Office, following Tartu's designation that year as a UNESCO City of Literature — one of only three UNESCO Creative Cities in Estonia, alongside Tallinn (City of Music) and Viljandi (City of Craft and Folk Arts). The Society works in partnership with the Tartu Literature House Foundation, the Tartu Department of the Estonian Writers Union, and the Estonian Literary Museum.
Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, is widely regarded as the country's intellectual capital, historically central to the development of the Estonian-language educational system, science, and literature. The city's International Residency Program for writers and translators was launched in 2017 and has since hosted more than 20 writers-in-residence; the main program now runs twice yearly, with one resident hosted in spring and one in autumn.Fres
Title & Description
Tartu City of Literature Residency for Writers and Translators — Autumn 2026
This is an open call for a two-month international residency in Tartu, Estonia, for writers and translators of Estonian literature. The program aims to increase international exchange and communication, support the mobility of writers and translators, offer a creative and inspiring working environment, and give the resident an opportunity to introduce their work to Estonian readers. One applicant will be selected for the autumn 2026 period.
The residency period coincides with the interdisciplinary literary festival Crazy Tartu (12–14 November 2026), which brings together writers, poets, musicians, and artists from Estonia and abroad. The resident will be offered an opportunity to perform at the festival.
Categories
- Literature
- Writing
- Creative Writing
- Residency
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Playwright
- Screenwriting
Eligibility
- Open to writers and translators of Estonian literature from across the world (no home-country restriction stated)
- Applicants must have an upper-intermediate level of spoken English
- Applicants must have at least one published book (poetry, fiction, or non-fiction), screenplay, theatre script, or translation from Estonian into another language
- Applicants must have an interest in Estonian culture and literature
- Applicants must be ready to participate in local literary life, including events, meetings, interviews, and festivals
- Applicants are expected to carry out literary work during the residency
Program Benefits & Awards
- 2-month stay at the Karl Ristikivi residency apartment
- Scholarship of 600 EUR per month
- Compensation of travel costs to and from Tartu, up to 350 EUR
- Opportunity to engage with Tartu's cultural scene and perform at events, including the Crazy Tartu festival (12–14 November 2026)
- A dedicated contact person to arrange performances, meetings, and tours, and to support engagement with the local literary community
- Administrative support for use of the apartment's facilities
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
- Results Announced: Before September 15, 2026
- Residency Period: October 15 – December 15, 2026
- Crazy Tartu Festival: November 12–14, 2026
Location
Tartu, Estonia
Additional Details
- Selection is made by a committee of 4, representing the Estonian Literary Society, the Tartu Department of the Estonian Writers Union, the Estonian Literary Museum, and the Tartu Literature House Foundation
- Scheduling has some flexibility: arriving a few days later or departing a few days earlier than the stated dates can generally be arranged
- Residents are encouraged to travel within Estonia during the residency, but travel costs to other cities are not covered
- The apartment can accommodate a partner, friend, or family member; however, only the resident's own travel expenses are reimbursed