Tartu, City of Literature Residency 2026

Tartu is the second largest town of Estonia, but is widely considered its intellectual capital, a significant place for developing the educational system, culture, science and literature in the Estonian language. In 2015, Tartu was designated a UNESCO City of Literature, which has further enhanced the vibrant literary scene. 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 with 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 Literature House Foundation and in partnership with various other literary institutions.

The autumn residency period includes the week of the interdisciplinary literary festival Crazy Tartu, held 12–14 November, bringing together writers, poets, musicians and artists from Estonia and abroad. The resident will be offered an opportunity to perform at the festival.

Residency Details:

2 Months (15. October-15. December)
Deadline for submitting applications: September 1st
Results will be announced before September 15th

What we 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, including the interdisciplinary literary festival Crazy Tartu taking place 12–14 November 2026.
A contact person who is responsible for making arrangements for performances, meetings and tours and helps to engage in the local literary life

How to Apply:

Fill in the online application form available HERE
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)

Requirements

Have an upper intermediate level of spoken English.
Have at least one published book (fiction or non-fiction), screenplay, theatre script ortranslation from Estonian into another language
Be interested in Estonian culture and literature
Be readiness to participate in the local literary life, including events, meetings, interviews, festivals.
Literary work during the residency.

Selection process

The resident will be selected by a committee of 4 consisting of the representatives of the Estonian Literary Society (coordinating organisation of Tartu City of Literature), the Tartu Department of the Estonian Writers Union, the Estonian Literary Museum and Tartu Literature House Foundation.

For more information contact: Marja Unt, Estonian Literary Society/Tartu UNESCO City of Literature focal point: eks@kirjandus.ee

How strict is the length and schedule of the residency – do I need to arrive on October 15th and leave exactly 2 months later?

While the residency should be around 2 months, there is some flexibility in scheduling; arriving a couple of days later or departing a couple of days earlier probably can be arranged.

Do I have to be in Tartu the whole time, or can I travel to other places in Estonia?

We encourage discovering the whole country so you can spend some time travelling around or staying in other cities; unfortunately, we cannot cover the costs of travelling to other places.

Can I come with my partner or family?

The apartment is big enough to accommodate a family. Although residency projects are often a way of getting some rest from everyday matters, we completely understand if you choose to come with your partner, friend or family or have them visit for some time. Please note, however, that we only provide the reimbursement of travel expenses to the residents