Tartu City Literature Residency for Writers and Translators

About the Open Call

The residency aims to create a supportive and inspiring environment for literary professionals while strengthening international connections around Estonian literature and culture. Residents are accommodated in the historic Karl Ristikivi residency apartment and are encouraged to participate in Tartu's literary life through meetings, events, and other cultural activities. Tartu has been a UNESCO City of Literature since 2015, and its residency programme forms part of its ongoing efforts to promote literary exchange, creative mobility, and connections between Estonian writers, translators, and international literary communities.

Requirements

Based on the programme's regular residency structure, applicants are expected to: Be professional writers or translators, with the autumn 2026 call specifically focused on translators of Estonian literature. Have experience translating from Estonian into another language. Demonstrate an interest in Estonian literature and culture. Have a sufficient level of spoken English for participating in the programme. Be prepared to work on their literary translation during the residency. Participate in aspects of Tartu's local literary and cultural life. Previous calls have also required applicants to provide a sample of published work or translation and to demonstrate previous professional publication experience.