TYPA - Artist in Residence Program 2026

About the Open Call

Set in the city of Tartu, UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Literature 2019, and the European Capital of Culture 2024, the TYPA Artist in Residence Program 2026 provides artists with the time and space for new projects, work and research. This unique residency offers the opportunity to work within the TYPA Paper and Print Centre, and within the cultural opportunities of the city of Tartu. The project seeks to promote an environment of reflection, community and supports innovative graphic art practices. The program is fully integrated into the facilities and operation of the print and paper art studio. TYPA is looking for artists to bring fresh perspectives and ways of working with their equipment, including experienced printmakers and artists with diverse practices such as new media, sculpture, audio-artists, and painters. Artists are required to apply with a project plan that responds to the location (TYPA, Tartu, or Estonia). TYPA offers a wide range of printmaking practices (etching, relief, screenprinting), dark-room photography, bookbinding, and support for project development. Letterpress is available only to artists already working in this field. Applications for experimental print, book arts, and community collaborations are particularly encouraged. The residency runs from January 2026 to December 2026, with individual residency periods between 2 to 3 months. Longer stays are encouraged for sustainability and artistic opportunity. Artists will have an introduction to equipment and access to museum technical staff. Accommodation is a basic apartment in the centre of Tartu, containing a double bed, private bathroom, kitchen, and desk space. Partners are welcome, but the apartment is not suitable for families. Artists will have full access to a large, shared studio space, including equipment like an exposure unit, etching press, relief press, and shared inks. Museum equipment can be used, with consideration for museum visitor hours and demonstrations. TYPA also offers supported residencies for Ukrainian artists or artists in financial or political insecurity, exempting them from the residency fee.

What is Offered

The residency provides artists with time and space, access to TYPA Paper and Print Centre facilities including printmaking, dark-room photography, bookbinding, and equipment. Accommodation in a basic apartment in Tartu is provided. Artists will have full access to a large, shared studio space. A supported public outcome (workshop, artist talk, or exhibition) is also offered. TYPA also offers supported residencies for Ukrainian artists or artists in financial or political insecurity, exempting them from the residency fee.

Requirements

Artists need to apply with a project plan – something which responds to the location, whether this be TYPA, Tartu or Estonia. Artists are expected to work in a respectful manner, taking responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them, and keeping shared working areas clean. The artist will be expected to make one public outcome during their residency time; this can take the form of an artist talk, exhibition, open studio, workshop, etc. We also encourage the integration into Tartu’s creative community. Artists should have some wish to develop a project using TYPA’s facilities. For letterpress, artists must already be working in this field.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form here or email your application to charlotte@typa.ee. Include: A 300-word proposal for your residency plan, A current CV, A small portfolio or links to previous work/website. Make sure to make known if you are applying for extra support in the application process.