TYPA - Artist in Residence Program
for Nordic and Baltic Artists 2025
Description of the residency program
Set in the city of Tartu, UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Literature 2019, and the European Capital of Culture 2024, the residency will provide artists with the time and space for new projects, work and research. This unique residency will offer 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. 2025 continues to be fully integrated into the facilities and operation of the print and paper art studio. We are looking for artists to bring fresh perspectives and ways of working with our equipment. We are looking for both experienced printmakers and artists with their own practices, whether that be new media, sculpture, audio-artists, painters etc. Artists need to apply with a project plan – something which responds to the location, whether this be TYPA, Tartu or Estonia.
We can offer a wide range of printmaking practices (etching, relief, linocut and more), dark-room photography, bookbinding and support for the artist to develop their own projects. Due to limited resources, we can only offer letterpress to artists already working in this field. We are particularly excited to receive applications for projects in experimental print, book arts, community collaborations and more. The residency includes a supported public outcome, whether this be a workshop, artist talk or exhibition. We are working with the local university, Pallas, local galleries, the Aparaaditehas cultural space and international organisations to connect artists with the creative community of Tartu.
In 2025, thanks to our funding, we can offer two types of residencies:
- Nordic-Baltic Residencies – of which we can host 4 per year, 3 months each. These residencies are open to only artists from Nordic and Baltic countries.
- Open Access Residencies – of which we can host 6 throughout the year, 2-3 months each. If this applies to you please click here.
Duration of the residency
The residency period runs from January 2025 – December 2025
Residencies for Baltic and Nordic Artists are 3 months in length.
Conditions for the artist
Artists must be resident in one of the Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Åland) or the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) - the invited artist should have a permanent address in one of these countries. However, it is not necessary for the invited artists to have Nordic or Baltic nationality. We are looking for artists who have at least 5 years of professional experience.
Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
We are looking for artists who wish to explore print, paper and bookmaking. Although they do not have to be professional printmakers, they should have some wish to develop a project using TYPA’s facilities. We have a large collection of letterpress printing machines and type, as well as other forms of print equipment - such as an etching press, a pre-press camera and mimeographs. An example of some of our equipment on offer can be found here.
We also have an equipped papermaking kitchen with a Hollander beater, various sized papermaking moulds and deckles. We have a shared studio, with ample space for larger projects, where artists can work alongside Estonian printmakers. Artists will have an introduction to the equipment needed for their project as well as access to the museum technical staff who can assist with any queries. We are particularly excited to receive applications for projects in experimental print, book arts, community collaborations and more.
Accommodation
Accommodation takes the form of a basic apartment in the centre of Tartu. The apartment contains a double bed, private bathroom and shower, a kitchen and desk space. The apartment is centrally located but have small bathrooms and are modestly decorated. Partners are welcome; however, the apartment is not large enough for a family.
Pictures can be found here.
Studio / workspace
Artists will have full access to a large, shared studio space, with a large table space, exposure unit, etching press, relief press, sink and use of shared equipment and inks. Artists are free to use the museum equipment, bearing in mind that the museum is open for visitors from Wednesday to Sunday and machinery is required in certain museum demonstrations or workshops.
Fees and support
Our fees are dependent on our funding and support. For all residencies TYPA will pay for:
- Accommodation
- Studio usage and a storage shelf
- Access to our equipment
- Technical support
- Exhibition space
- Promotion of their practice and outcome
- Support in finding funding
Nordic and Baltic Artists will also receive a grant of 1500€ for their residency period, as well as a materials fee up to 600€, and travel costs covered up to 350€ (green travel choices are favoured).
Expectations towards the artist
Artists are expected to work in a respectful manner, taking responsibility of their own safety and the safety of those around them, and keeping shared working areas clean. They are also expected to plan one longer public outcome – whether this be a larger performance or exhibition, a series of artist talks or workshops or whatever they propose.
Application information
Please complete the application form here or email applications to stina@typa.ee
Include:
- A 300-word proposal for your residency plan and an (300) overview of how this residency will suit your practice.
- A current CV
- A small portfolio or links to previous work/website
Application timeline:
25th of July – 15th of September (extended!): Accepting applications
October: Notification sent to all artists
