Tartu City of Literature calls for literary residency

Once again, Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia, has opened a call for applications for a two-month literary residency in this UNESCO City of Literature.

Writers and translators (who translate from Estonian into other languages) from all over the world are eligible for the residency, provided they meet certain criteria, including having an intermediate or higher level of English or Estonian, having published at least one book (fiction or non-fiction) or translation, and being willing to participate in local literary life.

The stay will last two months, during April and May 2024, and residents will stay at the former Karl Ristikivi Museum. Karl Ristikivi (1912-1977) was a renowned Estonian writer whose works are considered the basic texts of 20th century Estonian prose. The apartment, owned by the Tartu City Council and managed by the Estonian Literary Society, was his first residence in Estonia before he went into exile in Sweden in 1943.

The resident will receive a grant of €1,200 (€600 each month) and will also receive compensation for travel to and from Tartu of up to €350. In Tartu, the resident will participate in the literary and cultural life of the town and will be able to prepare a literary work. Moreover, this year 2024, Tartu is the European Capital of Culture, and under the title The Arts of Survival, it will offer a wide range of events and activities.

The deadline for submitting applications is 20 February. The results will be announced no later than 4 March. The announcement will be published on the Tartu City of Literature web site and Facebook page.