For the third year, the Narva Art Residency, in cooperation with the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, is announcing a competition for children’s literature residencies. The program offers one writer and one illustrator the opportunity to dedicate themselves to their work in the unique environment of Narva. Each residency includes a stipend of 1,500 euros. Creative individuals from Estonia and abroad are invited to apply.
The aim of the residency program is to support children’s authors and illustrators. It offers creators the opportunity to work in Narva, discover the city from a new perspective, and focus on the manuscript or illustrations of a new book. During the residency, authors are encouraged to meet and/or engage with young people and children living in this border town, introducing them to the enchanting world of literature and illustration.
Children’s literature residencies have previously taken place over two years. In 2023, 37 applications were received, and in 2024, that number grew to 54. Applicantions came from many countries around the world. This year, the application period opens on March 31 and ends on May 1. The selected authors will be chosen by a jury composed of Triin Soone (director of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre), Anne Pikkov (illustrator, board member of Narva Art Residency), Katrin Reinmaa (publisher, Päike ja Pilv publishing house), Johanna Rannula (head of the Narva Art Residency).
The selected residents will be invited to Narva in August and September of 2025 (15.08–14.09 and 1.09–30.09), where they will be provided with accommodation at the Narva Art Residency, along with support in exploring the local cultural context.
The total scholarship fund is 3,000 euros, with 1,500 euros allocated to each selected author. Both children’s writers and illustrators are eligible to apply. Tandems working on a joint project are also welcome.
To apply, please submit:
- A CV of the applicant(s) (including name, address, email, website, etc)
- Examples of previous work and a link to a portfolio showcasing the applicant’s creative background
- A motivation letter (maximum 500 characters)
- Ideas for community engagement (e.g., workshop, performance) and methods for gathering creative inspiration (e.g., meetings, participatory observation)
- A conceptual draft of the children’s book content and/or illustrations, including the intended age group, estimated text length, illustration scope, etc.
- A preferred residency period – either 15.08–14.09.2025 or 1.09–30.09.2025
The application deadline is 1 May at 23:59 (Estonian time).
Applications are accepted in Estonian and English. All required materials must be submitted as a single PDF file via the following Google form: https://forms.gle/y9rYvaeMqhbiJZYNA.
For additional information, contact: residentuur@artun.ee.
Conditions of the Narva children’s literature scholarship programme:
- The total scholarship fund is 3,000 euros, distributed as 1,500 euros per author. Each scholarship is paid in two instalments: 1,000 euros at the beginning of the residency and 500 euros upon submission of the children’s book manuscript and/or illustrations.
- Scholarships are available to individuals only.
- Previous recipients of this scholarship may reapply after a five-year interval.
- Scholarship recipients are required to submit copies of the children’s book manuscript and/or illustrations created during the residency to NART and the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre by June 15 of the year following the residency.
- If necessary, deadlines may be adjusted in cooperation with the recipients and agreed upon in writing.
- The organizers reserve the right to publish a children’s book based on the submitted materials. Publication terms will be agreed upon separately between the parties.
- The scholarship will be paid by the Narva Art Residency (Estonian Academy of Arts Foundation) based on the jury’s decision.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to live at the Narva Art Residency (Joala 18) for one month. In 2025, one resident will stay from 15.08–14.09, and the other from 1.09–30.09. If renovations are ongoing at the Joala 18 building, alternative accommodation will be arranged.
- The Joala 18 building provides private bedrooms, shared workspaces, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen. The Narva Art Residency will assist fellows during their stay, helping them connect with the local cultural scene.
- Daily allowances and materials are not provided. Fellows are responsible for their own food, transport, and other personal expenses.
- Authors traveling from abroad are eligible for a travel reimbursement of up to 350 euros.