Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is this residency, exactly?
This is a six-month collaborative creative research residency for four residents, working with the Estonian National Museum’s photo collection. The outcome is a joint exhibition in ERM’s temporary exhibition hall, open 25 November 2026 – 4 July 2027.

Are only international applicants welcome?
No. We welcome applicants from all countries, including Estonia.

Why is the working language English?
The residency is international and collaborative: residents work with the same body of material, make joint decisions, and develop a joint exhibition. A shared working language is necessary to ensure that workshops, discussions, and exhibition development are equally accessible to everyone.

At the same time, we handle communication in both English and Estonian where relevant: formal administrative matters (e.g., agreements and official decisions) are handled in Estonian, and we provide an English version/summary as needed. Residents may also communicate with the museum in Estonian when appropriate.

Is this an art residency or a research residency?
Both. The residency is situated within visual anthropology: photographs are simultaneously material and practice. We welcome hybrid approaches (for example, art + research + curatorial work) as well as clearly defined individual focuses.

Does the final outcome have to be a “classic” exhibition?
No. The exhibition is the shared outcome, but its form can vary (e.g., montage, spatial structures, textual layers, sound, data-driven approaches). What matters is that the choices are well argued and feasible.

Timeline and presence

Do I have to live in Estonia for six months?
No. The residency is hybrid: most of the research can take place from your home base. However, we expect residents to be present in Tartu for at least two mandatory co-creation periods, and to be present locally during the exhibition installation/production period before opening.

What are the co-creation periods?
Co-creation periods are intensive weeks when all residents are in Tartu at the same time and work together on the exhibition’s conceptual whole: sharing perspectives, discussing them, making curatorial decisions, prototyping, and giving each other critical feedback. The aim is for the exhibition to become a multi-voiced yet coherent whole.

When do I need to be present for exhibition production/installation?
The exhibition opens on 25 November 2026. Installation and production take place in the period leading up to the opening (the schedule will be confirmed with selected residents based on the production timeline). The Estonian National Museum covers travel and accommodation during this period.

Material and access

Is the entire collection digitally available?
A large part of the photo collection is accessible via the Estonian Museums Information System (MUIS), where you can find digital images and digitised descriptions. However, not all material has been fully digitised. The museum supports access arrangements and orientation in the archive.

What language are the collection descriptions in?
Mostly Estonian. The working language of the residency is English, and the museum supports residents in navigating the archive and understanding its context.

Are there topics that are not allowed?
The Estonian National Museum does not prohibit any topic, but we expect a focused and ethical working process. The archive contains sensitive material, and we expect residents to approach it responsibly. Ethical and contextual questions will be discussed as part of exhibition development.

Collaboration and roles

What does “collaborative” mean?
Each resident brings their own perspective and research questions, but we work on an agreed shared body of material and make joint decisions regarding the joint exhibition. Collective responsibility is carried for the final outcome.

Can I work completely on my own?
No. The residency requires meaningful collaboration. Each resident has their own angle, but the joint exhibition is developed through dialogue and shared decisions.

What is the role/motivation statement?
In your application, please briefly explain:

• your practice/background;

• what role you could take in the joint process;

• why you are a good fit for this collaborative residency.

Funding and costs

What does the €10,000 creative grant cover?
This is support for the residency’s creative research process and is intended to cover your working time during the residency period.

When does the museum cover travel and accommodation?
The museum covers travel and accommodation during the co-creation periods and during the exhibition installation/production period before opening.

Are exhibition production costs covered by ERM?
Yes. ERM covers the exhibition production costs within the limits of the museum’s budget. This means we will work through feasibility and budget together and make realistic production choices accordingly.

Applying and selection

What do I need to submit?

• CV

• portfolio

• motivation + role/contribution statement

• research proposal

Do I need an academic degree?
No. We expect meaningful engagement with the topic/field and a motivated approach, not a formal degree. Prior archival experience is also not required.

Can I apply as a collective or as a duo?
Yes. If you apply as a duo, please explain the division of labour. In that case, the grant and logistical support still follow the framework of a single residency position, unless agreed otherwise.

Who selects the residents?
ERM’s Exhibitions Committee.

What are the selection criteria?
We primarily assess:

• the quality and clarity of the research proposal (questions, methods, feasibility);

• the fit of the applicant’s practice for working with the photo collection;

• a critical and open approach;

• collaboration potential.

When will I hear back?
Residents are confirmed on 27 March 2026. We will notify applicants by email (our aim is to notify all applicants).

Practicalities

Does ERM help with visa matters?
Yes. We can provide invitation/confirmation letters to selected residents. Visa and insurance applications are the resident’s responsibility.

Does ERM provide health insurance?
Residents arrange their own insurance, unless agreed otherwise (to be clarified with selected residents depending on circumstances).

Who do I contact if I still have questions?
Please email: residency@erm.ee