Authors and illustrators of children’s books are called to take part in the open call for the Narva children’s literature residency

Authors and illustrators of children’s books are called to take part in the open call for the Narva children’s literature residency

Narva Art Residency NART and the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre (ELK) are announcing the contest for taking part in Narva children’s literature residency, accompanied by the grant. The grant will help to give birth to the manuscript and/or illustrations, inspired by the local cultural heritage, people, history, etc. We invite writers, illustrators and creative tandems to take part in the contest. We are expecting creative people both from Estonia and other countries.

The idea came from Narva Mayor Katri Raik. NART and ELK liked the idea, and the first contest is being announced with the aid of the Ministry of Culture. Johanna Rannula, the head of NART, said that “this year we’re holding residency and giving out a grant, while next year we might already read children’s books inspired by Narva. We hope that it will evolve into a new tradition! Narva is for sure a great source of inspiration, and numerous stories both for very young children and adolescents”. Triin Soone, head of the ELK, adds: ” I am delighted that children’s authors are gaining inspiring and interesting creative opportunities, the results of which will enrich our children’s literature.”

Authors are welcome at the Narva Art Residency in october 2023. The residency will last 1 month. By arrangement,  the residency can also be rescheduled. NART will provide the residents with accommodation and support to explore Narva.

There are 4000€ for the grants, which is 2000€ for both residents. Welcome are artistic duos who work together but also those who create author’s books.

A special jury will select grant-winners from among applicants. The jury will consist of Triine Soone (Head of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre), Anne Pikkov (illustrator, member of the Board of Narva Art Residency), Katrin Reinmaa from Päike ja Pilv Publishing House, Narva Mayor Katri Raik, Johanna Rannula (head of Narva Art Residency).

Applications should be submitted until 10.08.2023 23:59 (Estonian time). You can get additional information by sending an e-mail at arina.jegorova@artun.ee.

Applications might be submitted in Estonian, Russian or English. Please send the application to residentuur@artun.ee. Please upload one PDF file which should include the following information:

– CV of the applicant(s) (name, address, e-mail, webpage, etc.),
– examples of previous works and the link to the portfolio, i.e. an overview of the creative work of the applicant(s)
– cover letter of the applicant(s) (500 characters)
– explanation about how the creative work will be inspired by the cultural heritage of Narva. One may also point out how he or she is planning to collect ideas for a book/illustrations (for example, meeting with children, parents, making observations, etc.)– the idea design of a manuscript and/or illustrations for a children’s book, including the age target group, the text volume, the number of illustrations, etc.

Please check for further conditions of the call in the Estonian version.