The Narva Art Residency (NART), in cooperation with the Architecture and Urban Planning Department of the City of Narva, is organizing a third competition to create a new large-scale installation or sculpture. This time, the location will be outside the city center, on the edge of the Pähklimäe district. The object is expected to enrich public space with spatial and artistic value, with a particular focus on the use of light.
The selected artist will be hosted by NART in Narva for two months (August 10, 2026 – October 9, 2026), providing an opportunity to be directly involved in the installation’s creation and to exchange knowledge and experiences with local residents. The selected artist will receive a creative grant of € 3000, and production costs of at least € 11 000 will be covered. Transport is refunded up to € 1000. The application deadline is May 15, 2026.
The installation-sculpture is not merely a temporary artwork, but a long-term addition to the urban space, shaping the cityscape and the environment in which people move daily. It will be placed in a public space and visible to a wide audience.
The work is expected to incorporate light in various forms (daylight reflections and seasonal/time-based changes; lighting solutions for dark hours; illuminating objects; showcasing light through color, etc.), emphasizing the importance of light as a key component of high-quality public space and design.
Who are we looking for?
Artists, architects, and other creative practitioners from Estonia and abroad are welcome to apply. Applicants are expected to take a hands-on approach and manage the process from sketch to final work. The grant is awarded to one person. But it’s possible to come to the residency also as a duo who stay in the same room.
How to apply?
Applications should include a proposal for a spatial installation/sculpture, including drawings, placement schemes, and descriptions of materials and methods. A production timeline and as accurate a budget as possible must also be included.
Deadline: May 15, 2026, at 23:59
Application must be submitted on: https://forms.gle/bmebbHTzP5VueV7VA
Application includes:
- Applicant(s) information (name, country, age, contact details)
- CV(s) and short biography
- Short portfolio (max. 5 relevant projects)
- Description of concept and form (up to 800 words)
- Drawings of the installation concept design, including at least a plan, three views, and a site layout showing the location.
- A cost estimate for the installation’s production. The budget limit is € 11 000, but the author may secure additional sponsors or supporters. The budget must also indicate whether the author will prepare the construction project themselves or if a service provider will be involved.
- Production timeline
Applications must be submitted in Estonian or English.
Conditions
The installation must be made of durable materials with a minimum lifespan of 5 years. By the end of the residency, the work must be completed, installed at the designated location, and the lighting solutions tested. The project must be approved by the Narva City Government’s Architecture and Urban Planning Department, and a construction notice may be required before installation.
The installation must be equally attractive during both day and night. It should function with and without lighting solutions. Electricity is available via the street lighting system (meaning electricity is available during dark hours), but artists may also use small solar-powered solutions for additional effects.
The jury may suggest adjustments to the location, design, or technical aspects of the selected proposal.
The project must follow principles of high-quality space and/or inclusive design. These include functionality, aesthetics, contextual awareness, diversity, social connection, environmental sustainability, economic value, and a well-managed design process (also known as the Davos quality criteria). Inclusive design principles include respect, safety, health, usability, clarity, and beauty.
Location
The site is outside the city center, in Narva’s largest residential area, Pähklimäe, along Kangelaste street—an important spatial axis where urban space transitions into a natural environment.
This area has often been outside the focus of cultural and public space development, with little to no contemporary artistic interventions so far. The chosen location is a deliberate step toward balanced urban development, bringing high-quality public space to the city’s periphery.
The planned large-scale installation, with light as a key component, will create a new landmark and orientation point. The lighting will enhance visual appeal, safety, and recognizability, contributing to a stronger spatial identity for the district.
The location has high visibility and potential, and the project carries the responsibility to create an accessible, inclusive, and sustainable public space. The installation is not just an artwork but a spatial intervention that activates and connects the area, supporting Narva’s diverse and balanced development.
The exact location of the installation:
Timeline
- April–May 2025 – Open call runs from April 10 to May 15; results announced by the end of May
- June–July 2025 – Preparation phase (design refinement, drawings, permits, planning, coordination, workshops)
- August–October 2025 – Residency (Aug 10 start, 2 months), construction and opening event
Jury
The jury includes representatives from ALPA and NART, as well as experts in architecture and art. Proposals are evaluated based on artistic quality, technical feasibility, and suitability for Narva’s urban space.
The local community is also involved: before the final decision, feedback will be gathered from at least 10 Narva residents, including artists, teachers, and professionals from other fields.
Budget and Support
€11 000 is allocated for production, with possible additional sponsorship. Funding is provided by the City of Narva, the Estonian Cultural Endowment, and the Ministry of Culture.
The artist must cover all production-related costs (materials, construction, drawings, transport, services, installation, labor, etc.) within the budget.
A detailed technical project and site plan must be prepared for permits. If the author does not own such skills, architectural design support can be included either by the author involving a specialist in his or her team, or allocating production budget for design services.
A monument, sculpture, memorial, fountain, or similar structure over 5 meters in height and intended for public use requires a building permit and must be designed by a qualified designer/architect and supported by a compliant construction project. An installation or sculpture under 5 meters in height requires just a construction project and approval from ALPA.
Travel costs for the artist are covered up to 1000€.
NART has a limited selection of tools; additional equipment must be rented or sourced by the artist and included in the budget.
The NART team provides reasonable support (e.g., connecting with local institutions). The Architecture and Urban Planning Department may assist with technical consultation, feedback, and permit processes.
Workspaces may be found nearby or outdoors on NART premises. Local partners may also provide access to workshops or tools, and NART can assist in finding them.
Organizer: Narva Art Residency
Questions: residentuur@artun.ee