On Friday, 9 October, the Narva Art Residency (NART) marked the completion of renovation works on its historic building with a celebratory event. The project was supported by the Just Transition Fund.
The renovation began in the summer of 2024 and was completed in August 2026. The works included renovating the final section of the roof and replacing the building’s old windows. These improvements have enhanced the building’s energy efficiency and safety, while creating more comfortable conditions for year-round use.
NART is housed in the former residence of the director of the Kreenholm Manufacturing Company. The renovation has breathed new life into this significant piece of industrial heritage. While preserving the building’s distinctive architectural character, the project has also made it more modern, functional and better suited to its role as a creative hub.
The upgraded premises will enable NART to expand its international artist residency programmes, exhibitions, educational activities and other cultural events. A key focus of the residency’s work is fostering collaboration between artists and the local community, as well as engaging children and young people in the cultural life of Narva and the wider Ida-Viru region.
The project, “Renovation of the Narva Art Residency in the Former Residence of the Director of the Kreenholm Manufacturing Company,” was implemented by the Estonian Academy of Arts Foundation. The European Union co-financed the project with €353,644.20 through the Just Transition Fund.
The completion of the renovation marks an important milestone both in NART’s development and in the preservation of Narva’s cultural and industrial heritage. With its renewed premises, NART will continue to serve as an international platform for culture and education, bringing together artists, local communities and visitors to the region.
Photo: Egon Bogdanov