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5 questions- Kai Art Center residency programme

Writer's picture: Eesti LoomeresidentuuridEesti Loomeresidentuurid

Kai Art Center is located in the Noblessner seafront quarter in Tallinn.

The art center intertwines the history and distinctive architecture of the area with the world of contemporary art and culture. Housed in a 100-year-old building, a former secret submarine factory, Kai offers its visitors exhibitions, an art-house cinema, dining venues, a co-working space for cultural sector, as well various event spaces, both indoors and in outdoor areas adjacent to the sea.

Kai Art Center was founded by the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center (EKKAK). The center’s main mission is to support, develop, and increase the international visibility of Estonian contemporary art. Established in 2019, the Kai residency is a research-based program that provides visual artists, curators, and art writers with the opportunity to live and work in Tallinn while engaging with the activities of Kai Art Center and the city’s vibrant art scene.

Kai’s Director of Operations, Kadri Laas-Lepasepp, answers to LOOREs questions:

Why do you run the residency program?

Kai Art Center’s residency program focuses on creating and strengthening connections between Estonian and international art professionals. Our center provides a peaceful yet inspiring environment, ideal for artists, critics, and curators to immerse themselves in their research. We also encourage intercultural collaboration.

We are committed to ensuring that meaningful encounters take place between residents and local art professionals during their stay at Kai. Our goal is to create fertile ground for sustainable connections that help introduce and expand the reach of the Estonian art scene internationally.

The most important thing to know about the Kai residency?

It is essential to understand that the Kai residency is small and personalized, meaning that each participant receives dedicated attention and resources tailored to their specific needs. Through the residency, participants become part of both the daily life of Kai Art Center and the broader Tallinn art scene, which is rich and diverse. Additionally, the program offers mentorship from both the Kai team and local art professionals.

Why are you members of LOORE?

Being a member of LOORE allows Kai Art Center to be part of a broader network of creative residencies in Estonia that support cultural exchange and collaboration. This membership helps us stay informed about best practices and expands our ability to engage international art professionals, thereby strengthening both the local and global art community.

If a mighty crab could grant you one wish, what would it be?

If a mighty crab could grant us one wish, we would wish for Kai’s residency program to receive more support and recognition. This would enable us not only to continue our work but also to expand, offering even more artists and curators the opportunity to explore the Estonian art landscape. Additionally, it would allow us to create an even more inspiring and supportive environment that fosters deep creative engagement and professional growth.

What will Kai’s residency be like in 15 years?

In 15 years, we envision Kai’s residency as an internationally recognized research-based program that attracts global talent, with alumni who have initiated significant projects and collaborations. The program will have evolved, offering richer opportunities and broader resources while remaining true to its unique and personalized approach, tailored to each participant’s needs and creative journey.



Maria Plotnikova


Residency Circle


Cesi Moss


Maia Kursheva residendiring




Rugile-Barzdžiukaitė-residendiring.

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Eesti Loomeresidentuurid MTÜ

Address

Estonia, Põlva maakond, Põlva vald, Viisli küla, Piirimäe, 64614

Coordinator

Evelyn Grzinich
info@loore.ee

Project manager /UA artists @ LOORE 25/26
Nat Skoczylas
air@loore.ee

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