From April 30 to June 5, Tartu will host a literary residency where German and Estonian authors will collaborate and exchange ideas. This year’s guests include Bremen writer Ursel Bäumer and Heidelberg poet Claudia Kiefer, who will participate in events designed to foster cultural dialogue. The residency, supported by the Goethe Institute, the Prima Vista literary festival, and the Tartu German Cultural Institute, aims to strengthen connections between the UNESCO Cities of Literature in Germany and Estonia.

The Goethe Institute has been actively inviting authors to the Prima Vista literary festival in Tartu for several years, with notable past guests such as Markus Thielemann and Julia von Lucadou. The residency program allows one author from Heidelberg or Bremen to immerse themselves in the local literary scene for six weeks, while another author will be invited to attend the week-long literary festival in Tartu. This initiative not only promotes literary exchange but also supports research and creative work in a conducive environment.

Overall, this collaboration reflects a broader commitment to enhancing literary ties and cross-cultural engagement between Estonia and Germany, enriching both national literary landscapes. Through such initiatives, Tartu is positioned as a vibrant hub for literary activities that celebrate the diversity of voices in literature across Europe.