VARES is calling for applications for their spring residency, from 11 May to 28 June 2026 in Valga, Estonia. VARES invites spatial practitioners to Valga who are interested in working with what already exists – through repair, reuse, and rethinking space from the inside out. They welcome projects that grow out of materials, local context, and personal curiosity, and that explore how spatial practice can open up alternative ways of living and working.
VARES values both professional practices and independent, research-based and speculative approaches – whether applicants are an architect, builder, student, writer, geographer, or work within another spatial field.
An interest in the peculiarities of the Baltic region is important, as is a willingness to be present and engaged in Valga during the residency period. The residency concludes with a public weekend on 27–28 June, during which it is expected participants share their work, process or thinking in a suitable format (such as a presentation, workshop, exhibition, publication or similar).
Applications are welcome from both individuals and small groups (preferably 1–2 people per project). During each residency period, VARES hosts up to five residents to ensure sufficient space and focus.
VARES provides accommodation, a workshop space, a stipend of 30 EUR per day (for Ukrainian residents the stipend amounts to 3,000 EUR), travel support (depending on travel distance), and a production budget (determined based on the nature and needs of the project).
