TEH Conference 97 in Tartu
This upcoming spring we are meeting in Tartu, Estonia, for the 97th time! We will be hosted by our member centre Aparaaditehas - a popular destination for locals and an important landmark in the Estonia independent arts and culture scene.
The theme of this event is 'Art of Survival'!
Why 'Art of Survival'?
We are living in tumultuous times, the world is changing rapidly, and we all must adapt and find ways to survive. What kind of difficulties do (independent) art and culture centres face in these changing times and how will we survive? How can our centres support each other and our communities?
The term "Arts of Survival" encompasses the wisdom, abilities, and principles essential for navigating these difficult times to enjoy a culturally diverse and exciting future.
Get your ticket now!
Ticket sale is open now. Tickets are running out fast so get yours now!
Sub-themes for Art of Survival
In a world where things are turned upside down, we unravel the intricate connection between humanity and democracy. Observing the distressing events unfolding in the world, it becomes crucial to emphasize the significance of amplifying the voices of the victims and refusing to remain passive bystanders. In addition to that, the deafening silence brought about by cutting funding and shutting down cultural spaces prompts a call to action.
Amidst adversity, however, emerges resilience. Our discourse embraces the empowering notion of participatory funding for cultural spaces, exploring innovative ways for communities to own and sustain these vital hubs. In the face of censorship, we discover the transformative power of sharing ideas and resources, sparking a creative rebellion that transcends borders.
In our exploration of 'Green Resilience: Sustaining the Arts in a Changing Climate,' we embark on a journey to cultivate environmental consciousness within the realm of creative centres. Join us as we share knowledge and best practices, weaving a narrative of how to make our creative spaces more sustainable and greener.
Our discourse extends beyond the walls of our cultural centres to the very fabric of our network conferences and meetings. Together, we delve into the environmental impact of our gatherings, seeking innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of our collaborative endeavours.
A special focus is placed on the voices of tomorrow – the youth. We dedicate time to listen, engage, and address their concerns, recognizing the importance of fostering a sustainable future through intergenerational dialogue.
Amid economic turbulence, join us in an exploration of 'Adapting and Thriving: The Creative Economy in Times of Turmoil.' We acknowledge the challenges many of us are facing, providing a space to share experiences, difficulties, and, importantly, the resilient strategies that have emerged in response.
Together, we create a supportive environment to vent, connecting with peers who understand the struggles unique to our field. As we candidly discuss what we've had to give up and change, we will foster a collective dialogue on the evolving landscape of the cultural sector.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful tapestry of Tartu, exploring both its overground and underground treasures with us. Join our various tours of Aparaaditehas and the enchanting streets of Tartu – whether by walking, running, or cycling, there's a unique adventure awaiting every enthusiast.
Aparaaditehas with the Culture Capital of Tartu team will put on an underground extravaganza, a celebration that transcends the challenges we face daily. Join us to revel in the essence of life – a reminder of why we endure, survive, and thrive. Amidst music, art, food, and the warmth of good company, we'll rediscover the reasons that make life truly worth living.
Programme in a few insights!
Book Your Accommodation!
We made it easy for you and have collected a list of good options to stay in Tartu during the event. You can book them when buying your ticket!
Book your accommodation asap as some hotel deals will finish soon!
About the host
The venue and host is Aparaaditehas (Kastani 42, Tartu), a cultural and creative centre. The name “Aparaaditehas” translates to “widget factory” in English, and it is housed in a former factory building that has been converted into a space for events, exhibitions, workshops, and performances. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene.
Aparaaditehas is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it has become a hub for the creative community in Tartu. The centre has helped to revitalise the area and has played an important role in promoting the arts and culture in Tartu.
During the Soviet times, the factory was used for manufacturing refrigeration equipment, secret submarine parts and in order to mislead the public, also non-functioning umbrellas and zippers. At its heyday in the middle of 1970s, the factory provided employment for almost 1,500 people. Since 2014, the 14,000 m2 centre has been developed into a culture factory.
Aparaaditehas hosts four restaurants and two cafés, many galleries, artists’ studios, many different event spaces and venues. There is a rooftop sauna and a rooftop garden. The Widget Factory is a home for many different office spaces, a co-working area called Sofa Office and rooms for numerous small and exciting shops. The courtyard called Taskupark (the Pocket Park) is the coolest meeting place in the area that hosts both concerts, flea markets and an outdoor cinema in the summer. Aparaaditehas hosts a variety of different events every week from concerts to workshops and parties to exhibitions.
TYPA centre (formerly The Estonian Print and Paper Museum) recently moved to a larger building and is located in the neighbouring courtyard.
Images of the venue
General information
We are working on the programme right now and will soon share first highlights!
- Early Bird TEH full or associate member - 140 Eur - SOLD OUT!
- TEH full and associate member - 180 Eur
- Non-member - 200 Eur
- One-day (participation only on Friday, 31 May 2024)
ESTONIA…
- …has a population of just 1.3 million but is larger than Denmark or the Netherlands. Being among the least densely populated countries in Europe, Estonia makes for a great nature and city break destination for those looking to stretch out their limbs and enjoy some peace, quiet, and solitude.
- …is more than 50% forest. It’s fair to say that Estonians have a certain tree-hugging spirit. More than half of the country is covered by forested land and almost a quarter is protected by nature. As a result, Estonia has the 4th best air quality in the world.
- …has over 2,000 islands. Estonia is the only Baltic country with a deep-rooted and extensive island culture. Although most are uninhabited, Estonian islands tend to be rural, with some holding traces of their local Viking and medieval legacy.
- …is a Digital Society. From voting to signing documents to doing taxes online, Estonia implements a hassle-free and modern approach to doing errands.
We have made a detailed guide listing all travel options to Tartu. Check it out here.
We have also made it easy for you to find accommodation as we have made deals with local hotels and hostels and published it on our ticket platform. You can even book your stay when buying a ticket to the conference: Book it now here!
If you have a question or need an invitation letter from us, please reach out to us at events@teh.net.
Discover Tartu with locals!
There is no better way to discover a new city than to ask locals for some recommendations. We have asked our hosts and event producers from Aparaaditehas - Erki, Karmen and Stina for their suggestions on what we shouldn't miss when in town.
Erki Pruul
Managing Director of Aparaaditehas
Erki is a melophile who has an impressive vinyl collection and knows where one can find good music in Tartu. He is also the one to ask for suggestions if you want to discover rare tunes from the region.
Check out Erki's tips!
A pedestrian and cycling path built on an old railway line, which starts near Aparaaditehas and ends (at least for now) nowhere in particular. You will not meet tourists there, because it does not pass by any attractions and the route does not connect any important points in the town. At the same time, on this approximately two-kilometer car-free gravel road, you can get a real taste of Tartu, especially if you prefer the backsides of shopping malls, the parking lots of street maintenance vehicles, the abstract pyramids of scrap metal yards, hundreds of car doors in neat rows lining the scrapyards, lots of graffiti, the overgrown riverside with willow bushes and wastelands instead of tourist traps.
(PS! The Friday morning running tour with Erki will be passing through this route)!
A very special vinyl store hidden in an old building that's located exactly between the city center and Aparaaditehas. A shop whose owner, Ahto, loves records so much that sometimes it feels like he doesn't even want customers visiting the store because they might buy some of his beloved records and take them away from him. However, when the initial wariness has passed and you've shown that you come with good intentions, you can take part in an emotional history lesson on music and vinyl records of Estonia and the former Eastern Bloc with sound samples to go with it. About music that isn't on Spotify and isn't recognized by Shazam, as he likes to say. If you can't find the store yourself, there will be a Night Shopping event on Friday evening between 21:00 and 21:00, where Ahto will present his treasures to the interested conference visitors.
Do you want to enjoy the brutal architecture of the Soviet era and see the Tartu ghetto, but don't have enough time? No problem, just get on city bus number 2 from in front of Aparaaditehas and take a quick tour that will take you into the heart of Annelinn and bring you back to the factory in 45 minutes, without having to get off the bus. Most likely, your travel companions will be grandmas with market bags and uncles with impressive mustaches who commute this route daily. Buses depart every 15 minutes during the week, every 25 minutes on the weekend. The ticket costs 1.50 (mobile and card payment available on the bus).
