Long-term volunteering in TYPA printing and paper arts centre
TYPA MTÜ
Tartu, Estonia
Description
TYPA Printing and Paper Art Centre is looking for a long-term ESC volunteer to join us for a period of 10–12 months. TYPA is a unique institution dedicated to preserving print heritage and fostering international cultural exchange. As a top-rated museum, we provide engaging, hands-on tours for our visitors, and as a working museum, we actively use our historical printing machines in daily operations. Beyond exhibitions, TYPA is deeply involved in promoting artistic printmaking, book publishing, and papermaking. Volunteers will have the chance to work within our small, dedicated team and take part in the diverse tasks that make up museum life. The work is practical and varied: one day you might assist with a linocut workshop for children, and the next you could be crafting notebooks for our shop corner. We have extensive experience hosting ESC volunteers, each of whom has brought a unique contribution to our projects.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
You will have a private room in a shared apartment, with shared facilities such as kitchen, living room and bathroom. The apartment is equipped with essential amenities, including furniture, dishes, and kitchenware. A monthly allowance will be provided to cover food and living expenses. Tartu is a small and welcoming city where most places are within walking distance. It is safe, clean, and green, offering a lively cultural scene. In your free time, you can enjoy hiking in nature, attending ESN events, exploring museums, or visiting gallery openings.
Training during the activity
As a volunteer at TYPA, you will receive hands-on training in a wide range of techniques, including papermaking, letterpress printing, linocut, cyanotype, and bookbinding, among others. You will also have the opportunity to assist in workshops and support the organisation of cultural events. Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative! Many have led their own public events and collaborated with fellow ESC volunteers and partner organisations in Tartu, such as Kogo Gallery, and the Aparaaditehas cultural space.
Participant profile
We are looking for a volunteer to join us in September. The volunteer will support our creative and heritage work and assist with the varied daily tasks of museum life. We value individuals who show initiative, are open to leading their own projects, and are not afraid to get their hands dirty. A passion for creativity and culture is essential, though prior experience in printmaking is not required, as full training will be provided. The ideal candidate is a team player, adaptable, and comfortable working in a small, close-knit environment. And since our museum cat is very much part of the team, it’s important that you like cats!
Activity dates
A total of 52 week(s) during the period 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2027
Activity location
Kastani 48f , Tartu, Estonia
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 02/08/2026 23:59
Project code
2025-1-EE01-ESC51-VTJ-000347494