The Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) invites architects and other spatial practitioners, as well as researchers, to take part in the curator competition aimed at selecting a creative team to develop the central concept of TAB 2026 and implement the biennale’s core programme. The organisers are calling for proposals that offer a topical, clear, and multi-layered theme, relevant to contemporary issues, that resonates with the Estonian context while remaining open to Baltic, Nordic, and wider international architectural discourse. The submission deadline is September 8.
Since 2011, TAB has been the most significant event dedicated to architecture and the built environment in Estonia, providing an international platform for contemporary architectural ideas and debate. «In the face of current urgencies, we are facing globally such as geopolitical security issues, climate crises, or increasing social and economic inequalities, it is important that the curatorial concept should resonate more broadly with what is happening in the society and spatial culture both in Estonia and the Nordic and Baltic countries. These relevant issues can and should be tackled through culture or history,» says Kristiina Reidolv, the CEO of the Estonian Centre for Architecture.
The core programme of TAB 2026 will include the main exhibition, symposium, vision competition, and the TAB catalogue. The curatorial team will be responsible for developing the concept across all these formats, ensuring a coherent and multi-layered discourse. The competition is open to architects, landscape architects, interior architects, urban planners, designers, curators, architectural and art historians, as well as interdisciplinary practitioners. «We consider interdisciplinary approach relevant because it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues by integrating knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines. In contemporary culture, the most interesting, bold, and innovative ideas are often born from the common area and contact between different fields. Therefore, we encourage not only architects but also representatives of various disciplines from Estonia and abroad to apply for the curatorial competition,» Kristiina adds.
In the first stage of the competition, proposals must be submitted by September 8 and should include a written curatorial concept for the TAB 2026 exhibition, symposium, and catalogue, along with visual materials, a list of proposed participants, and a justification of the theme in both local and international contexts. Entries will be evaluated by a jury composed of leading figures in Estonian architecture and culture, as well as professionals with prior experience as TAB curators.
The jury will select up to five teams to advance to the second stage, where they will present their concept to the jury on September 26. The winner will be announced on October 13. The main prize of the competition is 3000 euros, while the other teams shortlisted for the second stage will each receive 1000. The total budget for the implementation of TAB 2026 is 72 000 euros, which includes a 22 000 euro fee for the curatorial team.
Further information about the competition and its rules can be found on the TAB website.
Viedokļi