During the Soviet era Polymer was a toy factory. In 1994, the company closed this branch of activities, leaving a large building in a state of abandonment. A few years later, a group of artists, intrigued by this big empty space, decided to turn it into their studio space. Step-by- step, other artists and musicians joined wishing to use these spaces for creating, for rehearsing…
Nowadays the factory disposes of 3000sq m of space, dedicated to creation and dissemination. Retaining the original flair of the of the building, and keeping its authenticity, concrete production facilities have been transformed to incorporate new spaces for living, artist studios and an environment for alternative cultural events.
Polymer has evolved into a place for international artist residencies and the diffusion of ideas and energy. Within the walls of the building live together about 30 artists and organizations, working in diverse artistic fields. Constituted as a non profit organization, Polymer works as a platform and as a venue for different events and activities, offering a new space for alternative culture in Tallinn. Public events take place regularly, involving resident artists and guest artists, both Estonian and International.
Polymer is an organization involved in local life and open to the exterior. Polymer leads different cultural and social actions at a local level, and has developed partnerships in Tallinn, throughout Estonia and within Europe. Polymer is a member of Trans Europe Halles, a network founded in 1983 bringing together 40 independent culture centres in Europe.
Polymer International Artist in Residency program is developped in close cooperation with Art Container Gallery and Estonian Media Artists’ Union, both organizations having their workspace in Polymer.
www.kultuuritehas.ee/residency
Estonia
