The Norteas Intensive Course (IC) is a key biennial event organised by the Norteas network, designed to foster collaboration and innovation among students and educators from Nordic-Baltic performing arts institutions. The most recent intensive course was hosted by the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy in the charming town of Viljandi, Estonia, from 25 to 29 August 2025. The IC focused on Artistic Research (AR) as a valuable teaching and learning tool within BA-level education.
CONTENT
Participants were encouraged to arrive before 18:00 on Monday, 25 August, with Saturday, 30 August, designated for departure. Overview of all the locations in Viljandi and nearby on the online map: https://tinyurl.com/norteas-viljandi-map
The IC featured two main programmes: the Student Course and the Teachers’ Symposium; the schedule: https://tinyurl.com/norteas-ic-symposium-2025
The Student Course invited students to engage with AR through collaborative group work, culminating in presentations that showcased their creative journeys. Participants were expected to document their individual and group experiences to enhance reflection. Every morning, all participants gathered for sessions featuring keynote speakers. Outi Condit (FIN) presented her performance, The Actress, on 26 August, addressing themes related to The Body. Urmas Lüüs (EST) followed on 27 August with his presentation, The Room, and Jānis Balodis (LAT) concluded the series on 28 August with The Word. In the afternoons and evenings, students worked in mixed groups formed during the first day, guided by the keynote speakers to stimulate ideas and push creative boundaries. Completion of the course awarded students 3 ECTS credits, which were integrated into their institutional curricula and prepared them for future professional endeavours.
The three-day Teachers’ Symposium provided educators with an opportunity to delve into AR as a transformative tool for lifelong education. Davide Giovanzana (FIN) kicked off the first day with an introduction to AR, while Liina Unt (EST) led the following sessions, focusing on sharing best practices and exploring innovative applications of AR in teaching. Morning sessions involved joint participation with students, while the afternoons and evenings were dedicated to workshops aimed at educators’ discussions and idea development. Results from the symposium will be compiled into a journal available on the Norteas website.
PLANNING GROUP
Lennart Peep (University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy (UT VCA)), Stacey Sacks (Stockholm University of the Arts (SKH)), Davide Giovanzana (Tampere University (TAU)), Kārlis Krūmiņš (Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC)), Ele Viskus (UT VCA), Krista Tamm (UT VCA), Evelin Lagle-Nõmm (UT VCA)
TRAVEL AND OTHER EXPENSES
The Intensive Course and Symposium were funded by Nordplus through the Norteas network. Food and accommodation during the event were organised by the hosts. Each participating institution was responsible for arranging travel. How to get to Viljandi: https://visitviljandi.ee/en/visiting/how-to-get-here/
For travel costs reimbursement, the institutions must send a Payment Request along with invoices and travel receipts to the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy by 10 September 2025.
REGISTRATION
Each institution was welcome to send three students and two teachers, with a waiting list available for additional participants considered after the registration deadline. Registration was closed on 20 May 2025, and everyone’s participation from the waiting list was approved. In June, a second round of communication took place to gather further details from each institution’s contact person, including participant information, travel logistics, and any special requirements.
For any enquiries, feel free to reach out to:
Lennart Peep at lennart.peep@ut.ee (content-related questions)
Krista Tamm at krista.tamm@ut.ee (practical details)
A big thank you to all who attended the IC & Symposium, for demonstrating curiosity and dedication! It was a pleasure to have you in Viljandi.
