From 11–15 May 2026, Tartu hosted the UNESCO Cities of Literature Annual Conference, bringing together 57 delegates from 40 Cities of Literature around the world.
It was the largest Annual Conference in the network’s history and marked an important milestone for Tartu after more than a decade of active participation in the global Cities of Literature network.
Among the participants were representatives from seven newly designated Cities of Literature that joined the network in October 2025: Aberystwyth (Wales), Celje (Slovenia), Conakry (Guinea), Gdańsk (Poland), Kahramanmaraş (Türkiye), Lund (Sweden) and San Luis Potosí (Mexico).
The Annual Conference provided an opportunity for cities to strengthen existing partnerships, share experiences and develop future collaborations. Discussions focused on network activities, new initiatives and opportunities for international cooperation.
Alongside the working sessions, delegates explored Tartu’s literary and cultural landscape. Visits included the Tartu Literature House, the Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu Public Library, TYPA Centre and several University of Tartu museums and collections. Through guided tours, meetings and cultural events, participants gained a deeper understanding of the city’s literary heritage and contemporary cultural life.
One of the most visible public initiatives during the week was Bus Poetry, which brought poems from 32 Cities of Literature into Tartu’s public transport network. Another highlight was Toponymy, an outdoor exhibition originally produced by Québec City, presenting the stories behind the names of Cities of Literature across the network.
Delegates also visited Meenikunno Bog and Taevaskoja, experiencing landscapes that have inspired many Estonian writers, and travelled to Viljandi, Estonia’s UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art. During the visit, participants learned more about Estonia’s UNESCO sites and the country’s wider cultural heritage.
The conference took place alongside the international literary festival Prima Vista, creating additional opportunities for meetings between writers, translators, publishers, librarians and cultural organisers from different countries.
For Tartu, hosting the Annual Conference was an opportunity to welcome colleagues and partners from across the global Cities of Literature network and to strengthen the connections that support international literary cooperation. Alongside the formal programme, the week created space for new conversations, shared experiences and future collaborations.
The next UNESCO Cities of Literature Annual Conference will take place in Okayama in 2027 and Manchester in 2028.
More information: Marja Unt, Managing Director, Estonian Literary Society / Tartu UNESCO City of Literature, marja.unt@gmail.com.