Creative Leap

An opportunity for young people aged 15-20 in Tartu to develop their strengths and discover their creativity through summer projects.

For ages 15-20

For young people active in Tartu who wish to develop themselves

Contact with youth

A total of 9 Creative Leap projects were funded in 2025.

Creativity and Development

In 2025, the creative project took place from July 21 to September 1.

What is a creative leap?

Creative Leap is designed for young people aged 15-20 in Tartu who wish to develop themselves and submit projects in the fields of natural and exact sciences, music, art, dance, performing arts, language, literature, technology, or other general culture (excluding sports).

The grant amount for one project is 600 euros, and a total of up to 10 Creative Leap projects will be funded. The aim is to give young people the opportunity to develop their strengths, discover, and apply their creative abilities.

Application

The application period for Loomehüpe (Creative Leap) for 2026 has not yet been announced. 

In 2025, applications were accepted between May 5 – July 6 (inclusive), and could be submitted via the Tartu city portal.

Which projects have received support?

Creative Leap 2025 lasted a total of six weeks and took place between July 21 and September 1. Each week included one group meeting and individual consultations, which helped achieve the project's goals (staying on schedule, reviewing weekly action plans, clarifying objectives, creating a learning environment, providing support and information, collaborative planning, feedback, etc.).

The Creative Leap mentor for the summer of 2025 was Sam Schmidt (SÄM).

Project – Illustrated prose work “City Full of Emptiness”

The aim of the project is to print and publish a unique illustrated prose work titled “City Full of Emptiness,” which addresses profound philosophical themes and represents the experiences of young people and LGBT+ members.

Project author Heliise Doris Teekivi

Project – Short film 

A short film that tells a couple of stories, conveys a youthful feeling, and creates hope through unique characters and sweet dialogue. Film synopsis: A group of young people spend four days in a cottage in a small village during the last month of their summer vacation. Away from the city noise, they listen more to themselves and others, and talk about the worries that are truly on their minds. 

With the completed film, it is also planned to apply to film festivals. 

Project author Aleksander Erik

Project – Children's book 

The aim of the project is to create a short children's book, 5-7 chapters long, to develop text creation skills and creativity. It also aims to encourage stepping out of one's comfort zone. 

Project author Brittany Otti

Project – Song creation 

The aim of the project is to create a complete original story and develop oneself as a songwriter and creator. It also aims to collaborate and build connections with people working in the music industry. 

Project author Stella Seim

Project – Building a CNC milling machine

The aim of the project is to build a CNC milling machine for milling wood. It should be at least a three-axis milling machine with a cutting surface area of at least 25x25cm. 

Project author Mart Väljamäe

In the summer of 2024, a creative summer internship format was piloted for the first time, targeting young people aged 16-26 who wished to develop themselves and create projects in various fields of hobby education over six weeks. The scholarship recipients began their meetings in the last week of June, and with the help of mentor Sam Schmidt, they focused on project development over the following six weeks.

Stella Seim, Sandra-Merys Tasa, Paul Piirimäe, Aleksander Erik, Liisa Nurme, Alice, Mart Väljamäe, Aurora Mikk, Hedi Lii Riives, Anneli Metsoja participated in the summer internship.

 

Project – Debut single “I Paint the Sky Blue”

Project author Stella Seim

Project – Building an autopilot system for a sailboat model

Project author Mart Väljamäe

Project – Painting exhibition

Project author Anneli Metsoja

Project – Electronic music debut EP

Producer and songwriter Alice, mix and mastering by Jass Johannes Leis

Project – Dance performance

Project author Hedi-Lii Riives

Ready to start your creative project?

Contact us and start your volunteering journey at Tartu Noorsootöö Keskus!

Additional information:

Helen Toomsalu (project manager)
helen.toomsalu@tartu.ee
+372 5399 8333