We are seeking interns for Merike Estna’s exhibition “The House of Leaking Sky“ at the Estonian Pavilion during the 61st Venice Biennale. The internship duration is two to three months, and the period runs from May to the end of November 2026.
The tasks of the interns include supervising and introducing Merike Estna’s exhibition at the Estonian Pavilion during the 61st Venice Biennale. Responsibilities also cover catalogue sales, ensuring the operational readiness of the pavilion, and relaying exhibition developments to the CCA team. Select interns will also have the unique opportunity to participate in the Biennale’s preparation, installation, and de-installation work, as well as the excitement of the opening days.
During the period from May to November 2026, there will be three interns stationed in Venice at any one time, with two people staffing the pavilion each day. This arrangement ensures that interns have the flexibility to explore the Biennale exhibitions and the city of Venice more broadly during their internship.
We expect the intern to have:
- Very good command of the English language in speech; knowledge of other languages, especially Italian, is an advantage;
- Independence in carrying out various tasks;
- Very good knowledge of Estonian art and culture;
- Previous experience with painting is an advantage;
- Motivation to introduce the work of Merike Estna and Estonian art more broadly.
From our side, we offer:
- Experience in international art-related cooperation;
- Shared accommodation in Venice with other interns;
- First aid and fire safety training;
- Exhibition-related training.
Interested parties are asked to send their CV and letter of motivation by 31 January 2026 to the address: post@cca.ee.
The intern has the opportunity to apply for an ERASMUS+ scholarship through their university, provided their ERASMUS+ quota for the current study level has not been fulfilled. The scholarship is also open for application by students graduating from university in 2026. Those who successfully complete the internship will receive academic credit for it. The CCA has pre-agreements in place with the Estonian Academy of Arts and the Pallas University of Applied Sciences, but applicants from all other higher education institutions are also welcome to apply. Please note that applicants must not be on academic leave for health reasons during the internship.
The Venice Biennale is the oldest and largest art event in the world, in which Estonia has proudly participated with its own national pavilion since 1997. At the upcoming 61st Biennale in 2026, Estonia will be represented by artist Merike Estna. Her exhibition will be presented in the city of Venice within a former church that currently functions as a community centre. This location is situated in the immediate vicinity of the Giardini (the Biennale’s historic main venue). Estonia’s participation in the Venice Biennale has been consistently organised and produced by the Center for Contemporary Arts, Estonia since 1999.
The internship programme provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on work experience and familiarise themselves with international art life. Furthermore, it is a key part of the CCA-s goal to create more paid internship positions within the art sector. Estonian students have been regularly working in the Estonian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale since 2013.
Further information:
Marika Agu (marika@cca.ee)
For additional information regarding the Erasmus+ programme and scholarship, please contact the relevant department at your higher education institution:
Estonian Academy of Arts, International Relations Department (international@artun.ee)
Pallas University of Applied Sciences (marilin.aasoja@pallasart.ee)