International exhibition SUPERORGANISM

MagiC Carpets is an international art project funded by Creative Europe that unites 20 cultural organizations across Europe. "Superorganism" is its culmination.

The concept of the superorganism, a term coined over a century ago to describe social insect colonies functioning as a unified entity, has since expanded to encompass diverse biological systems such as beehives, coral reefs, and even the human body with its intricate microbiome. In the context of this exhibition, the term explores human society as a living organism, a community striving for unity and harmony, while also questioning the impact this collective existence has on individuality. In embodying the values of Tartu 2024–uniqueness, sustainability, awareness, and co-creation–it invites the audience to contemplate the relationship between human and non-human communities.

The exhibition will showcase diverse works of art by 25 emerging artists who participated in residencies as part of the “Creative Europe” platform “Magic Carpets”, uniting 17 European cultural organisations, in 2021-2024. The platform creates opportunities for emerging artists to embark on journeys to new countries and cultures and to create, through residences alongside local artists and local communities, new works that highlight local stories. Their works not only create new narratives, but enhance cultural accessibility, inclusion, cultural activism and participation.

True to its title, the Superorganism event is unique in that it has been curated by a team of 17 curators from 17 different European countries, mirroring the diversity and horizontal decision-making approach embedded in the “Magic Carpets” platform.

Superorganism finds its home within the walls of Aparaaditehas, a former factory with a layered history. Now transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, the various spaces of Aparaaditehas resonate with different parts of Superorganism through interconnectedness and collective creativity.
Look at and download the exhibition map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f6Z_eiybtWFBhbB2VmLEyacrMPvKR7rf/view?usp=sharing

With the slogan “We are all a superorganism”, the exhibition emphasises our shared responsibility for the future of our planet.

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Superorganism is a celebration of the “Magic Carpets” platform, which unites 17 cultural organisations and is co-funded by the European Union’s “Creative Europe” program. European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 joined this network in 2022. “Superorganism” fills Aparaaditehas with diverse works of art by 25 emerging artists for your enjoyment. The artists journeyed to unexplored countries for residences, where they worked together with local artists and communities. Their works weave local stories into new narratives and opportunities for participation and activism.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartucity

Accessibility

The artworks of the “Superorganism” exhibition are located in the courtyard and various floors of the Aparaaditehas building.
Exhibitions D, E, and B, marked on the map, are fully accessible by wheelchair. The elevator provides access to exhibitions H and J. To use the elevator, please call ahead at +372 5344 2653. Exhibition C, located in the greenhouse in the courtyard, can be viewed through the glass.
Exhibition D features artwork with a Braille text, and the works are touchable. Exhibition B is a sound art installation.

Accessible toilets, including a baby changing table, are located next to the Biblioteek bookstore in Aparaaditehas (entrance from Riia street, door no. 1, or from the courtyard, door no. 9) and next to the Aparaat restaurant (entrance from the courtyard, door no. 7).
The nearest accessible parking spots are on Kastani Street (1 space) right by entrance A and in the parking lot on Kase põik (2 spaces).
For further inquiries, please contact Kerli Jõgi at [email protected] or +372 5344 2653.

How to get to Aparaaditehas?

We recommend arriving on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
Distances to Aparaaditehas:

Tartu train station: 700 m
Tartu bus station: 1500 m
Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats): 1600 m

By bike: Bike parking is available next to Aparaaditehas on Kastani Street. Tartu also has a bike-sharing system, more information can be found here.

By bus: The nearest bus stops are in front of Pauluse Church (lines 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 12), in front of Aparaaditehas (lines 1, 2, 8, 11, 12), and on Kastani Street (line 10). Tartu city bus schedules can be found at peatus.ee.
Parking: The closest parking areas are on Kastani Street, next to Pauluse Church, and at Kase põik. The nearest accessible parking spots are on Kastani Street (1 space) near entrance A and in the parking lot on Kase põik (2 spaces).