
In the time of radical budget cuts from institutional culture, the Estonian scene of independent culture is flourishing. In close cooperation with Culture Factory Polymer (Tallin, Estonia) new cultural centres are now open in Tartu and Sänna. The small network of three is offering an even wider variety of possibilities ranging from residencies and festivals to land-art and ecological refuge.
The Yeast Factory – is a culture factory in Tartu – a university town with bustling international community and a special aura of academism and classical nostalgia. The centre is housed in a 19th - century yeast factory building with an adjoining courtyard, a small garden, numerous pavilions and a splendid view of river Emajõgi.
The Yeast Factory already host around 15 resident artists, studios and companies, the art gallery Ferrodrum, theatre and concert halls, a bike repair shop, a printshop, the free exchange market Primitiiv, a bar and a hostel.
The buildings belong to a real-estate developer, but will soon be heritage listed and a long-term co-operation agreement with the owner will be signed.

The Sänna Culture Manor is situated in a most peaceful neighbourhood amidst natural beauty of the Pärlijõgi (Pearl River) reserve in Southern Estonia. The wooden country manor house is being skilfully restored and already offers alternative residency space to those willing to sit back and relax. Also summer and winter camps for painting, nature and alternative lifestyle research are an option. A former dairy is furbished as a traditional carpentry workshop with professional supervision available for restoring and furniture design.
Sänna Manor is owned by the local county and Kultuuritehas Polymer runs the cultural programme.