VISCOSA CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CONFERENCE
A SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES AS A BLESSING?!
ON HIIUMAA, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Viscosa Creative Industries Conference
The Viscosa Creative Economy Conference 2026 asks point-blank: Can a scarcity of resources be a blessing? We’ll discuss where and how creativity meets the economy, and why and how talent and mastery make it possible to thrive even outside of major urban centers.
Does creativity arise from abundance or scarcity?
Is money an obstacle or a tool?
Does a scarcity of resources limit us, or force us to find smarter solutions?
The conference brings together creators, entrepreneurs, developers, and thinkers to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: how can we sustainably foster culture and creativity in a world where resources always seem to be in short supply?
The creative sector is accustomed to operating within constraints. Government funding is declining, project-based work is on the rise, and costs are increasing. At the same time, it is precisely this scarcity that gives rise to the boldest ideas, new business models, and unexpected collaborations. A lack of resources doesn’t always have to be an obstacle—it can be a catalyst. But bills can’t be paid on enthusiasm alone. So at the conference, we’ll also talk frankly about money. Does creativity pay the bills, and if not, how could it?
We’ll discuss the intersection of the creative and economic spheres, investments in culture, the synergy between real estate and creative environments, and how to build functional, vibrant creative ecosystems—even far from urban centers.
The creative economy is a field where physical location alone does not necessarily determine success—what matters are ideas, craftsmanship, and the ability to create value even where resources are limited and conditions are far from ideal.
We bring conference participants experiences and insights from both large and small centres, from the forest’s edge and the heart of the city. More than 10 recognised creators and practitioners from the creative sector will take the stage across 4 thematic sessions.
Thematic Sessions
- Culture and the Creative Economy as a Driver of Regional Development
- Cultural Creation — Simply Creating or Also a Business?
- From Small Creative Initiatives to Sustainability and Impact
- From Limited Resources to Smart Solutions
Who will be attending the conference?
- A representative of the Ministry of Culture from the creative economy sector;
- Regional planning doctor and human geographer Garri Raagmaa;
- Founder and conductor of the Nordic Symphony Orchestra Anu Tali;
- Entrepreneur, crisis solver and journalist Daniel Vaarik;
- Head of the Association of Art Institutions and Foto Tallinn and art sector lecturer Kadi-Ell Tähiste;
- Creative agency founder and designer Helene Vetik;
- Internationally acclaimed film music producer and owner of trailer music publishing company Giant Apes Rain Ventsel;
- Doctor of psychology, educational and environmental psychologist Grete Arro;
- Head of Viscosa Culture Factory Marco Pärtel;
- Fashion and jewellery artist and head of his eponymous brand Tanel Veenre;
- Experimental theatre Elektron.Art;
- The conference day will be hosted by Liina Maria Lepik from the Anthropology Centre.
The Viscosa Creative Economy Conference isn’t looking for easy answers.
We’re looking for clarity, courage, and new perspectives.
Maybe it’s not always a question of how much we have? Perhaps the question is what we can do with what we have?
A Shortage of Resources as a Blessing?!
Come and think and discuss with us.
AT THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CONFERENCE, WE ASK
Does creativity arise from abundance or scarcity?
Is money an obstacle or a tool?
Does a scarcity of resources limit us, and if so, how,
or force us to find smarter solutions?
Creative Economy Conference Programme
11.00 Conference begins
11.15–12.25
Culture and the Creative Economy as a Driver of Regional Development
12.25–12.40 PAUSE
12.40–13.55 Cultural Creation — Simply Creating or Also a Business?
13.55–14.55 LUNCH
14.55–16.20 From Small Creative Initiatives to Sustainability and Impact
16.20–16.35 PAUSE
16.35–18.00 From Limited Resources to Smart Solutions
18.00 End of conference. Visit to the exhibitions and Viscosa Creative Studio
Moderator and Speakers
LIINA MARIA LEPIK
CONFERENCE MODERATOR
MARCO PÄRTEL
DREAMER. LEADER
GRETE ARRO
DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST
HELENE VETIK
Founder and partner of a creative agency, designer, creative director
DANIEL VAARIK
entrepreneur, crisis manager, and journalist
GARRI RAAGMAA
economic geographer and Doctor of Philosophy
RAIN VENTSEL
film music producer and owner of Giant Apes, a trailer music publishing company
TANEL VEENRE
Fashion and jewelry designer, head of her eponymous brand
ANU TALI
conductor, founder and artistic director of the Nordic Symphony Orchestra
LÕOKESE PILET
EARLY BIRD
35 €
Available only to the first 35 early birds.
VARBLASE PILET
REGULAR BIRD
45 €
Regular bird tickets can be purchased for the conference until September 7.
NIGHT OWL TICKET
LATE BIRD
55 €
Late bird tickets can be purchased as long as there are still seats available in the auditorium for latecomers.
TOETAJAPILET
GENEROUS BIRD
100 €
The supporter ticket is intended to give Viscosa’s projects a boost.
If you’d like, be sure to book your room at the Viscosa Hotel well in advance…
This new, modern hotel is located in the Viscosa Cultural Center and offers an experience featuring high ceilings, industrial architecture, and light-filled spaces—making it feel more like an art gallery than a place to stay. Admission to Viscosa’s exhibitions is included in the price of your stay!
… or at the Utoopia No. 9 guesthouse.
A unique lodging option on Hiiumaa— the Utoopia No. 9 guesthouse —has taken up residence in the historic manor’s distillery. Located on the scenic coast of Hiiumaa, on the shores of Kirikulahe, it offers a unique lodging experience that includes breakfast. Just a 200-step walk away is the Viscosa Culture Factory, where events and atmosphere add a spark to your stay at Utoopia. The quiet village of Kõrgessaare is exciting and inspiring—just like Utoopia No. 9 itself.
Viscosa accommodation is already sold out, but explore options with our wonderful partners:
More options can be found at www.hiiumaale.ee
Hotels:
Kassari Holiday Resort – up to 32 guests
Hotell Liilia – up to 25 guests
Hotell Lõokese – up to 72 guests (groups only)
For smaller groups:
Kassari Apartment – up to 8 guests
Kassariotsa Puhkemaja – up to 12 guests
Please note! At hiiumaale.ee use the discount code VISCOSA — when booking directly through the website, you’ll receive a 20% discount on accommodation for the period 01.10–04.10 (subject to availability). For questions and group bookings, you can also contact info@hiiumaale.ee or +372 463 6146.
Guests can also be accommodated at RATTURI TALU, more information here
JUST 30 MINUTES FROM TALLINN
How to get to Hiiumaa?
Want to come to Viscosa but not sure how to get here? First, you need to make it across the sea to Hiiumaa island. If your friend’s speedboat or your grandpa’s helicopter happens to be in the shop, you can always do what the locals do and take the ferry.
The ferry comfortably fits buses, cars, motorbikes and bicycles. And the vehicles that fit best are the ones with a ticket bought in advance — the earlier, the better! On a clear day, you might be treated to a stunning sea view, letting the routines of the mainland fall away as you step onto the island with an open mind, ready for either adventure or rest.
If you want to get here extra fast, fly in! And if the weather plays along, the view from the window is stunning.
It doesn’t matter whether you arrive in Heltermaa or Kalana – all roads lead to Viscosa.
Hiiumaa has been reached, now what? It all depends on whether you want to get to Viscosa by a more direct route, or take a detour?
If you are coming to Hiiumaa by car, you can set your own route and, if you have the right equipment, print Viscosa Cultural Factory as your destination, there is no other place with that name in Hiiumaa or anywhere else in the world!
If you left your car on the other side of the sea or arrived by plane, you can take a regular bus, hire a car on the island or hire a taxi.
If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the conference, please feel free to contact the conference project manager
Birgit Aljaste, birgit@viscosa.ee
VISCOSA CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CONFERENCE
At the Viscosa Cultural Center on Hiiumaa on October 3, 2026