Artistic research brings together creative practice and scientific research.

The aim of artistic research is to generate and share new knowledge that is significant for society and culture, enrich culture through new forms and practices, and contribute to the sustainable development of living environments, products, and services, including the development of innovative technological solutions. Artistic research connects the creative disciplines with broader societal processes and challenges.

Artistic research has considerable impact and potential in diversifying research fields and methodologies. To fully realise this potential in Estonia, and establish a coherent framework for its development, both inter-university collaboration and a broader discussion within Estonia's research system are essential. 

As a first major step, in 2021 the Estonian Academy of Arts, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School of Tallinn University—the country's leading centres of artistic research—jointly adopted the Estonian Framework Agreement on Artistic Research. Its purpose is to define, support, and advance artistic research and to recognise it as an integral and equal component of scholarly research.

The importance of artistic research is also recognised by the Estonian Ministry of Culture in strategy document Culture 2030, which identifies the promotion of artistic research as one of its key priorities and highlights the value of artistic research methods in addressing the societal challenges of the future.