The inter-insitutional research group of cultural and literary theory was created in 2003 at the Estonian Literary Museum. Today it connects scholars from different universities and research institutions. Members include Epp Annus, Luule Epner, Mari Laaniste, Neeme Lopp, Regina-Nino Mion, Katrin Puik, Virve Sarapik (head of the group), Jaak Tomberg, Sven Vabar and Piret Viires. In previous years, Maie Kalda, Mari Laanemets, Kaia Lehari, Timo Maran, Eva Näripea and Kadri Tüür have also been members of the group.

The research has been supported by the MOBERC grant ’The development patterns of Estonian contemporary culture’ (2016-2017), target-financed research themes ’Rhetorical Patterns of Mimesis and Estonian Textual Culture’ (2008–2013), ’Topology and Texture of Estonian Literature. [Intersemiotic analysis]’ (2003–2007) and other projects.

The research group is supported by the European Union, European Regional Development Fund.