The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters
Keeping the Legacy Alive
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Events

New York Estonian Cultural Days Supporter Pass
Apr
4
to Apr 6
Estonian Cultural Days

New York Estonian Cultural Days Supporter Pass

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A Supporter Ticket is a great way to contribute to the sustainability of the New York Estonian Cultural Days. Your support helps preserve and promote Estonian culture in the USA while giving you a special sense of community. Thank you for keeping our traditions alive!

The supporter ticket includes entry to Saturday’s events: the performance, Estonian Snaps III, and the Zetod concert.

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Markus Puskar’s Solo Exhibition at New York Estonian Cultural Days & Denver!
Apr
4
to Apr 6
Estonian Cultural Days

Markus Puskar’s Solo Exhibition at New York Estonian Cultural Days & Denver!

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Markus Puskar is a self-taught artist whose work is influenced by folk and outsider art. His paintings and drawings take viewers on a visual journey, where organic forms and movement create a unique rhythm and energy. In addition to being an artist, Markus works as a social worker and serves on the board of Joy’s Kitchen, a food rescue organization.

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Play: "Öökuninganna" (Queen of the Night) – Theater Nuutrum
Apr
5
1:00 PM13:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Play: "Öökuninganna" (Queen of the Night) – Theater Nuutrum

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

"The Night Queen" is a gripping story about the encounter between two very different people. Elli, a former opera singer who once performed on the grand stages of a famous opera house, now struggles to navigate life in Estonia after a tragic chain of events. Every day, she faces the inevitability of decline. The story takes an intriguing turn when Jakob, a young and handsome social worker, unexpectedly appears at her doorstep. Adding to the mystery is a man known only as the Beekeeper. Who is he? What is his business here, and what role does he play in Elli’s life? The answers may be surprising.

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Estonian Spirits III – Apple Spirits
Apr
5
6:00 PM18:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Estonian Spirits III – Apple Spirits

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Estonian Apple Schnapps Tasting with the renowned wine expert Kadri Kroon and experienced sommelier Aili Puskar.
Join us for a unique tasting experience celebrating Estonia’s finest apple schnapps! Led by Aili Puskar, this event will take you on a flavorful journey through the rich traditions of Estonian craft distilling.

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Concert: Zetod – The Power of Setomaa Folk Music
Apr
5
7:00 PM19:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Concert: Zetod – The Power of Setomaa Folk Music

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Zetod is a five-member (Artur Linnus (accordion, vocals), Matis Leima (violin, karmoska, vocals), Jalmar Vabarna (guitar, vocals), Jaanus Viskar (bass, vocals), Martin Kütt (drums)) folk and folk-rock band from Setomaa, bringing a fresh and energetic twist to Estonian traditional music since 2003. Their sound blends ancient Seto singing and instrumental traditions with a modern edge.

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Brunch: Kõiguste Marina Restaurant
Apr
6
11:00 AM11:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Brunch: Kõiguste Marina Restaurant

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The brunch menu is inspired by the rich flavors of the Baltic Sea, featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients carefully selected for the occasion. Guests can indulge in both traditional Estonian breakfast dishes and the restaurant’s modern culinary specialties, all crafted with passion and care.

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Workshop: Baking Kihnu Bread
Apr
6
1:00 PM13:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Workshop: Baking Kihnu Bread

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We’ll start by making the dough. While the dough rises and bakes (about 1 hour and 40 minutes), we’ll prepare herb butter and taste Kihnu bread made by Külli, served with herb butter and jam. Alongside, we’ll share authentic stories about Kihnu’s food traditions and their continuity. Each participant will take home their own freshly baked, warm loaf of bread.

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NY Estonian Cultural Days Supporter Pass
Mar
10
1:00 PM13:00
Estonian Cultural Days

NY Estonian Cultural Days Supporter Pass

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A Supporter Ticket is a great way to contribute to the sustainability of the New York Estonian Cultural Days. Your support helps preserve and promote Estonian culture in the USA while giving you a special sense of community. Thank you for keeping our traditions alive!

The supporter ticket includes entry to Saturday’s events: the performance, Estonian Snaps III, and the Zetod concert.

View Event →
Cultural Days: Theater: "Soloist"
Apr
6
1:15 PM13:15
Estonian Cultural Days

Cultural Days: Theater: "Soloist"

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

TICKETED EVENT. CLICK ON VIEW EVENT FOR TICKETS. Based on the autobiographical books of Käbi Laretei, the play is the story of a person with extraordinary passion. Her life included a career as an acclaimed pianist, raising children, two marriages and several other torrid relationships. Staring Kersti Kreismann, Kirke Karja, Märt Metsaviir, directed by Kersti Kreismann.

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Cultural Days: NextGen Workshop. Global Estonian Youth Network
Apr
6
12:30 PM12:30
Estonian Cultural Days

Cultural Days: NextGen Workshop. Global Estonian Youth Network

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FREE BUT REGISTRATION REQUIRED. CLICK ON VIEW EVENT FOR REGISTRATION. When was the last time you got to deeply discuss the importance of Nublu or rye bread in preserving Estonian identity? Here’s your chance! We’re inviting 16-35 year old Estonians to our workshop on all things Estonian. Let’s learn more about each other, get new information on Estonia, and discuss language learning, the future of Estonian language, work and study across cultures and more. See you there!

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Cultural Days: Concert: Romance in Romance. Monika-Evelin Liiv
Apr
5
8:00 PM20:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Cultural Days: Concert: Romance in Romance. Monika-Evelin Liiv

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FREE EVENT. Monika-Evelin Liiv, mezzo-soprano (Finnish National Opera, London Covent Garden, Estonian National Opera), Dmitry Pavlov (Finnish National Opera) on piano. Estonian and Italian romantic music will be performed - Saar, Kapp, Türnpuu, Tsoti, Respighi and others.

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2024 Cultural Days Opening Ceremony
Apr
5
7:00 PM19:00
Estonian Cultural Days

2024 Cultural Days Opening Ceremony

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FREE EVENT. The Estonian Consulate General in New York and the Estonian Educational Society of New York invite you to the festive opening of the Cultural Days. Heidy Purga (Minister of Culture), 2023 Foundation grantee Frank Raudsepp and musicians will perform. Exhibitions “Why Estonia? From ENSV to e-Estonia in 30 years”, opening of “To be Estonian” and “Fragments”.

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Cultural Days: "Vaba Eesti Sõna 75 - The Art of Connecting the Future with the Past"
Apr
5
2:00 PM14:00
Estonian Cultural Days

Cultural Days: "Vaba Eesti Sõna 75 - The Art of Connecting the Future with the Past"

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FREE EVENT. Session 1: The role of the Estonian-American newspaper Vaba Eesti Sõna in keeping alive hope for the restored independence of the Republic of Estonia and nourishing the spirit of idealism.

Session 2: Staying the Course: Connecting Estonian-American families and communities.

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Estonian Cultural Days in NYC 2024
Apr
4
to Apr 7
Estonian Cultural Days, Events

Estonian Cultural Days in NYC 2024

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We’re back. Join us in New York City for our annual celebration of Estonian arts, culture, and community. On the agenda this year: commemorating 75 years of the Free Estonian Word, the Estonian Vabamu museum, concerts from Estonian artists (classical and pop), theatre, runic song workshops, and more!

Events and times subject to change.

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A Conversation with Contemporary Estonian Filmmakers (Free Admission, in English)
Sep
30
2:30 PM14:30

A Conversation with Contemporary Estonian Filmmakers (Free Admission, in English)

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

PROGRAM

Kyle Reinhart (Scandinavian House):

New York Baltic Film Festival 2023

Frank Raudsepp (The Recipient of the Young Artist Grant by The Foundation of Estonian Arts and Letters 2023):

An Expatriate’s Journey: Weaving Heritage into Art

Coffee Break

Heilika and Ülo Pikkov (Silmviburlane) :

Films followed by discussion:

Why Don’t I Leave? (documentary) directed by Liina Särkinen

Body Memory (animation) directed by Ülo Pikkov

Empty Space (animation) directed by Ülo Pikkov

‘Til We Meet Again (animation) directed by Ülo Pikkov

My Flesh and Blood (documentary) directed by Heilika Pikkov

Frank Raudsepp is an Estonian-Belgian filmmaker and photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. He has been a part of a significant amount of film, tv, and commercial productions for such networks as ABC, NBCUniversal, Netflix, FX, and CW amongst others. Frank has held varying positions ranging from production coordinator, assistant director, producer, to director of photography, writer, and director. By establishing a strong understanding of the inner workings of the different departments in the industry, Frank has become a very dedicated and effective filmmaker. His latest film “Outcast Forest” is set to release in 2024 and follows the journey of an Estonian Viking stranded in England. Frank has also established a strong photography portfolio over the years. His work has been published multiple times on Vogue’s Photovogue platform and was recently part of the A.R.T. exhibit in Guildford, UK. He has most recently shot New York Fashion Week and toured across the US documenting the musical journey of the band “Juice”.

Heilika Pikkov (1982) is a documentary filmmaker and internationally well-known curator and cultural manager. She studied film and television directing at Tallinn University and spent a semester at the University of Central Lancashire in UK. For 8 years she was the organiser and programmer of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s animation festival, Animated Dreams. She also worked as a manager for the international programme of Estonia 100 and the EU Presidency at the Government Office of Estonia. She has directed several documentaries, including Flowers from the Mount of Olives (2013), which had great success in Estonian cinemas and My Flesh and Blood (2018), which won Best Short Film of the Year at the Estonian Film and Television Awards.


Ülo Pikkov (1976) is an internationally renowned filmmaker, producer and film scholar. He studied animation at the Turku Arts Academy in Finland and since 1996 has directed several award-winning animation films. He has published articles on film and written fiction books for children and adults. He is the author of “Animasophy, Theoretical Writings on the Animated Film” (2011). In 2018 he got his doctoral degree at the Estonian Academy of Arts with thesis “Anti-Animation: Textures of Eastern European Animated Film” and today he works as a professor and head of the animation department at the same institution. In 2023/2024 Ülo is a visiting scholar at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Production Company

Silmviburlane, founded in 2006 by Heilika and Ülo Pikkov, is a small and mobile film production company in Tallinn, Estonia, which produces documentary and animation films.

www.silmviburlane.ee
https://www.facebook.com/silmviburlane




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Estonian Cultural Days in New York 2022
Mar
31
to Apr 3

Estonian Cultural Days in New York 2022

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS 
The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters is pleased to announce the launch of ticket sales and the full program of the annual Estonian Cultural Days in New York, from March 31st - April 3rd, 2022.

We are proud to present a curated selection of world-class Estonian culture by top performers and experts in their fields. The program offers something for everyone.

Some program highlights:
• One of a kind performance by Ain Anger, Martin Kuuskmann and Kristjan Randalu.
• Film “Kiik, Kirves ja Igavese Armastuse puu“ (Tree of Eternal Love). The creative team behind this film will be in attendance for Q&A.
• Vanemuise Theater from Tartu performing “Head tüdrukud lähevad taevasse” (Good Girls Go to Heaven).
• An exhibit "Heritage Magnifier" curated by the Viljandi Culture Academy, an exhibit and video lecture about Tartu Street art and paintings by Uno Habakukk.
• Musical performances by Estonian folk ensemble Curly Strings and Estonian rap music star nublu.
• Award-winning chamber choir Collegium Musicale performing a concert celebrating world renowned composer Arvo Pärt. All proceeds will go to helping the people of Ukraine. 
• A pop-up restaurant by the chefs of “Põhjaka”, one of the top restaurants in Estonia.
A pop up sale of estonian design goods by Tallinn Design House. 

Please join us at the Estonian Cultural Days March 31st - April 3, 2022!

More info
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Hajali, aga koos/Dispersed yet together
Sep
18
to Sep 19

Hajali, aga koos/Dispersed yet together

  • The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Foundation of Estonian Arts and Letters along with the Estonian Consulate of New York and the New York Estonian House are pleased to sponsor a unique event to commemorate the 30 year anniversary of Estonia’s re-independence.

DISPERSED YET TOGETHER

Creative works by a selection of musicians, artists, writers and cinematographers among others will be represented including Martin Kuuskmann, Jonas Tarm, Lembit Beecher, Sirje Ainso, Kaja Weeks, Ene Sepp, Majorlilkween, Kristi Roosmaa, Eha Urbsalu, Erkki Engso, Riina Mettas, Jana, Niglas-Berg, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Marit Tuisk, Mark, Neumann, Terttu, Uibopuu, Liisa Liiva, Geoffrey Burleson, Ms Madli, Jaanika Peerna, Uno Habakukk, Saskia Kivilo, Lynne Klemmer, Riivo Kruuk, Diina Tamm, Kristina Paabus, Inga Pae Peterson, Jaanika Peerna, Kyle Peets, Ave Pluum, Markus Puskar, Naima Rauam and Maria Spann.

The Estonian Consulate will host a reception for all participants on Sunday September 19.

*Please note that the program will be held in accordance with all NYC COVID restrictions in effect at the time of the event and proof of vaccination is required for admittance.

*******************************

Eesti Kultuurifond Ameerika Ühendriikides koostöös New Yorgi Eesti Peakonsulaadi ja New Yorgi Eesti Majaga toovad teieni ainulaadse sündmuse tähistamaks Eesti Vabariigi taasiseseisvumise 30. aastapäeva ning USA eestlaste loomingut vabas maailmas

HAJALI, AGA KOOS

Oma loomingut tutvustavad näitavad muusikud, kunstnikud, kirjanikud, filmitegijad jt.
Martin Kuuskmann, Jonas Tarm, Lembit Beecher, Sirje Ainso, Kaja Weeks, Ene Sepp, Majorlilkween, Kristi Roosmaa, Eha Urbsalu, Erkki Engso, Riina Mettas, Jana, Niglas-Berg, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Marit Tuisk, Mark, Neumann, Terttu, Uibopuu, Liisa Liiva, Geoffrey Burleson, Ms Madli, Jaanika Peerna, Uno Habakukk, Saskia Kivilo, Lynne Klemmer, Riivo Kruuk, Kristina Paabus, Inga Pae Peterson, Jaanika Peerna, Kyle Peets, Ave Pluum, Markus Puskar, Naima Rauam ja Maria Spann.

Pühapäeval toimub peakonsulaadi vastuvõtt kogukonnale.
*Üritus toimub kooskõlas NYC regulatsioonidele ning sissepääs ainult vaktsineerimistõendi ettenäitamisel.

osalejad.jpg
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Estonian Cultural Days 2017
Apr
5
to Apr 9
Events

Estonian Cultural Days 2017

Estonian Cultural Days in New York (“Eesti Kultuuripäevad New Yorgis”) is a multi-day affair with concerts, theater performances, lectures, and other events spanning five days from April 5-9 and featuring Estonians from both the local diaspora and abroad. The five day event celebrate Estonian culture in the United States. Most concerts and theater performance will take place in the historic New York Estonian House.

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