NordenBladet – Estonian Minister of Culture, Piret Hartman, had long discussions with both the employees of the Ministry of Culture and his social democratic party colleagues before promising emergency money to the theaters.
The Riigikogu adopted a new law on performance institutions in the summer of last year, with the goal of making funding for theaters clearer and making the theater landscape more diverse, sustainable, and accessible to all people.
However, the application round for funding did not take place until mid-December, which caused concern. The Tallinn City Theater, as well as the VAT Theater, would have lost about half of their support from last year, while Tartu Uus Teater and ten other performance institutions would get more money.
Hartman decided to come up with additional funds and put 850,000 into this round of applications, half of which was money from the theaters themselves that was intended for experimental projects in previous years, and the other half was from the reserve of the Ministry of Culture. He stated that the reserve of the Ministry of Culture is too small to address all concerns, but it serves as a quick solution for urgent issues. Hartman plans to make a new round of applications for next year’s operating support, so performance institutions have as much time as possible to reorganize their operations if necessary.
You can read Madis Hindre’s long interview (with the original title: Hartman alles jäänud reservist: meie võimalused on väga väikesed) with Culture Minister Piret Hartman on ERR.
NordenBladet – Witch trials, in which people accused of witchcraft were put on trial and often executed, took place in various parts of Europe and the American colonies from the late 15th century through the 18th century. The exact reasons for the persecution of witches varied by time and place, but they were often believed to be in league with the devil and to use their powers to harm others.
The biggest witch hunters were often religious leaders, such as priests and ministers, as well as secular officials like judges and magistrates.
Famous witches in history include Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake in 1431, and Gilles de Rais, a French nobleman who was executed in 1440 for witchcraft and murder.
The vast majority of people accused of witchcraft were not actually practicing magic, but rather were victims of societal prejudices and power struggles. The witch trials were a form of social control and the persecution of marginalized groups such as women, poor and the elderly.
In the Nordic countries, witch trials were most common in the 17th century. In Denmark, around 400 people were executed for witchcraft between 1590 and 1693. In Sweden, the most intense period of witch trials (Look more: Wikipedia: Witch trials in Sweden) took place from 1668 to 1676, during which around 300 people were executed. In Norway, there were fewer witch trials, but around 100 people were executed for witchcraft between 1621 and 1693. In Finland, many of the people accused were men, so called “wise men” hired to perform magic by people. The largest witch trials in Finland were the Kastelholm witch trials of Åland in the 1660s, and those in Österbotten in 1674–1678, when between 157 and 200 people were charged, of which at least 41 were executed.
One of the most famous witch trials in Scandinavian history was the Torsåker witch trials in Sweden in 1675. The trial resulted in the execution of 35 people and the imprisonment of more than 80 others. The Torsåker witch trials were notable for the large number of people executed and the fact that many of the accused were men, as opposed to the majority of accused witches being women.
Witch trials in Latvia and Estonia were mainly conducted by the Baltic German elite of clergy, nobility and burghers against the indigenous peasantry in order to persecute Paganism by use of Christian demonology and witchcraft ideology.
The Põlula witch trials took place in the manor Põlula in Estonia in 1542. It centered around the noblewoman Anna Zoyge, who was accused by her husband Johann Meckes of having murdered her father-in-law with the assistance of five accomplices, who were all executed for witchcraft.
In addition to religious leaders, as mentioned earlier, secular officials such as judges and magistrates also played a significant role in the witch trials. They often had a financial incentive to prosecute witches as they were able to seize the accused person’s property and assets. There were several notable individuals who were involved in the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. Some examples include:
Norway:Tønne Huitfeldt, who led a witch hunt in the Bergen area in the late 16th century. Denmark:Jakob Sprenger and Heinrich Kramer, who wrote the infamous witch-hunting manual “Malleus Maleficarum” (The Hammer of Witches), which was used to justify the persecution of accused witches throughout Europe. Finland: In Finland, witch hunting was less common than in other parts of Europe, however, there were some notable hunts in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Estonia: Witch trials in Estonia were relatively rare, but still happened in the 16th and 17th centuries. One notable figure who was involved in the persecution of those accused of witchcraft in Estonia was German theologian and inquisitor Heinrich Stahl, who led witch hunts in Estonia in the late 16th century.
Also, near Nordic region…
England:Matthew Hopkins, an English witch hunter who was active in the 17th century and gained notoriety for his use of torture to extract confessions from accused witches.
As for the people who were considered or labeled as witches, it is important to note that the majority of those accused and executed for witchcraft in Scandinavia were women. Many of these women were poor and lived on the margins of society. They were often accused of using magic to harm others or of engaging in sexual relationships with the devil. Such records are not well preserved and it can be hard to know for sure who specifically were accused and executed as witches. The names of those accused and executed were often not recorded, and many of the records that do exist were destroyed during the trials.
The witch trials of Scandinavia were a dark and tragic chapter in history, in which innocent people were persecuted and executed for nothing more than being different. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of fear and ignorance and the importance of reason and compassion.
If this topic interests you, here are some authors who have written books about witch trials:
1. Silvia Federici, “Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation” (2004) – This book explores the historical relationship between capitalism and the persecution of witches, with a focus on the witch trials in Europe and in particular in Scandinavia.
2. Bengt Ankarloo, “Witchcraft and Magic in Europe: The Period of the Witch Trials” (2002) – This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of witchcraft and magic in Europe, including in Scandinavia, covering the period from the late medieval to the early modern era.
There are several museums in Scandinavia that have exhibits related to the history of witchcraft and witch trials. Here are a few examples:
Sweden:
The Dalarna Museum in Falun, Sweden, has an exhibit on the witch trials that took place in the province of Dalarna in the late 17th century.
The Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus, Denmark, has an exhibit on witchcraft and magic in the Viking Age and Middle Ages, including artifacts and information on the beliefs and practices of the time.
The Bergenhus Fortress in Bergen, Norway, has an exhibit on the witch trials that took place in Bergen in the late 16th century, including the role of Tønne Huitfeldt in the witch hunts.
Finland:
The Turku Castle in Turku, Finland, has an exhibit on the history of witchcraft in Finland, including information on the beliefs and practices of the time and the witch trials that took place in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
These are a few examples of museums in Scandinavia that have exhibits related to the history of witchcraft and witch trials. There are other museums in the region with similar exhibits, but the list above is a good starting point.
Featured image: Exhibition in Stockholm in 2019 (NordenBladet)
Source: NordenBladet.ee
NordenBladet – Scandinavia is known for its high quality of life and innovative ideas, and it’s no surprise that many bloggers from the Nordic region are covering some of the coolest topics. From restoration services to lifestyle and cleanup, these bloggers are sharing their unique perspectives and inspiring their readers to take a closer look at the world around them, NordenBladet.ee mediates.
A large number of Scandinavian bloggers (as well as journalists) are known for their curiosity and open-mindedness. The high quality of life in Scandinavia is reflected in the bloggers’ focus on quality products, services, and experiences. With the rich culture and history of the Nordic region, many focus on sharing their unique perspectives on the region’s culture, history, and customs.
So, what do Scandinavian bloggers write about?
Lifestyle: Very many Nordic bloggers are so-called lifestyle bloggers who are known for their focus on quality living. Lifestyle bloggers most often cover topics such as personal style and fashion, home decor and DIY projects, travel, food and recipes, beauty and personal care, parenting and family life, and personal development and wellness. Lifestyle bloggers write about their personal experiences, thoughts and feelings on various topics, and offer advice, tips, and insights on how to live a happier and more fulfilled life. They provide personal anecdotes, photos, and other content that give readers a glimpse into their everyday lives. They also create content to inspire, entertain and engage their readers. They often share their own personal stories, providing a relatable and personal touch to their content. Bloggers collaborate with other bloggers, brands, and companies to bring their readers the latest trends, products, and information.
Restoration Services and Eco-friendly Living: One of the most popular topics covered by Scandinavian bloggers is the art of restoring old buildings and furniture (and building your own home). Restoration service articles cover a wide range of topics, including disaster recovery, environmental remediation, and the preservation of historical buildings and artifacts. They also discuss the latest techniques and technologies used in the field, as well as best practices for assessing and mitigating damage. Some provide also information on working with insurance companies and local authorities following a disaster or emergency.
Another topic that many Scandinavian bloggers are tackling is the importance of eco-friendly living.
Fashion: The minimalistic and sleek fashion style of Scandinavia is also a popular topic among bloggers. Bloggers who write about fashion most often cover topics such as fashion trends, outfit ideas, styling tips, fashion inspiration, fashion news, and designer collections. They also provide reviews of fashion products, such as clothing, shoes and accessories, and share their personal style and fashion choices. They also frequently collaborate with other bloggers, brands, and companies to bring their readers the latest trends, products, and information. It is more common to find female bloggers writing about fashion, as the majority of the fashion industry is geared towards women. However, there are also a growing number of male bloggers who write about fashion, and they provide a different perspective on fashion trends and style.
Culture, Literature, Art: Blogging about culture, art and books is a popular topic, as many people are interested in reading and learning about different cultures. Most cultural blogs cover a wide range of topics, including travel, food, music, art, and history, while book blogs more often focus on reviews, author interviews, and literary news.
Cleanup:Yes, cleaning tips are super in and people are very interested in the topic! And not only home cleaning tips… Another topic that many Scandinavian bloggers are tackling is the importance of keeping our environment clean. Cleanup blogs cover topics related to environmental remediation, such as cleaning up contaminated sites, oil spills, and hazardous waste. Many bloggers discuss the best practices and technologies for cleaning up after natural disasters, also how to safely and effectively clean and decontaminate buildings and other structures, as well as tips for reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
IT, SEO and Hosting tips: Bloggers who write about Information Technology (IT), SEO and hosting most often cover topics such as website hosting options, website performance, website security, website migration, website development, website management, website troubleshooting, website design and website scalability. They also provide technical tutorials, reviews, comparisons and best practices for different hosting providers and hosting plans, as well as the latest updates and news from the IT industry.
Personal Growth: The bloggers from Scandinavia also focus on personal growth. They discuss topics such as self-improvement, personal development, self-care, mindfulness, and mental health. These topics often include things like goal setting, time management, productivity, positive thinking, self-esteem, and relationships. They also provide tips and techniques for developing a growth mindset, overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s potential. The best ones share personal stories and experiences to illustrate their points and offer relatable examples.
These blogs are very helpful for those who are looking to make positive changes in their lives, they provide valuable insights, tips and resources that can help readers to achieve their goals, improve their mindset and overall well-being. Personal growth blogs can also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for people who are going through difficult times or trying to overcome personal challenges.
Food and Cooking: Food blogging is a popular niche and there are a significant number of food bloggers in comparison to other niches.
In Scandinavia food blogging has become increasingly popular in recent years, driven by the rise of social media platforms and the growing interest in cooking and food-related content. Scandinavian bloggers showcase their love for the Nordic cuisine and how to cook delicious and healthy meals. Many food bloggers have built large followings by sharing delicious recipes, cooking tips, and food-related travel experiences. They also frequently collaborate with brands and companies in the food industry to promote products and offer sponsored content. A large number of Nordic food bloggers have been able to turn their blogs into successful businesses, by producing cookbooks, hosting cooking classes, and creating food-related products.
Design and Home Decor: The Nordic sense of design and decor is also a popular topic among bloggers. Topics that are commonly covered include interior design, DIY home decor projects, decorating on a budget, color and paint trends, furniture and accessory selection, and organization and storage solutions.
Nordic design, which is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, has gained popularity around the world in recent years. The aesthetic of Nordic design is often associated with the concept of “hygge,” which is a Danish word that refers to a sense of warmth, comfort, and coziness.
Hygge style is also very popular outside of Scandinavia, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Many people are drawn to the simplicity, natural materials, and cozy atmosphere of hygge-inspired design.
The popularity of Scandinavian design has also fueled the increased availability of Nordic-inspired products in home furnishing stores and online stores.Due to the huge popularity and high traffic of home decor and design blogs, many bloggers have been able to monetize their blogs – they make sponsored and affiliated posts, sell their handmade crafts, and market interior design related products and services.
Photography: Photo blogs are featuring a wide variety of images and subjects. Most popular topics are:
Landscape and nature photography: Images of mountains, forests, beaches, sunsets, and other natural scenes. The breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty of Scandinavia is a popular topic among bloggers.
Cityscapes and architecture: Images of buildings, streets, and other urban scenes, often taken at different times of the day. Nordic architecture is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, with a strong emphasis on natural materials and a connection to the surrounding landscape. Nordic architecture has influenced architects and designers around the world and it continues to inspire contemporary architecture and design.
Travel photography: Many Nordic bloggers travel frequently as part of their content creation and promotion efforts. They travel to different locations to document their experiences, take photographs and create videos, and to attend events and conferences related to their blog’s niche.
Food and product photography: Images of dishes, ingredients, and other food items, often taken in a studio setting. Food and beverage industry is a large and diverse sector that includes everything from small, local businesses to large multinational corporations. According to research reports, the global food and beverage market was approximately $8 trillion in 2020 already. Food bloggers and food photo bloggers also take a large share of it!
Finally, it is quite certain that Scandinavia bloggers cover a wide range of topics that reflect the region’s high quality of life, innovative ideas, and unique perspectives. Many bloggers are inspiring their readers to take a closer look at the world around them and embrace new experiences with a curious mind.
NordenBladet – There are common questions people have about death, as it´s a topic that is both personal and universal. All these questions are intriguing in the sense that they are all related to the unknown, the mystery and the fear of what lies beyond our physical existence. Everyone has their own unique perspective and relationship with death, and it can be influenced by factors such as culture, religion, personal beliefs, and life experiences.
But there are certain groups of people who may be more interested in death than others. Some examples include:
Health care professionals: People who work in health care, such as doctors, nurses, and hospice workers, may be more interested in death as it is a part of their daily work. They may also have a desire to understand the process of dying in order to better assist their patients.
Grief counselors and death educators: People who work in fields related to grief and bereavement, such as counselors, social workers, and death educators, may be more interested in death as it is a central part of their work.
Researchers: Scientists and scholars who study death and dying, such as anthropologists, sociologists, and theologians, may be more interested in death as it is a subject of academic research.
Artists, poets, writers and filmmakers: Artists and creators may be more interested in death as it can be an inspiration and source of material for their art.
People who have experienced a significant loss: Individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one may be more interested in death as they seek to understand and come to terms with their loss.
Spiritual seekers: People who are interested in spirituality and the meaning of life may be more interested in death as it can be seen as a step in the journey of the soul.
Many writers throughout history have written about death in their literature.Here are just a few examples of writers who have dealt with death in their work.
Our reading recommendations. HERE ARE ten famous writers in the world who touch the theme of death in their work:
Edgar Allan Poe: Known for his dark and macabre stories, Poe wrote extensively about death, often exploring themes of premature burial, premature mourning and the macabre.
Samuel Beckett: His work often dealt with the human condition, the nature of existence and the inevitability of death.
Albert Camus: He wrote extensively about the human condition and the absurdity of life, and often dealt with the subject of death in his work.
Emily Dickinson: She wrote many poems that dealt with death and immortality, often exploring themes of grief, loss, and the afterlife.
T.S. Eliot: His poem “The Waste Land” and others, deals extensively with death, decay, and the collapse of civilization.
W.B. Yeats: He wrote many poems that dealt with the subject of death, often exploring themes of immortality, and the eternal cycle of life and death.
Arthur Miller: His play “Death of a Salesman” is a classic exploration of death, grief and the human condition.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez: His famous book “One Hundred Years of Solitude” deals with death, grief, and the cyclical nature of life.
Virginia Woolf: Her work often deals with the subject of death, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.
Harold Pinter: His plays often deal with the human condition, exploring themes of death, the passage of time, and the nature of existence.
NordenBladet – Fairy tales are mystical and exciting and are a big part of our childhood. What makes a fairy tale interesting? We share with you ten good suggestions on how to write a fantastic book of fairy tales!
1. A clear and distinct setting: The setting should be described in detail and should have a strong sense of place. This can include physical characteristics as well as cultural and historical context.
2. Well-developed characters: Characters in a fairy tale should be unique, with their own motivations, desires, and flaws. This makes them relatable and interesting to the reader.
3. A clear and compelling conflict: A fairy tale should have a central conflict that drives the plot and keeps the reader engaged. This conflict should be clear and easy to understand, and should be resolved by the end of the story.
4. Use of symbolism and imagery: Symbolism and imagery can add depth and meaning to a fairy tale, making it more than just a surface-level story. They can also be used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
5. A sense of magic and wonder: Fairy tales should have elements of magic and wonder that capture the reader’s imagination and make the story feel like it’s taking place in a different world.
Helena-Reet Ennet’s illustration for the children’s book “His Highness the Mouse the First”
6. Use of foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device that can be used to build tension and anticipation in a fairy tale. It can be used to hint at events to come, or to reveal important information about the story’s characters or setting.
7. An unexpected twist or resolution: A fairy tale should have an unexpected twist or resolution that keeps the reader engaged and makes the story more interesting. This can be something as simple as a surprising ending or a character’s unexpected actions.
8. A strong moral or lesson: Fairy tales often have a moral or lesson that the story imparts. This can be something as simple as “be kind to others” or something more complex like “never give up on your dreams.”
9. A rich and evocative atmosphere: A fairy tale should have a rich and evocative atmosphere that immerses the reader in the story. This can be created by using descriptive language and sensory details.
10. The use of a strong and memorable narrative voice: The narrative voice in a fairy tale should be strong and memorable. It should speak directly to the reader, and should be consistent throughout the story.
NordenBladet —On 7th May, Reykjavík City Museum will be opening a new exhibition as part of a continuation of The Settlement Exhibition, which represents Reykjavík’s history from settlement to the present day.
The exhibition looks at the city’s history, which sheds light on the resident’s daily life, and the Zeitgeist throughout the centuries is brought into focus. The approach of the display is to reach all users of the museum in the best way possible.
With this new display, the importance of Aðalstræti* as the center of Reykjavík’s history is furthermore emphasized. The Reykjavík City Museum will be in the foreground in the heart of the old city center and surroundings. All this is a significant lever of the oldest street of Reykjavík and a milestone in the city’s cultural life.
The festival will be open from 13:00, with various opening day celebrations, including a street theatre at 13:10, which will be repeated at 14:30. The Vikings from Rimmugýgur will show martial arts, and women from the Icelandic Handicraft Association will walk around the area in beautiful national costumes. The Vintage Car Association members will park their luxurious cars, and dancers will show Lindy hop. There will also be an opportunity to relax in summer chairs at Ingólfs square.
The Reykjavík City Museum is located at Aðalstræti 10 in Reykjavík.
More info: reykjavikcitymuseum.is Featured image: The Settlement Exhibition Family Area (Reykjavík City Museum)
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Aðalstræti, (“Main Street”) is Reykjavík’s oldest street. Ingólfur Arnarson’s farm is generally considered to have been situated at the southern end of the street, which must then have been the path he walked along down to the sea. While Reykjavík was small, Aðalstræti was the main street, lined with the homes of influential people, the meeting house and the town’s main well, Ingólfsbrunnur (“Ingólfur’s well”), outside the present No.9. One of the oldest buildings in Reykjavík built around 1762, is No. 10, which is from the time of Skúli Magnússon.
NordenBladet – The laureate of the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) Lifetime Achievement Award is actress Elle Kull. The actress will receive the award on Friday at 6 p.m. at the opening ceremony of the festival.
Kull, who is turning 70 next year, will receive the award for outstanding roles in nearly 30 films and television productions. Minna in “Ukuaru”, Laura in “Pisuhänd”, Maria Marmor in A Ballade of Two Homes (“Kahe kodu ballaad”), Irma in “Rudolf and Irma” Catherina Wycken in “Reik’s Teacher”, Dora in “Ask the Dead About the Price of Death (“Surma hinda küsi surnutelt”) and a girl in “Promenade” are only a few of the projects she has participated in.
She is the only Estonian actress to have also received the award of the best film actress in the Soviet Union in 1975, for her role in “Ukuaru”.
“Elle Kull has both freshness and purity of youth, fidelity to nature, the depth of material perception and the impulsivity of experience. She has a rare sense of truth. She is like a sensitive membrane that perceives the slightest lie and fake,” an Estonian director Leida Laius who discovered Kull from the second year of the Estonian Theater and Music Academy and invited her to play in “Ukaru.”
“Ukuaru” also opened the door for other Soviet film studios for Kull, for example, she starred in Lithuanian director Almantas Grikevičius’ “Times of Farm Empire”, as well as in Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Uzbek and Armenian films, seen by as many as 15 million people.
Kull was a long-time president of the Estonian National Committee of the UNICEF Children’s Fund, and she has been involved in charity work for a long time.
From November 29, the PÖFF online cinema will also show the films “Ukuaru” and “Ask the Dead About the Price of Death”.
The winner of the second Lifetime Achievement Award, which is traditionally a foreign filmmaker, will be announced by PÖFF during the festival.
Last year, Alar Kivilo and Margarethe von Trotta received the PÖFF Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Black Nights Film Festival will take place on November 12-28.
NordenBladet – On 23 November the laureate of this year’s Betti Alver literary award will be announced in the Library of the University of Tartu. There are brand new authors among the nominees, but there are also names that have already been heard of earlier.
The Betti Alver literary prize is based on Betti Alver’s last will that indicated the wish to award the author of a noteworthy debut piece in poetry or prose in Estonian language that has been published during the year from one All Souls’ Day to the next.
There are also those authors considered that have previously published non-fiction texts or drama works, and those who have previously published in other languages. This year the prize will be awarded for the 26th time.
This year the jury was represented by Taavi Eelmaa (laureate in 2020), Helle Maaslieb, Berit Petolai, Triin Ploom-Niitra and Mihkel Samarüütel, and 33 works were evaluated. The jury selected seven nominees from the debutants:
Aliis Aalmann, poetry collection “Verihaljas” (Kultuurileht)
Anna Kaare, poetry collection “InteГрация” (Kultuurileht)
Ilmar Lehtpere, poetry collection “Kodutud luuletused” (Verb)
The literary award will be granted by the Estonian Writer’s Union Tartu division, with the support of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. The volume of the prize is 2000 euros and it comes with the respective certificate.
NordenBladet – In the Estonian Writers’ Union’s hall with the black ceiling, winners of the Estonian Theatre Agency’s drama contest 2021 were announced on Wednesday. There were 47 plays submitted to the Estonian Theatre Agency for the drama contest. The jury, represented by the translator Varja Arola, producer Elise Metsanurk, head of literature Ene Paaver, author-producer Tiit Palu, actor Jaak Prints, playwright Priit Põldma and artist-film director Hardi Volmer, decided to highlight five of them.
The jury awarded one first prize and two second prizes, and highlighted two plays as noteworthy:
I prize (3750 euros): Katariina Libe “Võrsed” (Seedlings)
II prize (1875 euros): Mart Aas “Kaksindus” (Twinned) and Kadri Lepp “Koju” (Home)
Noted (625 euros): Heneliis Notton “Emesis” and Liis Sein “Kutse” (Call)
The Grand Prix was awarded to Katariina Libe (née Ratasepp) for the powerful psychological drama “Võrsed”, which, in addition to a sharp and fresh approach to close relationships and the sensitive topic of procreation, allows each of the play’s characters their individual perspective.
NordenBladet – In an exclusive interview to NordenBladet, the long-time member of the Estonian National Museum team, Kristjan Raba, reveals his thoughts about life in the midst of the museum scene, about the succession of people in the position of the managing director of ERM, and sheds some light on the future plans of the museum.
For almost 20 years now you have been connected with the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. What has been the greatest challenge regarding your work? What delights you the most in the development of the museum? It was largely by chance that in the 90s, in the time of all opportunities, I came into contact with the museum, not yet knowing that life is offering me an opportunity to be involved in the preparations of „the edifice of the century”. In the task force for the modern and contemporary ERM premises program I had a double function. One was my job as a curator for the permanent exhibition theme hall „Nation and Republic”, and the other was my role as the head of marketing and sales for the exhibitions-events-museum studies, and we sought to realize our dreams back then. It was a big challenge, an enormous responsibility and an exciting time of self-growth with the goal of creating our nation’s memory site, a national museum. The architecture of the museum building has been widely acknowledged in Europe, the content, the technology – an exercise and execution of an innovative museological approach.
Autumnal ERM in Raadi, with the autonomous vehicle aka robot-museum bus without a human driver. Photo: Anu Ansu (ERM 2021)
This work is really perpetual, the process is ongoing. Among the greatest landmarks in Estonia – working towards this has been the greatest challenges in my professional life until now. ERM has moved back to its historic location where the museum as a brand received a new appearance, including renewed visual graphics. Together with several colleagues and experts in the field, this goes without saying, two new important permanent exhibitions were created. First of these, the scope of DYS gallery (participation hall), that as such is rather unique in the world and keeps the building busy with several events-spectacles-concerts. And as I watch the people, the families, walking in and around the museum, it makes me very glad. As dreamy as it may sound, the versatile life in the museum gives way to very interesting forms of collaboration, facilitates networking with creative souls. In a way, the museum keeps me fit, I, too, feel very youthful while the building recently celebrated its 5th birthday on October 1, 2021. The building hosts performances-fairs-exhibitions-teaching programs, and there is active digitizing work done for the sake of the new generations, so that the cultural heritage may be maintained in its entirety, so that it would be profoundly researched and be received by the people as the great gold reserve of Estonia.
Head of ERM exhibition house Kristjan Raba in Raadi, 15.05.2009. (Photo: Arp Karm/ERM)
Keynote opening speech by Head of Exhibition house Kristjan Raba, 20.11.2008. (Photo: Merylin Suve/ERM)
Digitizing ERM carpets collection, Head of exhibition house Kristjan Raba spreading out the carpet, autumn 2009. (Photo: Anu Ansu/ERM)
Kristjan Raba with ERM museum flag, 14.04.2009. Photo: (Arp Karm/ERM)
The previous director of ERM, Mr Alar Karis, is now the President of Estonia, and the Minister of Culture, Mrs Anneli Ott, summoned a nine-member committee to find a new director for the Estonian National Museum (ERM). Who is going to be the new director? A little more patience is needed now, until the new director starts in December, yet constantly there is new blood flowing in the museum’s circulation. In the process of electing the new director, ERM’s voice might have also been included at the committee table.
Currently it is undisclosed whether someone from among our colleagues set up their candidacy, also I have received several inquiries, my hope shone through and a few good candidates were to be found. It has now been announced that the director-to-be is the experienced leader in the field of culture, Mrs Kerttu Saks.
I suppose I myself have held each and every role in the museum: a gardener-streetsweep, a curator, designer, logistician, not a stranger to the work of an exhibition guide, I have worked with the team of storage-conservation, on marketing-ads-PR, and earlier also in the responsibilities of the vice director.
During the occasion when our director attended the ESTO days in America, I was in the function of the director in Tartu and we organized with the people of the song and dance festival a great celebration in Raadi, where the inspiration camp took place. Raadi is also the birthplace of lighting the festival torch at sunrise.
However, right now I have mostly focussed on conveying my experience and shaping the active cooperation among several European institutions. We wish to take our exhibition „Elas kord…” („Once upon a time…”) on a tour either to Finland, Denmark, France, or why not instead also to Japan, and we will be addressing the Danish Hans Cristian Andersen Museum with a concrete networking project proposal. We will continue the initiative launched by the newly elected president/the previous director, towards this goal.
Good international relations bring also good vibes to ERM, so that great ideas may emerge from them and the blush remains. I just returned from Denmark and just recently presented a paper at the House of European History where I attracted very positive feedback and interest regarding the ERM experience. There has been a good connection with the Scandinavian countries – with the National Museum of Finland, also our very good friends and partners are in Museum Centre Vapriikki, the ERM exhibitions have traveled widely in Finland from Turku to Jyväskylä, from Helsinki to Sami-Siida, since the Sami are also our fellow tribesmen and just now we have the month of tribesmen in Estonia. The new director certainly favors working towards the continuation of this route.
President of Estonia, Alar Karis during the final day in office at the Estonian National Museum. Photograph: ERM
Did you consider running for the position of ERM’s new director? Not really, although I have a vision regarding the role of the new director, and several great recommendations for the new person, so that it would be possible to readily fit in and be able to avoid discovering the somewhat unnecessary paths to the goal. Currently it is essential, as the head of the central museum, to maintain a positive perception bias in the society and signal that visits to the museum are safe, that the cultural heritage helps support emotional wellbeing, that guests and families that come in small groups can definitely feel safe and that it is going to be a great experience.
Also school teachers with their pupils should visit, since the museum offers a healthy and instructive environment to strengthen the formal education, ERM’s new building and the exhibitions offer a really great opportunity for that, and everything stems from researched materials, scientific work, and modern museological benchmarks, along with inclusive action and participation, as we have introduced it for many years in our participation hall.
What will ERM offer in order to excite the visitor during this season? The exhibitions „Once upon a time…” as well as „Our home witch kitchen” recently became history. What comes after them? The contest for the year 2022 recently closed. The public vote determined the winning project and it will be lead by high-spirited women – those who do woodwork, self-made carpenters, and women with vim and golden hands in several areas of life.
A more global dimension will be introduced by J. Lotman 100, the implementation fully designed by ERM. We collaborate with Uni Tartu semiotics, and this exhibition, too, will likely travel the world, since the significance of J. Lotman and the impact of his school extend from Moscow to Paris and further. Right after the exhibition „Our home witch kitchen” the same hall will host the exhibition „Inclusive LIFE”, This exhibition will cater information and offer a practical exposition, and will invite the visitor to join in and help find the solutions in the areas of better accessibility and inclusive design, and will urge to reflect whether special needs are really that special. By hosting these projects we will also accumulate knowldege and collect hints on how to animate time and again the permanent exhibition „Encounters” that has a wide spectrum of target groups.
Kristjan Raba accompanying on piano the young violinist Estella Elisheva, during the opening ceremony of the exhibition, in the spacious lobby hall, summer 2021. Photo: (Arp Karm/ERM)
Kristjan Raba at the grand opening event of the exhibition “Our home witch kitchen” in ERM’s participation hall. Photo: NordenBladet
Which direction is the „exhibition trend” bending? What kind of exhibitions win the most visitors and what are people willing to see? What is the proportion of foreign visitors? Who are the artists and what are the types of exhibitions that you most wish to attract to ERM? The trends are diverse, the challenge here would be smart solutions and networking. A matter of survival would be which communities we will be able to team up with, how to detect the topics that speak to the visitor, that are relevant in the society, and not „excessively sophisticated”. ERM as the central museum will always present a special program in connection with important events in our country, or also we will reveal objects-stories that address the public or that gives us in Estonia reason always to be proud of.
The share of international guests in a global situation like this is obviously slightly smaller, but we won back our Baltic visitors soon enough, we gladly saw Finns among our guests last summer as well as now. We cordially invite also the Swedes and the Norwegians to visit the Estonian National Museum, since for example with the Swedish colleagues we have had fruitful professional contacts (i.e. with Nordiska, ERM’s exhibition has toured in Skansen). We are adding volume to the collaboration that is directed towards Norway in relation to Tartu 2024, since the small town of Bodö will celebrate the same festival as us here.
Our cultural cooperation has brought here a blacksmith-metal artist from Lofoten, Norway, when ERM arranged a joint exhibition of Nordic blacksmiths in cooperation with the Estonian Blacksmith Association. Finland has maintained very strong traditions and skills of blacksmithing. ERM also contributed to the project „Brod in Norden” that was lead by the Danish colleagues and from there emerged the spirit to collaborate with Denmark also now, as Denmark has the similar Museum Centre Moesgaard as is our ERM, and they have always welcomed us warmly. We have quite a lot to learn from them, and they have also been interested in our solutions in museology. It wasn’t for nothing that ERM earned the Kenneth Hudson special award after the new building opened.
Currently ERM is expecting guests from Zürich and they will set up the exhibition „Silva” (observations of nature-sounds-environmental topics). It is going to be an exciting sensual and digital installation that will help address contemporary environmental issues also as a part of our permanent exhibition „Encounters”.
Head of exhibitions Kristjan Raba, opening event of the Finno-Ugric exhibition. Photo: ERM
Are you an active visitor of museums yourself? What has been the brightest memory outside the home museum? Professional interest has indeed driven me to various museums of the world. The most recent lucid experience was in the House of European History in Brussels, and also the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels in a historic Art Nouveau style building. A splendid impression have always been the V&A monumental exhibitions, be it fashion or technology, and where we have also held negotiations about a touring exhibition. An experience has also been the general British scope, the well-designed spacial encounters, the engagement of collections, the storytelling. And again I recall the sweet little Hans Christian Andersen Hus in Odense, Denmark, that has just recently launched a brand new museum area. Among its creators, the spirit of the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma with his perception of nature is clearly felt, just as in ERM here and there we recognize the vision of the Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane, coming alive.
The Estonian National Museum building has a pleasant atmosphere and the light interacts with the surrounding nature. Surely a good memory is from the Norwegian minute museums in Lofoten where the impression reminded me of the experience from the homeland’s Heimtal museum, or also the very nice Vikings exhibition currently open in the National Museum of Denmark, where also their restaurant offers wonderful coffee. A great museum is always a unity of impressions-experiences-understandings.
Main photo: Estonian National Museum’s Head of exhibitions, Kristjan Raba. Photo: ERM 2018
Source: NordenBadet.ee
