Yesterday, the Estonian Ministry of Culture handed over the Friend of Culture awards thanking companies and philanthropists for contributing to this field.
The title of Friend of Culture for this year went to Merko, the Jaan Tõnisson Postimees Foundation and Tiit Pruuli. The title of culture organizer of the year went to the force behind the Narva Opera Festival, Julia Savitskaja.
At the event held at Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, Estonian President Alar Karis thanked supporters and organizers and wished everyone a creative inspiration and clever solutions that he said he hoped would be free of rules and cliches and buoy the economy to disseminate bold ideas confidently into the world and convey its values and cultural spirit. “Culture views our concerns at the level of the eternal, rises higher than the present day and often consoles and gives answers. For that reason, having a rich cultural life and as broad access as possible to culture is like a bulletproof vest for our mind and spirit, keeping us cohesive and believing in tomorrow. It keeps us constantly on the threshold of a hopeful future.”
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga said that the Friend of Culture competition held for the 15th time this year was at once a mirror and a compass. “It is a mirror in the sense that it shows how Estonian culture is really living – from big festivals to community initiatives, from heritage to new forms. A compass encourages us to take the next step, so that good ideas have a longer lifespan than just press releases. Every supporter, every initiative creates something that extends farther than a single season or filled auditorium. When enterprising thinking and creativity become partners, it gives birth to traditions that don’t repeat themselves or remain stationary but instead develop and also lead to social progress.”
The achievement for which Merko was awarded the Friend of Culture title was its work to bring back Klassikatähed (Classical Stars) to the Estonian Television programme service after a five-year hiatus. Last year, we also supported the Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation, covering the costs of printing a book about the life of the world-famous architect with Estonian roots.
Head of Merko Eesti Jaan Mäe said the title was both a great honour and confirmation that we were on the right path. “We support a very carefully selected set of projects. First of all, we have to believe in them sincerely. Secondly, they have to foster broader value for society and be available for everyone. Thirdly, we partner with top players in their respective fields. Let’s be honest, one construction company – no matter how diligent and hard-working – has a fairly limited opportunity to make Estonia seem larger than life around the world, compared to what young virtuoso musicians can accomplish on world stages,” said Mäe, and closed by wishing even greater future success for the participants on the programme.
Other award winners besides Merko were the Jaan Tõnisson Postimees Foundation, which supported various non-profits, small companies and foundations, including providing a total of 1.2 million euros to Theatrum and the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art in 2025, and entrepreneur Tiit Pruuli, who has a very wide scope of longstanding sponsorship interests, ranging from literature to research, youth and communities, with a consistent focus on strengthening the Estonian cultural sphere.
In remarks honouring the culture organizer of the year, Julia Savitskaja, the culture minister said this year’s title emphasized the capability of culture to keep society cohesive, fostering trust, a common space and sense of solidarity at a time when it is especially important for Estonia.
“Julia Savitskaja is an energetic creator of culture who has initiated events that are important to the local community but have an impact extending across regional and municipal boundaries,” said Purga. She has brought troupes from across Europe to Estonia and opened the door to experiencing high-quality classical and contemporary opera. She has created a meeting space for different languages, generations and cultures to come together.”
Following a tradition, all of the award winners were given a work by artist Kärt Ojavee, “Undefined Useful Object”. The title of culture organizer of the year comes with a cash prize in the same amount as the year – 2025 euros this year.
