Presenting the award, Urmas Reinsalu highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in these difficult times, as Ukraine is fighting for the security of the whole Europe and the values we cherish. “We must offer every support and recognition to creatives who preserve the cultural links of Estonia and Ukraine and support Ukraine through their work. Svjata Vatra has undoubtedly done this remarkably well,” Reinsalu said.
The Foreign Ministry’s Cultural Adviser Dimitri Mironov said Svjata Vatra’s commitment is remarkable on several levels. “With their work, Svjata Vatra has helped to boost Estonia’s good reputation and support Ukraine,” Mironov said. “Svjata Vatra is known in Estonia, Ukraine and beyond. Their work is characterised by a skilful combination of folk music and today’s world. Their sold out concerts show they have found their audience,” he added.
Svjata Vatra’s whole line-up attended the presentation ceremony, including Ruslan and Terje Trochynskyi with their family. “I am sincerely grateful for this formal recognition. I believe that this award is a recognition of our 17-year contribution to representing Estonian and Ukrainian culture in Estonia, Ukraine and twenty more countries,” Ruslan Trochynskyi said. “Throughout this year, during various events organised in support of Ukraine, we have clearly felt that bringing people together through music is the essence of our band. It is a kind of cultural diplomacy that we are proud and happy to exercise.”
The first Cultural Award of the Foreign Ministry was presented in 2010 and this year, artists are recognised for the thirteenth time. Previous winners include the group Trad.Attack!, street artist Edward von Lõngus, Arvo Pärt, Imbi Paju, Ewert and The Two Dragons, Kalle Kasemaa, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Anne Erm, Kristiina Ehin and the creators of the film Tangerines, and the Louis Kahn Foundation.
Minister Urmas Reinsalu also recognised the people who were awarded letters of appreciation for their work in citizen diplomacy. The letters were issued also for the thirteenth time. The letter is presented to individuals or non-governmental organisations who have made long and notable efforts to preserve Estonian language, culture and spirit, or promoted Estonia’s business environment, digital society and business culture on a voluntary basis, thus contributing to raising Estonia’s profile in their country of residence.
Recipients residing in Estonia
1. NGO Mondo – for their great contribution to helping Ukraine
2. NGO Slava Ukraini – for their great contribution to helping Ukraine
3. NGO Estonian Refugee Council – for their great contribution to helping Ukraine
4. Ragnar Sass – for his great contribution to helping Ukraine
5. Tiina Ilsen – for her long-standing contribution to developing the Eastern Partnership policy at the Estonian Centre of Eastern Partnership
6. Kärt Ulman – for her dedicated work in publishing, editing and developing the Vaba Eesti Sõna newspaper in the United States
7. Silver Tambur – for the consistent and sensitive management of the English-language publication Estonian World, bringing together Estonians and friends of Estonia in Estonia and beyond
Photos of the event are available on the Ministry’s Flickr account.
