Presenting the award, Liimets highlighted the recipient’s extensive activities promoting the work and impact of Kahn. “The Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation has made it its mission to present the legacy of the architect who was born in Estonia in early last century and went on to achieve world renown. Despite difficult circumstances, the 120th anniversary of Kahn’s birth was celebrated with many cultural events from Kuressaare to New York. We must offer every support and recognition to our cultural ambassadors who have contributed to raising Estonia’s profile with their actions and the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation has done this remarkably well,” Foreign Minister Liimets said.
Rea Rannu-Ideon, Cultural Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the dedication of the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation was significant on many levels. “The foundation is presenting Estonia’s cultural heritage through Louis Kahn. The fact that the work of Kahn inspires our creatives to write and perform new works is at least equally important. Additionally, many events presenting Louis Kahn were held in a hybrid format, which means they reached culture and architecture lovers across the world,” Rannu-Ideon said.
The award was received by Toivo Tammik and Ott Rätsep from the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation. “Estonia has once again extended its impact and it continues to grow thanks to new opportunities brought by the 120th anniversary of Louis Kahn’s birth and work by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the people of Saaremaa. This means the extensive academic cooperation with US and European universities and various fields of art that all provide input for the international Kahn centre planned to open in Saaremaa. It is an honour to receive this recognition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Iceland Square, where characteristics typical of Kahn – island and Nordic sensibility – have a special significance,” Ott Rätsep said.
Louis I. Kahn (1901-1974) is considered one of the greatest architects of the 20th century with a direct link to Estonia. Kahn spent his childhood in Kuressaare on the island of Saaremaa and spent time there as a young architect. The Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation established in 2011 researchers the architect’s links with Estonia and popularises his work in various disciplines.
The first Cultural Award of the Foreign Ministry was presented in 2010 and this year, artists are recognised for the 12th 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.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157720291496715
Credit: Marko Mumm
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