History

The first foundation for supporting Estonian classical art  – “The Fund for the Support of Estonian Art” – was established at the end of 2003. The Foundation was set up alongside with the cooperation of” The Estonian Art Museum with the aim of supporting the restoration of the Estonian classical art collection at the Museum.

In 2006, the Foundation broadened its activities, allowing all Estonian museums to apply on a competitive basis for grants for the restoration of Estonian classical art.

When possible, the Foundation arranges competitions 1-2 times per year.

Since the Foundation was established some seven years ago, it has supported the restoration of works by many famous Estonian artists, to include those of Johannes Greenberg, Nikolai Triik, Ants Laikmaa, Eduard Ole, Eduard Wiiralt, Eduard Kutsar, Ülo Õun, Albert Suumann and Ilmar Malin.

To be able to fulfill its purpose, the Foundation raises funds by arranging charity events and other projects. One example of this is an auction that took place in cooperation with Vaal Gallery. The Foundation also enjoyed the support of Swedbank in the “Miljonisadu” project that raised funds to restore Nikolai Triik’s famous painting “Lennuk”.

Working together with the Foundation in 2007,  SEB Bank issued six bank cards with motifs of art works by Eduard Wiiralt.

Another successful project has been the annual publication of a series of calendars with reproductions of paintings by Günther Reindorff, Konrad Mäe, Eduard Wiiralt and others.

DDB Estonia and Uniprint are valued partners of the Foundation. With the help of these good partners, the Fund has developed its organizational style guide and been able to publish printed materials.

The Fund is managed by a Board with 10 members, led by Chairperson Kalle Kiigske.