Hague

Cultural & education-related co-operation

Cultural relations between Estonia and the Netherlands are active and function mainly through direct contacts.

The embassy is a member of the EUNIC Netherlands network, whose members (embassies and cultural institutes) jointly implement projects introducing European culture. One of the so-called flagship projects of the network is European Literature Night, where Estonia has been represented by Rein Raud, Meelis Friedenthal and Maarja Kangro. One of the biggest projects of the network in 2024 is the so-called European Festival in Amsterdam, taking place before the European Parliament elections. In 2024 the position of the President of the EUNIC Netherlands network is fulfilled by the Estonian Embassy.

In 2023, the embassy joined the House of All Languages (Huis van Alle Talen) of the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA). In this regard, in April 2023, the President of Estonia opened the collection of Estonian books in OBA’s largest branch (Oosterdok). In addition to that events introducing Estonian culture are held in the library. The collection includes works in Estonian, Dutch and English, there are books for both adults and children. More than 30 Estonian works have been translated into Dutch (in recent years books by Rein Raud, Ilmar Taska and Jaan Kross translated by Frans van Nes). Updated information about Dutch translations can be found on the Estonian Literature Center’s website: Translations | Estonian Literature Centre (estlit.ee)

In the field of music, Arvo Pärt’s work continues to be loved in the Netherlands, and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is a frequent guest in music houses. In 2022, several Pärt festivals took place in Amsterdam and Delft.

Anna Hints’ “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” had its Dutch premiere at the IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) in November 2023, and was then circulated in the Dutch film distribution. Estonian movies have also been successfully presented at the Rotterdam IFFR (International Film Festival Rotterdam), where Marko Raad’s “8 Views of Lake Biwa” had its world premiere in January 2024, and Sulev Keedus’ “Somnambuul” and “Georgica” were also screened.

In 2022, Estonia was the focus country of Huntenkunst, the largest independent art fair in the Netherlands. Huntenkunst is an art event that has been taking place since 1993, with approximately 250 authors from about 30 countries (selected by an international committee). In 2022, Estonian artists (Jaan Elken, Ulvi Haagensen, Annika Haas, Andres Koort, Maxim Mjödov, Maarit Murka, Brenda Purtsak, Sven Saag and Katrin Valdre) were represented with paintings, graphics and photographs. In the field of art, it is also important to note that starting from 2021, we present the works of young artists at the embassy (e.g. Brenda Purtsak, Heleliis Hõim) in order to highlight artists of the younger generation of Estonia.

Education

In 2007 an Estonian School was registered in the Netherlands. There are about 40 children that participate in the lessons that takes place once a month. In addition, Estonian language classes take place for others who are interested in learning Estonian.

On an academic level, there is a close working relationship between the universities of Groningen in the Netherlands and Tartu in Estonia. Until 2013 it was possible to study Estonian at Groningen University, which was the only one in the Netherlands providing Estonian studies at academic level.