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Photo: Fragment of Linda Mai Kari’s installation “Warmest congratulations” (Südamlikud õnnesoovid), 2023.
The Faculty of Fine Arts is once again awarding scholarships to outstanding MA students. These include the “Study and Shine!” scholarships and – funded by the Estonian American Fund – the Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarships.
In December 2024, the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Estonian Academy of Arts opened applications for two scholarships, which will be awarded to a total of eight students.
The “Study and Shine!” scholarship, aimed at all MA students, is 1000 Euros, and the Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarship, aimed at MA students graduating this spring, is 910 Euros.
The goal of the “Study and Shine!” scholarship is to recognize and support the MA students for their artistic engagement and academic dedication. The scholarship was created in December 2023 at the proposal of Kirke Kangro, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. The Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarship aims to support the studies of MA graduates during the period of completing their MA thesis project. The scholarship is provided by the Estonian American Fund.
A total of 43 applications were submitted for the two scholarships. 8 scholarships were awarded: four to the Contemporary Art curriculum, two to Animation, and two to Scenography. According to the committee, the competition was this year very tight, with many strongly motivated and inspiring candidates.
The committee, composed of the heads of the MA programs of the Faculty of Fine Arts, announced the results on 29 January.
The 2024/2025 Faculty of Fine Arts “Study and Shine!” and Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarships were awarded to the following students:
- Scenography
“Study and Shine!” scholarship – Linda Mai Kari
Linda Mai’s creative pursuits have been diverse, in addition to her professional practice as an installation artist and scenographer, she has also successfully proven herself as a performance artist in recent years (numerous musical-performative acts in collaboration with Marto Mägi).
Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarship – Riin Maide
Riin Maide deserves recognition for her active collaboration with numerous young performing artists both in Estonia and abroad, as well as for individual work as visual artist (various installations with two-dimensional input).
- Animation
“Study and Shine!” scholarship – Vilmos Petér
Vilmos Péter’s dedication to animation is not only evident in his work but also in the thoughtful way he approaches his studies. As an animator, Vilmos’ visual language is sensitive, thoughtful and unique. His presence enriches the animation department and we appreciate his delicate yet consistent approach to animation.
Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarship – Léo Mourey
Léo Mourey is a dedicated animation filmmaker whose master film Metroo pushes the boundaries of 2D and 3D animation and pushes them further and further. His innovative approach to animation demonstrates his technical versatility and creative independence. Léo has a clear artistic vision supported by a strong conceptual framework.
- Contemporary Art
“Study and Shine!” scholarship – Lisette Lepik
Lisette Lepik is a dedicated young artist, who has successfully participated in solo and group exhibitions and who, in addition to her studies, also manages to engage herself in teaching at several schools (including EKA). Lisette is currently focusing her work on the creative research method, through which she reflects not only her personal story, but also the stories of other women, covering topics that are stigmatised in society. We very much appreciate Lisette’s personal and bold visual approach and desire to work with social issues and are confident that the scholarship will create new opportunities for material and spatial experimentation to complement her already complex practice.
“Study and Shine!” scholarship – Tonya Kroplya
The scholarship recognizes Tonya Kroplya’s dedication to academic and artistic growth. In just four months at EKA, she has demonstrated outstanding academic commitment while expanding her practice from photography and curatorial work to performance, glasswork, and video installation. Tonya’s engagement in two Master’s programs, along with participation in art labs and professional courses, demonstrates her drive to explore identity, gender, and socio-political themes. Actively entering Tallinn’s art scene through internships and volunteer work, she is committed to continue her research, artistic exploration, and cultural contributions.
Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarship – Vitor Pascale
We recognize Vitor Pascale’s dedication to exploring public spaces, play, and queerness through his artistic practice. His work blends personal memories and identity with mixed media like welded metal, ceramics, and printmaking. Actively involved in exhibitions, teaching, and the EKA community, Vitor has shown both capacity and commitment. This scholarship will help bring his MA thesis project to life—featuring playground-inspired metal structures and iron-cast manhole covers—pushing his exploration of public spaces and queer experiences even further.
Helju Rossmann-Schneider scholarship – Mia Felić
Mia Felić is explorative, exceptionally hard-working and persistent in her practice, and deserves recognition and support in the process of developing and finalizing the artistic component of her MA thesis project “What Goes Around”. In this project, Mia is exploring the points of interplay between cycling and analogue film, whether visual, aesthetic or political. The scholarship will support the completing and exhibiting the technically complex and financially demanding project that has been self-financed up to now.