Karaoke and Art in Tartu
Text Timo Raussi Photo Sakari Neuvonen
Opened in early February in the former Tampere House premises in Tartu, the Ainola Centre—connecting Estonian and Finnish cultural and civic networks—continues to expand its activities. This coming Saturday, 28 March from 18:00 to 22:00, the centre’s Aino basement club will host a cheerful and highly informal karaoke “match” between the two countries.
According to the organisers, singers are welcome to perform in both Finnish and Estonian, whether strictly following the notes or not. The first ten participants singing in Finnish will receive a surprise prize, and a temporary bar will also be open on site. However, the centre’s chairman, Sakari Neuvonen, emphasises that the club is only occasionally open, serving mainly as a venue for various cultural events.
The following week, on Thursday 2 April, the centre will open a joint exhibition titled “Finno-Ugric Landscape” by Finnish–Estonian artist duo Satu Kalliokoski and Ahti Meier. The works combine embroidery using natural plant-based dyes and pigments with traditional oil paintings.
Kalliokoski, whose work is influenced by Eastern Finland, Lapland, and Estonian culture, explores folklore and the relationship between humans and nature. Meier’s works draw inspiration from the landscapes of his former home city of Tartu, and the surrounding countryside.
The exhibition is open free of charge until 17 May at the Ainola Centre gallery, daily from 09:00 to 15:00, at Jaani 4, Tartu.
The Ainola Centre also continues to offer accommodation, which is one of the main pillars supporting its cultural activities. The romantic wooden house has 24 beds, including three double rooms, three family rooms with kitchens, and one two-level room for six people. All rooms have private bathrooms, and the house also features a sauna available for rent.
To learn more about this and similar topicsAccommodation Ainola Centre Art Exhibition events karaoke Sauna Tartu
