17.11.2022 | Culture

Culture at opposite ends of the city

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Andrei Chertkov, Viimsi Artium

Inside the beautiful green lobby of Viimsi Artium.

August 2022, saw the opening of the brand new Viimsi Artium cultural centre. Breaking with protocol, not only was the President of Estonia Alar Karis in attendance, but also Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and Head of the Parliament Jüri Ratas – showing the importance of the 16 million euros centre, not just locally, but also nationally and beyond.

For Inga Koppel, Head of International Relations and Projects at Viimsi Artium, “the building itself is very much in harmony with nature”. This is something that hits you as you enter the building’s main lobby which blends into the nature reserve behind, and transcends into the use of materials and large windows.

The concert hall can hold over 450 people.

It is not just the beauty of the building that has earned it a nomination in this year’s Estonian architecture awards, but it is how transformable the three performance spaces are, being described by Viimsi Artium CEO Kristiina Reidolv as, “like a swiss army knife”.

However, it is what the building offers that will attract visitors. From art exhibitions and concerts, to dance performances and multidisciplinary shows, the offering is unique for Estonia. In the coming weeks, the highlight of the programme is Nicole Beutler’s 8: METAMORPHOSIS, which will be performed on November 25 and 26.

The building also contains an art school, music school and science school. “This is the mission, to bring together young people to learn arts and be able to appreciate them,” Koppel adds.

You can learn more about Viimsi Artium, and see the full programme of events and exhibitions on their website.

Karin Laansoo is the Artistic Director at Kai Keskus

An art gallery in a submarine factory

At the other end of Tallinn bay, you will find Kai Keskus in Noblessnor. For Karin Lansoo, the Artistic Director, the building which was originally built as a submarine factory is an incredible space for art, and one that inspires artists.

“The building is a gift. The beams are so contemporary, you don’t see a space like this anymore. Every single artist that has done an exhibition here has been floored by the space,“ explains Laansoo.

Merike Estna’s exhibition is open until the end of November.

Currently, in the exhibition space, you will find the solo exhibition “Soil will not contain our love “ by acclaimed Estonian artist Merike Estna. The exhibition is a kind of mini-retrospective of the artist’s work, showcasing her multi-layered style and progression over the last 20 years. There are also works commissioned especially for the exhibition. Her 6m tall work ‘Ocean of Endangered Times’ is a highlight of the exhibition and draws your eye immediately, fitting perfectly into the space. The exhibition will be on display until November 27.

Earlier this year saw a collaboration with Sõprus cinema bring a 70-seater cinema to Kai Keskus. Where a rich and diverse selection of movies and documentaries are on offer 7 days a week.

Kai also offers a bookstore and a number of rental opportunites. Not only can you rent the exhibition space and cinema for events, you can also rent out meeting rooms and office space (the latter of which is currently full) – showcasing the different ways in which the space can be used.

You can learn more about Kai Keskus and their programme of exhibitions and films on their website.