Starting from today, 20 November, the exhibition ‘Inclusion or Isolation? Multi-ethnic Estonia’, dedicated to the Year of Cultural Diversity by the Estonian History Museum and the Integration Foundation, is open to the staff and visitors of the Riigikogu.
When opening the exhibition, Lauri Hussar, the President of the Riigikogu, stated that exhibitions help look into the future. "Different people and rich cultures have been characteristic of Estonia throughout the ages. They are our true common wealth - different knowledge, skills, experiences and customs that we apply together for the good of Estonia,” said Lauri Hussar.
The exhibition is on display in the Riigikogu as part of the events of the Year of Cultural Diversity. The thematic year announced by the Ministry of Culture and led by the Integration Foundation carries an important message – the culture of all nationalities living here is the culture of Estonia.
According to Dmitri Moskovtsev, Director of the Integration Foundation, the exhibition is relevant for all of us. ‘The central theme is multi-ethnic Estonia, or the diversity of our communities and nationalities. This year is dedicated to the aforementioned value. Estonia has a history of appreciating it, setting an example to the rest of Europe as early as last century,’ stated Dmitri Moskovtsev.
The exhibition looks back on 1925 when the Riigikogu of the time put discussions over the governance of a multi-ethnic state into practice and was the only one in Europe to adopt a law on cultural autonomy.
According to Jaanus Rohumaa, the Head of the History Museum, this project is an example of a wonderful cooperation between cultural institutions. ‘The message of this exhibition reaches the right people by being on display in the Riigikogu. They are responsible for the future development of Estonia, including in the areas related to supporting and fostering cultural diversity,’ said Jaanus Rohumaa.
The exhibition is based on the namesake exhibition of the Estonian History Museum that covers the previous century even more thoroughly and is open in Maarjamäe Palace until March of next year.
The exhibition opened in the Riigikogu is available there until January of next year. After this, we plan to provide opportunities to visit this exhibition across Estonia.
Overview of history:
The great powers of Europe brought the impotence of multinational empires in organising the lives of minorities and the resulting political instability from the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. In search of solutions, they started theoretical discussions about giving nations rights and freedoms, specifically through cultural activities. World War I made its corrections and shattered large empires into smaller nation states where other nationalities co-existed with the dominant ethnic groups. The Republic of Estonia was one these and the only one to turn theory into practice by choosing the path of modern democracy. In 1925, Estonia adopted the Cultural Autonomy Law, giving minorities the right to organise their own cultural spaces and provide education in their native languages. The long-debated law was the ‘trademark of Estonia’ of its time. It came with its drawbacks but also promoted a diverse cultural life and increased trust in the state.
Pictures of the event can be found here.
Exhibition team:
Curators: Timo Aava (University of Yale), Krista Sarv (Estonian History Museum)
Overview of the cultural diversity: Professor Ene-Margit Tiit and the team of the Cultural Diversity Year
Graphic design: Kristina Tort (Estonian History Museum)
Project manager: Marje Jürgenson (Estonian History Museum)
Technical project manager: Silver Simmer (Estonian History Museum)
Editor: Hille Saluäär
Printing: Digitrükk OÜ
