From April 8 to April 10, the Estonian Annual Conference of the Humanities took place in Tartu, organized by the University of Tartu, the Estonian National Museum, and the Estonian Literary Museum. A total of 31 lecturers, researchers, doctoral students, and master’s students from the Estonian Academy of Arts participated in the conference, along with additional attendees. EKA was represented by participants from all of its faculties, contributing in various roles—as presenters, panel discussants, poster presenters, and panel organizers. The range of topics was broad, with particular emphasis on artistic research, spatial practices, and issues related to the environment and crises, as well as challenges connected to studying the Soviet period and socialist colonialism.
The keynote lectures were delivered by archaeologist Ester Oras (University of Tartu), literary scholar Kristi Viiding (Under and Tuglas Literature Centre), and literary scholar Jaak Tomberg (University of Tartu). They can be viewed here: https://ehak2026.ee/ee/ehak/keynotes/
This large-scale conference, held for the second time this year, aims to provide a forum for Estonian humanities scholars for joint discussion and self-reflection, to stimulate debate, and to foster collaboration. The initiative is supported by several universities and research institutions, including the Estonian Academy of Arts. One of the initiators, Professor Krista Kodres, is also a member of the conference council.
The Estonian Academy of Arts will be one of the organizers of the next Annual Conference of the Humanities, to be held in 2028, together with the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, the Institute of the Estonian Language, and the Under and Tuglas Literature Centre.
