The Estonian and English language database of Estonian artists includes a selection of Estonian artists with a strong presence in the local scene, additionally, in the future a list of curators and critics will be featured as well. The list is updated on a regular basis by a committee of experts.
Proposals related to the development of the database are awaited to the address post@cca.ee.
The aim of the database
The database of artists is a tool for international curators and a convenient portal for Estonian arts professionals, researchers, universities and schools, and art enthusiasts, who would like to know more about Estonian artists, curators and critics.
Being listed in the database increases artists’ visibility for (international) audiences and also benefits artists who do not have a website or are not represented by a gallery. The database serves to document an era and can be used as a historical document of contemporary art; the specially commissioned texts can be freely used by students, researchers, journalists, curators and gallerists. All biographies have been proofread and approved by artists. Rights to photos in the database belong to the artists or galleries, if not stated otherwise.
Principles of selection
To improve the database, feedback is given by a committee of experts including Triin Tulgiste, curator at Kumu; Liina Siib, artist and professor at Estonian Academy of Arts; Peeter Talvistu, chairman of Tartu Artists’ Association; Paul Kuimet, artist and representatives of the CCA. The selection of artists is based on a dynamic and adaptable approach, as there are always exceptions that do not fit predetermined criteria. Artists featured in the database have a strong presence in contemporary Estonian art scene. As the CCA is a non-profit organisation, the selection of artists is not determined by the art market. The CCA prioritises dissemination of information and advancing research, not artists’ representation within the commercial gallery system.
History
The CCA has been collecting information about Estonian artists since its founding in 1992. Over time this data has been stored in various media. In the 1990s artists’ short biographies, CVs, documentation of artworks and published articles were collected in large document folders, whereas now artists’ profiles are available to art enthusiasts from all over the world.