Kristjan Raud Art Award

The annual Kristjan Raud Art Award, as the oldest art prize in Estonia, has been awarded jointly by the Estonian Artists' Association and the Tallinn City Government since 1973. The Kristjan Raud Art Award is presented to artists, art historians or creative collectives for a work, art project or event that was made, exhibited or presented for the first time during the previous year. In exceptional cases, the award can also be awarded for artworks made in the past or for a life-long dedicated practice.

Kristjan Raud is an artist whose work forms one of those sources of Estonian culture the influence of which has continued to be felt through various generations and changes of power, while transcending different tastes and paradigms. Kristjan Raud’s archetypal role as a hero of nationalist culture in art has grown over the years – so the nature and significance of this award, named after him, is inevitably interwoven with the artist’s own life and creative legacy. This speaks to us of hard work, fortitude and heroic strength as he has depicted these characteristics of Kalevipoeg in his own unique style.

Recipients of the Kristjan Raud Art Award 1973–2024

2025

Leida Ilo ‒ for her exhibition "Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground" at Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design.

Urmas Lüüs ‒ for outstanding creative activity in 2024.

Raul Meel – for his long-term and outstanding creative activity.

Jevgeni Zolotko ‒ for his solo exhibition "The Secret of Adam" at KUMU Art Museum.


2024

Linda Kaljundi ‒ for her extensive research and curatorial work on cultural memory.

Aet Ollisaar ‒ for outstanding creative activity in 2023.

Mari Roosvalt – for the many years of outstanding creative work as an artist and teacher.

Andreas Trossek ‒ for his long-term and effective management of Kunst.ee magazine.

2023

Sirja-Liisa Eelma ‒ for the solo exhibitions "Black Mirror" at Draakon Gallery and "The Skin of Reflections" at Tartu Art House and for the exhibitions "Repeating Patterns" and "Clolour as an Idea".

Juhan Maiste ‒ for the collection "The Manors and Castles of Estonia. The Seven Centuries of Nobility".

Tiina Sarapu ‒ for the solo exhibition "Black Mirrior" at Draakon Gallery and for her creative work in 2022.

Marje Üksine ‒ for the solo exhibitions "A Glimpse of the Past into the Future" at Toompea castle, "Kinbutab" at Rüki Gallery and "From Here and There" at Luunja Municipal Hall gallery and for her creative work in 2022.

2022

Mai Levin ‒ for comprehensive and versatile research into the legacy of Kristjan Raud.

Terje Ojaver ‒ for the consistent and powerful expression of feminine strength in her creations.

Lembit Sarapuu ‒ for his indomitable independence as a painter and thinker.

Ludmilla Siim ‒ for her long and outstanding career as an artist and professor.

2021

Elo Liiv ‒ for creative activity in 2020 and for developing the discipline of light art.

Jaan Pärn ‒ for creative activity in 2020 and for the long-term development of the field of jewelry art.

Tiit Pääsuke ‒ for the exhibitions "Nostalgialess" at Tartu Art Museum and „Härjad rukkis ja muud“ at Rüki Gallery.

Rein Raamat ‒ for intitiating the success story of the Estonian cartoon scene with studio Tallinnfilm in 1971 and for making portrait films of artists since the 1990s.

2020

Anu Hint ‒ for curating the series of exhibitions "Being an Estonian ..." promoting Estonian contemporary fashion.

Juta Keevallik ‒ for composing and editing the 4th volume of the History of Estonian Art.

Jaan Toomik – for an active international exhibition practice.

Anne Türn ‒ For advancing the field of Estonian ceramics and mastery of author's technique.

2019

Karin Paulus ‒ for dedicated research and the presentation of the history of Estonian design and architecture.

Uno Roosvalt ‒ for his solo exhibition Hedge (Hekk) at Draakon Gallery and From close and far (Lähedalt ja kaugelt) at Kuresaare Raegalerii.

Heie Marie Treier and Arne Maasik – for their thorough and dedicated research into the architecture of Louis Kahn and identifying connections with medieval fortress architecture in Saaremaa.

Anu Rank-Soans ‒ for decades of dedicated work as an artist and designer.

2018

Art Allmägi – for his excellent solo exhibitions Paint it Black I at Draakon Gallery and Paint it Black II at the Tartu Art Museum.

Leonhard Lapin – for years of outstanding work as an artist, architect and lecturer/teacher and for his large-scale survey exhibition Void and space (Tühjus ja ruum) at Kumu Art Museum.

August Künnapu – for his brilliant and unique paintings.

Mall Paris – for her dedication to the creation of a sensitive and convincing aesthetic language in painting, and her solo exhibition Elevator (Lift) at Draakon Gallery and Blue edge (Sinine äär) at the Riigikogu Exhibition Hall.

2017

Harry Liivrand – for his excellent work as a curator presenting contemporary Estonian art in Germany 2011–2016.

Mare Mikoff – for her excellent large-scale solo exhibition at the Tartu Art Museum.

Kadri Mälk – for her solo exhibition Testament at Niguliste Museum, the accompanying book tracing her creative career and pioneering work as a jeweller and teacher.

Tiiu Pallo-Vaik – for her excellent solo exhibition Touch (Puudutus) at Vabaduse Gallery and Still-life (VaikElu) at Vaal Gallery.

2016

Nils Hint – for his witty combination of recycled legacies of the Soviet era with blacksmithing and jewellery in his solo exhibition Heating (Küte) at HOP Gallery.

Jaak Kangilaski – for years of dedicated commitment to expounding Estonian art and art history.

Peeter Kuutma – for his solo exhibition Classics. Peeter Kuutma (Klassikud. Peeter Kuutma) at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design, and the accompanying catalogue.

Jaanus Samma – for his convincingly evocative solo exhibition NSFW. A Chairman’s Tale (NSFW. Esimehe lugu) at the 56th Venice Biennale.

2015

Leo Rohlin – for years of invaluable commitment to the development of Estonian ceramics.

Silja Saarepuu and Villu Plink – for their warm-hearted ironic video works.

Vello Vinn – for continuing to uphold the spirit of Pop Art in Estonian printmaking.

Aili Vint and Toomas Vint – for their brilliant and unique work.

2014

Tiina Abel – for curating the exhibition The progress of Images. Interpreting Estonian art and photography of the 19th century (Pildiplahvatus. Kunst ja fotograafia Eesti 19. sajandi visuaalkultuuris), which addressed connections between Estonian art and photography and the changes to the world of images that came about with the birth of photography, at Kumu Art Museum and her excellent curating work at the Art Museum of Estonia.

Jass Kaselaan – for his solo exhibitions Objects in the field (Objektid väljal) at Draakon Gallery and The voice of God (Jumala hääl) at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery.

Laurentsius – for his solo exhibition Two Ledas and … (Kaks Ledat ja …) at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery and the exhibition Homage to the Classics (Hommage klassikale) that he curated at Vaal Gallery.

Marit Ilison – for her outstanding and successful creative practice during 2013 and her solo exhibition „Teine“ at HOP Gallery.

2013

Juta Kivimäe – for researching and publicizing Estonian sculpture, her years of work as head of the Art Museum of Estonia sculpture collection and gallerist at Vabaduse Gallery 2007–2013.

Rait Prääts – For the successful synthesis of glass, drawing and sculpture in the exhibition dedicated to his 60th birthday Getting faster and faster (Läheb järjest kiiremaks) at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design 24 March – 28 May 2012.

Tõnis Saadoja – For his mural painting in an appropriated realist style for NO99 Theatre, where a quasi-shift occurs between the foyer, with its accentuated classicist details, and the meta-language of the painted image.

Evi Tihemetsa – for her powerful series of seven solo exhibitions during the year of her 80th birthday, which culminated in an exhibition at St Jaakob’s Church in Viimsi in December 2012.

2012

Loit Jõekalda – for his active and excellent work as a curator presenting Estonian printmaking in Estonia and abroad, and the solo exhibition Stone Age printmaking (Kiviaja graafika) at the Estonian National Museum.

Elo Järv – for her unique leather sculptures in the retrospective exhibition Classics. Leather artist Elo Järv (Klassikud. Nahakunstnik Elo Järv) at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design.

Andrus Kasemaa – for his birthday exhibition Drawings (Joonistused) at the Tartu Art House, where the well-known painter and sculptor showed a series of his colourful pastel drawings.

Ivar Sakk – for compiling and designing the book AA to ZZ. The Concise History of Typography (AA kuni ZZ. Tüpograafia ülevaatlik ajalugu) and for his research laboratory-style exhibition Laboratori di Carattere at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design.

2011

Siim-Tanel Annus – for his series of paintings produced using his own unique technique in his solo exhibition Money and Poetry (Raha ja poeesia) at the Tallinn Art Hall, which looked at the significance of paper money iconography.

Karin Hallas-Murula – for founding and heading the Estonia Museum of Architecture and her research and publishing work of international standard and the exhibition programme from 1991– 2010.

Enno Hallek – for his exhibition of installational paintings Fractal Marriage with a Whadow (Fraktaalne abielu varjuga) at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery, where the well-known Estonian-Swedish artist presented his Lego-pop, which has brought him much acclaim.

Mare Saare – for her outstanding pâte de verre glass installation The End of the World Won’t Wome (Maailmalõppu ei tule) in the group exhibition Moment of Balance (Tasakaaluhetk) at the Tartu Art Museum and her international scope in exhibiting, consulting and teaching.

2010

Tiiu Kirsipuu – for her technically innovative figurative sculpture in her exhibition Role Play (Rollimäng) at Vabaduse Gallery and her large-scale sculptural work that enriches the public space of the city of Tartu.

Benjamin Vasserman – for his solo exhibition of digital printmaking Diagnosed Return (Diagnoositud tagasitulek) at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery, which demonstrated his masterful skill and technical precision.

Tanel Veenre – for his delicate and sensitive approach to great themes in his solo exhibition Jewel (Ehe) at the Rye Mill in the Rotermann Quarter.

Valeri Vinogradov – for his exhibition of paintings American Beauty at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery where his genuine appreciation for American cultural icons, clichés and stereotypes of middle-class life were presented with a warm sense of humour.

2009

Virge Jõekalda – for exhibiting internationally and her etching series’ My Garden (Minu aed) and Garden of Paradise (Paradiisiaed)

Ülle Kruus and Kersti Koll – for their work at the Adamson-Eric Museum and the interesting, integrated and thorough exhibition programme, which is accompanied by publications and a successful public education programme.

Lilian Linnaks – for her solo exhibition Classics. Lilian Linnaks (Klassikud. Lilian Linnaks) at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design.

Lemming Nagel – for his eccentric assemblages exhibited at Tam Gallery.

2008

Sirje Helme – for successfully launching and managing the Kumu Art Museum

Ilmar Kruusamäe – for his portrait series Ilmar’s People (Ilmari inimesed) exhibited at the Tartu Art Museum

Anu Põder – for her solo exhibition Super at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery and participation in the exhibition Sculpture Speaks: Power and Freedom (Skulptuur räägib: võim ja vabadus)

Nora Raba – for her solo exhibition Power in Colours (Värvides on väge) at the Tallinn Art Hall Gallery

2007

Jüri Ojaver, Tiina Sarapu, Mark Soosaar, Marika Valk

2006

Aili Vahtrapuu, Kai Kaljo, Jaan Elken, Harry Liivrand

2005

Peeter Allik, Inge Teder, Olga Terri, Mare Joonsalu, Reet Mark, Tiiu Talvistu

2004

Helge Pihelga, Naima Neidre, Peeter Laurits, Heie Treier

2003

Ants Hein, Silvi Liiva, Liina Siib, Bruno Tomberg

2002
Helene Kuma, Malle Leis, Priit Pärn, Urmo Raus

2001

Kaalu Kirme, Sirje Runge, Ene-Liis Semper, Mare Vint

2000

Elna Kaasik, Ly Lestberg, Marko Mäetamm, Andres Tolts

1999

Eve Kask, Mai Levin, Ivo Lill, Katrin Pere, Peeter Pere

1998

Urve Küttner, Eve Kiiler, Peeter Linnap, Tõnis Vint, Kaido Ole

1997

Urmas Viik, Jüri Kaarma, Jaan Klõšeiko, Maile Grünberg

1996

Mari Adamson, Kaarel Kurismaa, George Steinmann, Juhan Maiste

1995

Anu Raud, Jaan Toomik, Mart Kalm, Ado Lill

1994

Kadri Mälk, Eha Komissarov, Tea Tammelaan, Mari Kurismaa

1993

Ilmar Malin, Kai Koppel, Mati Karmin, Maria-Kristiina Ulas

1992

Evi Tihemets, Jüri Kask, Ahti Seppet, Aino Kartna

1991

Alo Hoidre, Mai Lumiste ja Rasmus Kangropool (uurimuse "Niguliste kirik" kaasautoritena), Anu Paal, Ekke Väli

1990

Jüri Arrak, Jaak Arro, Andres Tali, Jüri Hain

1989

Peeter Mudist, Leonhard Lapin, Raul Meel, Mai Järmut

1988

Lembit Sarapuu, Lea Valter, Enn Johannes, Jüri Palm

1987

Avo Keerend, Olav Maran, Rein Mets, Kaalu Kirme

1986

Inge Teder, Enn Põldroos, Jaak Soans, Herald Eelma

1985

Kaljo Põllu, Olev Soans, Voldemar Erm, Hille Palm

1984

Elo-Reet Järv, Boris Bernstein, Alo Hoidre, Mare Mikof

1983

Aime Kuulbusch-Mölder, Villem Raam (monograafia "Evald Okas"), Enn Põldroos, Peeter Ulas

1982

Efraim Allsalu, Leili Kuldkepp, Marju Mutsu, Lehti Viiroja

1981

Leesi Erm, Tiit Pääsuke, Herald Eelma, Ellen Kolk

1980

Aleksander Kaasik, Rein Luup, Evi Pihlak, Ado Eigi

1979

Leo Rohlin, Anu Raud, Evald Okas, Ülo Õun

1978

Mari Rääk, Olev Subbi, Vive Tolli, (Mart-Ivo Eller, Kaalu Kirme, Ene Lamp, Rein Loodus, Evi Pihlak, Leo Gens, Voldemar Vaga, Helmi Üprus, Voldemar Erm, Tuui Koort, Virve Hinnov, Vaike Tiik, Lehti Viiroja, Tiina Nurk, Irina Solomõkova, Viivi Viilmann, Juta Keevallik, Villem Raam, Mai Lumiste, Karl Tihase, Hannes Valter)

1977

Luule Kormašova, Jüri Palm, Concordia Klar, Voldemar Vaga

1976

Richard Kaljo, Lepo Mikko, Elgi Reemets, Matti Varik, Allan Murdmaa

1975

Ede Kurrel, Georgi Markelov, Kaljo Põllu, Tiit Pääsuke

1974

Nikolai Kormašov, Jaak Soans, Udo Ivask, Mall Tomberg, Edgar Viies

1973

Ilmar Kimm, Enn Põldroos, Riho Kuld, Salme Raunam