The grant recipients of the call for proposals ‘Support for Cultural Societies of Ethnic Minorities 2026’ have been announced. The aim of the grant is to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the languages and cultures of national minorities in Estonia.
Among the recipients are several exciting projects that will soon be brought to life. On Saturday, 11 April, RomFest 2026 will take place, featuring Roma dance, song, and music performers, as well as youth dance workshops open to visitors. Other Roma-related events are also planned, including the 20th anniversary concert ‘Romany Jag’ of the Roma dance and song ensemble Maljarka, and the stage production of travel legends ‘Along Long Roads and Paths…’ (‘Mööda pikki teid ja radu...’).
Among the larger events, the family-friendly ethnic festival ‘Ethnic Embroidery Unites’ (‘Rahvustikand ühendab’ or ‘the Vyshyvanka Day’) will be held on 24 May, focussing on showcasing Estonian and Ukrainian cultural heritage and strengthening ties between the two nations.
In the Lake Peipus region, families can attend Rääbu Day 2026 in June and the Rääbu Autumn Festival. The Estonian Old Believers’ Cultural and Development Association is also planning an exhibition titled ‘Heritage of the Peipus Region: Sacred Art and Handicrafts’.
Armenian art, traditional costumes, and musical instruments can be admired at a dedicated exhibition, and an Armenian cultural programme will also take place at the People’s Museum of Tallinn. Other events include Lithuanian Culture Day and the Estonian-Armenian Folklore Dance Bridge. In addition, numerous dance, folk culture, and youth festivals and events are planned.
This call for proposals supports activities that help sustain traditions related to the cultural heritage of national minorities, introduce minority cultures to the Estonian public, and enable the organisation of festivals, events, and other initiatives by cultural societies. Support is also provided for the publication of informational materials, the creation of cooperation networks between minority and Estonian cultural societies, and the involvement of young people in the activities of cultural societies.
The call for proposals was open from 22 December 2025 to 2 February 2026. The total budget of the call was €81,000, with a maximum grant amount of €6,000 per application.
Non-profit organisations registered in Estonia whose statutory activities are related to the preservation and development of minority cultures were eligible to apply. The call for proposals is funded by the Ministry of Culture.
The objective of the call is to support the continuous activities of minority cultural societies and to increase the visibility of minority cultures in Estonian society.
The results of the call and the list of grant recipients can be viewed here:
https://www.integratsioon.ee/taotlusvoor-rahvusvahemuste-kultuuriseltside-toetus-2026