What is your ministry?
The Estonian Christian Artists Network ARTEST + was founded in September 2016 under the umbrella of the Estonian Alliance. It aims to bring together Estonian Christian artists from different artistic fields - visual arts, music, drama, literature, and dance. We have a small but very inspired leadership team. Christian artists have a broad mission in today’s world, but usually, artists cannot organise themselves. My role as a leader is building bridges, creating contacts, and inspiring artists to be more responsible and open in society. Each year, we organise an annual conference for about 120 Estonian people, most of them Christian artists from different fields of art. We also manage two annual exhibitions by Christian artists, and they travel around to other churches all over Estonia. Each year, the exhibitions bring about 2,000 visitors. We also organise summer camps for visual artists. Many from neighboring countries participate. I host a radio show on the Estonian Christian radio station, where I introduce creative people to the listeners of the broadcast and where we speak on different topics connected to the Creator and creativity in general. The network brings people together and organises events for its members.
When did you trust Christ?
I made my decision to follow Jesus on January 4, 2012. Before that date, my father had passed away, and I had come through a difficult divorce process that left me alone with two children. During a moment of despair realized that I needed Jesus in my life. It was a very clear understanding, and it changed my life. I was baptized on July 1, 2012.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
My church and my home group have influenced my Christian walk. I am fortunate to belong to a home group with two pastors and other very inspirational people. The second important aspect in my Christian walk has been a chance to work with Christian artists. Organizing exhibitions in Salem church and arranging meetings between Estonian and Latvian artists have also been life-changing experiences.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Participating in the Forum allows me to meet other Christian artists, make new contacts, and better understand what Christian artists in other countries are doing. I want to start new international art projects, events, or initiatives with new partners. I also benefit from the Bible teaching each day of the Forum.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I have led various projects for most of my life - art exhibitions, art festivals, and cultural conferences and events. I have also coordinated international projects financed by EU programs like Creative Europe or Erasmus. For more than ten years, I ran an art gallery and art shop. Today, the art gallery is no longer in business, and I offer my services as a lecturer, consultant, and business coach. For more than five years, I worked as a Development Manager and business coach in a business incubator in Tartu, helping young creative people to start their enterprises. During this exciting period, I worked with more than 40 companies and coached them in their development processes.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
In Estonia, artists have a tremendous influence on society. When Christian artists are equipped and encouraged to use their gifts more effectively in society, they will transform our culture.
