Anna Elam, Peter Elam Håkansson and LaSpa Group receive the Culture Friend of the Year award

The Arvo Pärt Centre and its Endowment sincerely thank and congratulate long-term supporters Anna Elam, Peter Elam Håkansson and LaSpa Group, who have been honoured by the Minister of Culture with the Culture Friend of the Year award, which they received at a gratitude ceremony held last evening. The Centre also congratulates long-time collaborator and legal adviser Peeter Kutman who was awarded the title of Culture Friend.

In 2024, Anna Elam and Peter Elam Håkansson made a significant contribution to the Arvo Pärt Centre’s Endowment’s first benefit event. Through LaSpa Group OÜ, the pair have been long-term supporters of the Arvo Pärt Centre and provided invaluable assistance with hosting artists and guests.

Peeter Kutman, a partner at the law firm Cobalt, has been a dedicated supporter and advocate of the Arvo Pärt Centre for many years. Having played a central role in the expansion of its supporter network among both private individuals and businesses, in 2024, he provided crucial support for the development of the Centre’s new permanent exhibition.

“I’m very pleased to see that year by year, more and more people who work in other fields are showing their care for culture. It’s also heartwarming to know that there are friends of Estonian culture beyond its borders. Thank you, Anna Elam, Peter Elam Håkansson, and Peeter Kutman, for being friends of culture”, said Michael Pärt, Chairman of the Council of the Arvo Pärt Centre and Managing Director of the Endowment.

Minister of Culture Heidy Purga presented the 2024 Cultural Friend of the Year awards on 16 February. The awards recognise companies and patrons who have supported the cultural sector either financially or through their other activities. Receiving the Cultural Friend of the Year award for 2024 were A. Le Coq, Mait Rõõmusaar, and Anna Elam, Peter Elam Håkansson and LaSpa Group. The Cultural Organiser of the Year award was given to Mari-Liis Rebane and Timo Toots, the leaders of the technological art farm Maajaam.

This year, 46 nominations were submitted for the awards. The Culture Friend selection committee was chaired by Secretary-General Kristiina Alliksaar and included 2023 Cultural Organiser Roman Demtšenko, Liina Maria Lepik from the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, entrepreneur Siiri Tamm, and Mait Palts, Director General of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Culture.

The Ministry of Culture has been recognising organisations and individuals contributing to the cultural sector since 2011.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly named Cultural Friends!