Äksi [pre]opinion Festival 2024
Äksi [pre]opinion Festival
Three stages for discussions. ART = INVIROMENT?!
On July 20th, the [pre]opinionfestival will once again take place by Lake Saadjärv in Äksi. This year’s festival discussions will revolve around themes of nature and art, environment and culture.
ART = ENVIRONMENT?!
The Äksi [pre]opinionfestival will be held for the second time on July 20th, both in front of and inside the Ice Age Centre.
Discussions will cover topics ranging from recycling in the tourism sector and environmentally sustainable event management to how nature has inspired people to create.
“I am pleased that we received quite substantial ideas from our topic gathering,” said [Eel]arvamusfestival head Kadri Valner. “Our idea of discussing the coexistence and conflicts between humans and the environment resonated with tourism promoters, libraries, and nature enthusiasts alike.”
The selected discussions for the [Eel]arvamusfestival were proposed by the Tartu City Library, Tartu 2024, Bioneer, Tartu tourism organizers, young biology students, and others.
Discussions will take place on two stages, and there will also be a community area in Äksi featuring environmental art workshops and excursions in the vicinity, led by artists and educators Kadri Kosk and Hando Tamm.
Among the speakers are Veljo Runnel, Urmas Tartes, Triin Pikk and many other esteemed thinkers.
The discussions will adhere to the good practices of the Paide Opinion Festival, thereby promoting a broader culture of discussion.
The day will conclude with a film evening, “Wild South,” and a concert by the band Lonitseera at the Ice Age Centre.
The [pre]opinionfestival is FREE for everyone, and the concert ticket costs €15. Admission to the Ice Age Centre is €11, and a raft ride costs €4.
The event takes place outdoors on Saturday, July 20th, from 12 – 17, at the Äksi Stone Park near the Ice Age Centre. The evening concludes with an entertaining concert at the Ice Age Centre (with ticket) by LONITSEERA .. Find more about the contsert from here: https://fienta.com/marten-kuningas-ja-robert-linna-kontsert-jaaaja-kesk…
In addition, there will be boat trips to Saadjärve lake and various activities in Ice Age Centre.
Everyone is welcome to the festival, whether you want to listen, think, ask questions, or participate in discussions on important societal topics. It’s a place to find like-minded individuals and discover new ideas, perspectives, and viewpoints, all while enjoying a pleasant time. The festival offers insights into what Estonians think and what concerns or brings them joy.
The Äksi [pre]opinion Festival is part of the core program of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024.
TICKETS to LONITSEERA contcert FIENTAST or PILETILEVIST
Festival PROGRAM Topics:
Discussion Tent “EINE MURUL”
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM Is art only created by humans, or is a person just an interpreter when depicting nature? Is birdsong art or something very natural? When does depicting nature become simply knowledge, and when does it become science or art? DISCUSSANTS: Nature photographer and citizen science promoter Veljo Runnel, University of Edinburgh PhD student Keili Koppel, and author of the study “Plant Biodiversity in 20th Century Estonian Painting” Leene Pärtel.
Moderator: University of Tartu biology student Kärg Valner
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM How to leave a positive mark? How to travel responsibly yourself and inspire others to do the same? Sustainability is not just a trend but a responsibility we all share for the future. DISCUSSANTS: Kanni Kallastu (Southern Estonia Tourism Cluster), Eve Veski (Põlva Tillu Cafe), Liis Lainemäe (Onion Road), Egne Retsnik (Hotel SOHO).
Moderator: Thomas Tammus
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM How does human construction shape the landscape and impact nature? Is it natural or violent? DISCUSSANTS: Nature photographer and biologist Urmas Tartes, landscape architect Egle Nõmmoja, and Bioneer editor Janek Jõgisaar.
Moderator: Sulev Valner
Discussion Tent “TULEVIK ALGAS EILE”
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM What does environmentally friendly event organizing mean? What are the best practices and how to start? Can and how do environmentally friendly events save the world? DISCUSSANTS: Cultural organizer Marleen Viidul (Acento OÜ), Karoliina Kalda (University of Tartu Museum), Triin Pikk (Tartu 2024 program line Life and Environment manager).
Moderator: Environmental journalist Mart Valner
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM From literature to literature. With stops along the way. Events and activities inspired by literature – do they guide us to literature? How to introduce literature “palatably”. Collaboration opportunities between different institutions (schools, museums, archives, libraries, community centers) and communities. DISCUSSANTS: Colleagues from various libraries Halliki Jürna, Pille Rekker, Karmen Velitschinsky, Kristi Pukk.
Moderator: Tiina Sulg
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Artists and the cultural sector as environmental protectors and activists. Gauging the cultural landscape’s attitude, the positions of artists and musicians operating in Estonia, and their readiness to engage more actively with environmental issues. DISCUSSANTS: Artists Norman Orro and Mari-Leen Kiipli.
Moderator: Triin Pikk (Tartu 2024)
Art Tent “MAAILMA PARIM PAIK”
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM Creating environmental art together from recycled materials in the festival area. Instructor: Teacher and artist Kadri Kosk
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM The garden as a multi-perspective platform. Workshop Instructor: Artist Jane Remm. Participants will go to a garden in Äksi to explore who besides humans also calls the garden home and what their perspective is. Together, they will draw the garden from an unusual perspective for humans.
PRE-REGISTRATION: 11:50 AM – 12:00 PM at the Äksi community tent.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Art excursion “Out of the City with an Artist”. Guide: Artist Hando Tamme. Tour to Gallery no 1.
MEETING POINT: 12:50 PM – 1:00 PM at the Äksi community tent.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Artist Kadri Kose’s guided tour to the exhibition “Portraits of Famous People from Tartu” at the Ice Age Centre. MEETING POINT: 2:20 PM – 2:30 PM at the Äksi community tent.
Free entry to the tour at the Ice Age Centre.
All Day: Local food cafe open in the tent.
AT THE ICE AGE CENTRE
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Ice Age Centre open (tickets €7 / €11)
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Polar Bear Cafe open with hot food and buffet lunch
11:00 AM – 8:30 PM: Polar Bear Cafe open with drinks and cakes
1:00 PM / 2:00 PM / 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Raft rides on Lake Saadjärv (30 min, tickets €4 from the Ice Age Centre ticket office)
5:30 PM: Film “Wild South” in the Ice Age Centre conference hall (free)
8:30 PM: LONITSEERA concert in the atrium of the Ice Age Centre. Tickets from Piletilevi (€15) and the Ice Age Centre ticket office (€20)
If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartu
