# Estonian Academy of Arts

> arts university in Estonia

**Wikidata**: [Q1370318](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1370318)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estonian_Academy_of_Arts)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/estonian-academy-of-arts

## Summary
The Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) is a public university located in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 1914. It is the country's only university providing higher education in art, design, architecture, media, art history, and conservation while operating as a juridical person in public law.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1914.
- **Location:** Tallinn, Estonia (Main building in Kalamaja district since 2018).
- **Official Name:** Eesti Kunstiakadeemia (Estonian Academy of Arts), adopted in 1996.
- **Legal Status:** Juridical person in public law.
- **Instance Of:** University.
- **Previous Names:** Tallinna Kunstiülikool (1989–1996); Eesti NSV Riiklik Kunstiinstituut (until 1989).
- **Alliance Membership:** T4EU (Transform4Europe).
- **Website:** http://www.artun.ee
- **Coordinates (Main Building):** 59.442599°N, 24.741197°E.

## FAQs
### Q: Where is the Estonian Academy of Arts located?
A: The university is located in Tallinn, Estonia. Its current main building is situated in the Kalamaja district, a move completed in 2018. Previously, the headquarters were located on Tartu maantee until 2009.

### Q: Is the Estonian Academy of Arts a public or private institution?
A: It is a public institution. The academy operates as a "juridical person in public law" and is classified as a university.

### Q: What was the Estonian Academy of Arts previously called?
A: The institution has undergone several name changes. It was known as the "Tallinna Kunstiülikool" (Tallinn Art University) from 1989 to 1996, and prior to that, the "Eesti NSV Riiklik Kunstiinstituut" (State Art Institute of the ESSR) until 1989.

### Q: What is the Estonian Academy of Arts known for?
A: It is the primary higher education institution in Estonia for arts, design, architecture, and media. It is also a member of the Transform4Europe (T4EU) alliance.

## Why It Matters
As the only university of its kind in Estonia, the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) plays a critical role in defining and sustaining the country's visual culture, design innovation, and architectural heritage. Established in 1914, the institution has served as a cornerstone of Estonian artistic identity through various historical periods, including the Soviet era and the restoration of independence. Its evolution reflects the nation's broader cultural and political shifts, transitioning from the "State Art Institute of the ESSR" to a modern, internationally connected university.

The academy's significance is further cemented by its commitment to contemporary infrastructure. The relocation to its new main building in Tallinn's Kalamaja district in 2018 highlights its dedication to providing state-of-the-art facilities for students and faculty. By offering specialized programs in fields ranging from conservation to media arts and maintaining membership in the T4EU alliance, the university ensures that Estonian art and design remain relevant and competitive on the global stage.

## Notable For
- Being the **only university in Estonia** dedicated specifically to higher education in art, design, architecture, and media.
- **Historical continuity**: Operating for over a century since its inception in 1914.
- **Modern Infrastructure**: Inaugurating a new, purpose-built main building in the Kalamaja district in 2018.
- **International Integration**: Serving as a member of the **Transform4Europe (T4EU)** university alliance.
- **Public Status**: Functioning as a "juridical person in public law," a specific legal designation for state-governed public universities in Estonia.

## Body
### History and Naming
The Estonian Academy of Arts was established in **1914**. Throughout its history, the institution has operated under different official names reflecting the political context of the time:
- **Eesti NSV Riiklik Kunstiinstituut** (State Art Institute of the ESSR): This name was used until 1989.
- **Tallinna Kunstiülikool** (Tallinn Art University): This name was adopted in 1989 and used until 1996.
- **Eesti Kunstiakadeemia** (Estonian Academy of Arts): The current official name, adopted in 1996.

### Location and Headquarters
The academy is headquartered in **Tallinn**, Estonia. Its location history includes:
- **Tartu maantee 1:** The headquarters were located here until 2009.
- **Kalamaja District:** The new main building is located here (coordinates: 59.442599, 24.741197). This facility is recognized as the main building of the Estonian Academy of Arts, with operations starting there in 2018.

### Legal and Organizational Structure
The institution is classified formally as a **university**. In terms of legal standing, it is designated as a **juridical person in public law**. It holds a business registry code of **74000624** and an EHIS (Estonian Education Information System) ID of **57**.

### Affiliations and Identifiers
The university maintains numerous identifiers and memberships:
- **Member Of:** T4EU (Transform4Europe).
- **Academic IDs:**
    - ISNI: 0000000110097350
    - GRID ID: grid.445570.7
    - ROR ID: 007530q75
    - VIAF ID: 124661246
    - GND ID: 5351479-8
    - Ringgold ID: 161682
    - Library of Congress Authority ID: no99072844
- **Social Media & Web:**
    - Website: http://www.artun.ee
    - Instagram: @estonian_academy_of_arts
    - Facebook: Eestikunstiakadeemia
    - Web Feed: https://www.artun.ee/et/feed

### Associated Individuals
The knowledge base notes an affiliation with **Juhan Habicht** (1954–2026), an Estonian writer, mathematician, and translator, linked as a person related to the institution.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.artun.ee/akadeemia/akadeemiast/ajalugu/)
2. [Source](https://dea.digar.ee/article/AKkunstee/2018/09/0/9.1)
3. Open ISNI for Organizations
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://enda.ehis.ee/avalik/avalik/oppeasutus/OppeasutusKuva.faces?id=57)
7. [Source](https://sirp.ee/s1-artiklid/c6-kunst/kunst-on-toeoe-hing/)
8. [Source](http://www.artun.ee)
9. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
10. GRID Release 2016-05-31
11. Quora
12. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
13. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
14. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)