“Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award presented to historian of journalism and museologist Krista Aru
Today, on 1 December, the University of Tartu celebrates 105 years from the opening of the Estonian-language university. At the anniversary ceremony, the recipient of this year’s “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award was announced – the historian of journalism and museologist Krista Aru.
“It is a great pleasure and an honour that we can recognise today the guardian of the Estonian national identity, a shaper of social values, a researcher and an exceptional colleague – Krista Aru,” said Rector Toomas Asser. “Recently, at the conference dedicated to the 150th birth anniversary of former rector Johan Kõpp, Krista concluded her presentation on the leaders of the early-20th-century Tartu, University of Tartu and Estonia with the wish that, like the great figures of that time, we too could both dream and act in our lives. Krista herself is very good, even excellent at it – may we have the skill and many opportunities to learn it from her,” Asser said.
According to those who nominated her, the impact of Krista Aru’s activities extends far beyond the boundaries of the academic world: she is the voice and advocate of the nation in society at large. Moreover, she does not get stuck into the concepts of nation and nationalism or retreat into cultural isolation and defence. Instead, she addresses these themes broadly and openly, balancing the interests of our country, nation, and culture across different worldviews.
In his speech at the ceremony, a member of the committee issuing the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award, the TV journalist and TV and film critic Joonas Hellerma emphasised Krista Aru’s contribution to Estonian identity through two elements – memory and will. “Krista Aru is a library. It is a large, spacious building which, on the one hand, preserves our memory, but on the other hand, opens it: it is the meeting place for people who can exchange thoughts on what they have read, talk to each other about their thoughts, desires and ideals, and thus renew their will, their vision of the future,” said Hellerma.
According to the laureate, the award is a reward for the work done at the Estonian Literary Museum, the Estonian National Museum, the University of Tartu Library and other museums and libraries of Estonia. “It is a recognition of the activities that ensure that Estonian culture survives, thrives and continues to be the cornerstone of Estonia’s independence,” Krista Aru said.
Krista Aru is a public figure and researcher who stands for the appreciation of Estonian-language education, Estonian cultural heritage and history. Through her work and activities, Aru has helped preserve and redefine the Estonian identity, inspiring many generations to value the deeds, stories and heritage of our predecessors.
Krista Aru is a committed researcher of the history of journalism. Her passionate work on studying the legacy of Jaan Tõnisson and publishing her findings in a two-volume monograph in 2019 is an achievement of a lifetime. Naturally, Tõnisson is not her only research interest – Krista Aru has established herself as the leading expert on the founders of our nation-state. Her academic work, writings and presentations introducing the activities of Estonian national figures are a valuable part of Estonia’s cultural history. In recent years, she has taught the history of journalism to Estonian journalists.
Krista Aru has been at the head of the most important memory institutions of Estonian culture: the Estonian Literary Museum (1995–2005), the Estonian National Museum (2006–2012) and the University of Tartu Library (2019–2024). Her work has demanded great dedication and reflection, as she could steer none of these institutions with a pleasant tailwind. When she was the director, the new building for the Estonian National Museum was planned and designed – the current ERM became a reality thanks to her inspiring and determined leadership. On Krista Aru’s initiative, numerous projects introducing and exploring the Estonian culture have been carried out in all these institutions.
As an active advocate of national values, Aru has participated in the activities of many cultural and research institutions. She is currently a member of the supervisory board of the Estonian National Culture Foundation, a member of the Archives Board of Estonia, and the chair of the Jaan Tõnisson Society. Krista Aru has been awarded the Order of the White Star, 3rd class (2000), the Jaan Kross Literary Award (2021), the Medal of the Estonian Academy of Sciences (2022), and the University of Tartu Badge of Distinction (2023).
Krista Aru is the 21st laureate of the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award. The award for contribution to Estonian national identity has been issued since 2004 to recognise individuals whose creative work has significantly promoted the national and state identity of Estonians and Estonia. The award comes with a tapestry by Christi Kütt, Lecturer in Estonian Native Textile at Viljandi Culture Academy, and 50 volumes of the essay collection Eesti mõttelugu (The Story of Estonian Thought), published by Ilmamaa.
The 11-member committee issuing the award comprised the 2023 laureate of the “Contribution to Estonian National Identity” award, Merle Karusoo, Rector of the University of Tartu Professor Toomas Asser, Professor of Comparative Politics Piret Ehin, Professor emeritus Jaak Kikas, Professor of Estonian Literature Arne Merilai, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Joel Starkopf, TV journalist Joonas Hellerma, Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts Mart Kalm, museologist Sirje Karis, Editor-in-Chief of the Teater. Muusika. Kino magazine Madis Kolk, and textile artist and Member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences Anu Raud.
