The Foundations for Estonian Arts and Letters (FEAL) has opened applications for its 2025 Young Artist Stipend—an annual award designed to nurture the next generation of Estonian-heritage talent in the United States. One recipient will receive a one-time grant of $2,000 to advance a creative project or professional development. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025.

Who Can Apply?

  • Age 18–35 (as of the application date)
  • Estonian heritage
  • Active—professionally or as a serious hobby—in music, performing arts, folk culture, literature, or visual/applied arts
  • U.S. resident for the past three years
  • No FEAL stipend received in the last three years
  • Ongoing engagement that showcases Estonia in one’s work or local community involvement (recommended but not mandatory)

What to Submit

  1. Application form (downloadable from estonianculture.org)
  2. 1–2-page essay outlining past work, goals, how the stipend will help, and your connection to Estonia
  3. Two PDF recommendation letters (one on your creative practice, one—ideally—on community engagement) sent directly to info@estonianculture.org
  4. Concise portfolio highlighting recent creative work

Applications may be in Estonian (preferred) or English and must arrive by e-mail before midnight (ET) on September 1, 2025.

Selection & Timeline

A volunteer committee will evaluate artistic quality, purpose for the funds, motivation, and contributions to Estonian cultural life. All applicants will receive written notice within a month of review; the 2025 laureate will be announced on September 15, 2025.

Recent Laureates

2024  Rein Deaton & Sandra Villacis
2023  Frank Raudsepp
2022  Riivo Kruuk
2021  Jonas Tarm, Diina Tamm & Markus Puskar

About the Foundations for Estonian Arts and Letters

Founded on 14 December 1957 at the New York Estonian House, FEAL was established to preserve and promote Estonian arts, literature, and language among diaspora communities in the United States. estonianculture.org

For nearly five decades, the organization has spearheaded flagship programs such as Estonian Cultural Days in New York, a multi-day festival that showcases artists from Estonia and the U.S. and keeps the community connected to its cultural roots. Arterritory.com

Beyond its annual stipend, FEAL hosts concerts, exhibitions, literary events, and educational workshops—ensuring that Estonian creative expression continues to thrive on this side of the Atlantic.

Ready to Apply?

Download the form and full guidelines at estonianculture.org and submit your materials to info@estonianculture.org. Whether you compose music, design costumes, write poetry, or choreograph folk dances, this stipend is a chance to bring an Estonian-flavored project to life—and share it with audiences across the United States.

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