Today, 10 December, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna presented the annual cultural award of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to singer and visual artist Tommy Cash. At the same formal event, the Foreign Minister also recognised recipients of letters of gratitude for citizen diplomacy who are based in Estonia.
“Tommy Cash shines both in music and visual art; with his creativity he has pushed boundaries and made Estonia better known internationally. The cultural award is not only a prize for his music, but a recognition of his entire artistic universe,” the Foreign Minister said.
Visual artist, fashion designer and singer Tommy Cash became a successful artist years ago, but the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest and his successful representation of Estonia with Espresso Macchiato made him an internationally recognised performer and brought him to the attention of a wider audience.
“Already at the Europe Day concert on 9 May last year in Freedom Square, Tommy promised he would take part in Eurovision in 2025. Today we know that the prediction came true – Tommy represented Estonia successfully and used the contest brilliantly to promote Estonia,” Tsahkna noted.
The Cultural Award of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was first issued in 2010 and this year, creatives are recognised for the sixteenth time. Previous recipients include sculptor Edith Karlson, the duo Puuluup, street artist Edward von Lõngus, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Kalle Kasemaa, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO), Anne Erm, Kristiina Ehin, Sirje Helme, and the creative team of the XI Youth Song and Dance Celebration – Aet Maatee, Veronika Portsmuth, Märt Agu and Raul Talmar.
Today, Tsahkna also recognised the recipients of letters of gratitude for citizen diplomacy who live or work in Estonia. These letters are awarded to individuals or non-governmental organisations who have made long and notable efforts to preserve Estonian language, culture and spirit, or promoted Estonia’s business environment, digital society and business culture on a voluntary basis, thus contributing to raising Estonia’s profile in their country of residence.
Citizen diplomacy letter recipients in Estonia
Nora Sööt – for contributions to revitalising the global Estonian youth community and leading the ESTO 2025 youth delegates’ programme.
Heidi Solba and NGO Let’s Do It World – for their major work in organising World Cleanup Day. The movement, which began in Estonia, has become a global model and a calling card for climate diplomacy.
Harry Liivrand and Kristel Pappel – for organising the Kotzebue Talks format and building bridges between Estonian and German cultural circles.
European Choir of Estonians – for decades of work bringing Estonian culture to many hearts across Europe through the joy of singing.
Mart Tarmak – for tireless efforts in promoting Estonia worldwide and extending a helping hand to Ukraine.
Stefano Alberico – for major contributions to presenting Estonian values internationally and consistent work in increasing Estonia’s visibility in Italy.
Oliver Lant – for outstanding leadership of the Estonian community in the United Arab Emirates, supporting Estonia’s story, food culture and national initiatives.
Hannes Heinpalu – for masterful contributions to presenting Estonia’s culinary heritage in the United Arab Emirates.
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