Culture Minister Purga: Estonian Artists' Union Can Pay Subsidies and Salaries

Culture Minister Heidi Purga confirmed that the Estonian Artists' Union (EKL) is able to continue paying artist salaries and creative subsidies despite losing €700,000 to fraud. The Culture Ministry allocated nearly a million euros to EKL in 2026, with the majority designated for artist salaries and creative subsidies.

The Estonian Artists' Union (EKL) is capable of continuing to pay salaries and subsidies to artists despite the organisation losing €700,000 to fraud. This was confirmed by Culture Minister Heidi Purga in response to an inquiry about the union's financial situation.

Ministry monitors but does not intervene

Purga emphasised that creative unions are independent organisations, and the Culture Ministry does not intervene in their daily management or work processes. The ministry allocates funding and is obliged to monitor its proper use in accordance with established conditions, but nothing more.

In 2026, the Culture Ministry has allocated a total of €986,408 to the Estonian Artists' Union. Of this, €607,559 is earmarked for artist salaries, €348,849 for creative subsidies, and €30,000 for gallery operations.

Funds largely disbursed

As of the end of May, EKL had disbursed €447,301 of these funds. The money designated for gallery operations has been paid in full to four galleries located in Tallinn's old town. For artist salaries, payments for seven months remain to be made.

"The union is taking steps to fulfil its obligations, including considering taking out a loan," Purga said. "To our knowledge, there is currently no reason to believe that the payment of subsidies or salaries to artists is at risk."

Long-term viability to become clear over time

The minister added that the question of the union's long-term viability and whether damages can be recovered from the perpetrators will become clear in the future. Under the agreement between the state and the non-profit organisation, the so-called creative salaries payment is the state budget responsibility of EKL, which the union must fulfil regardless of internal difficulties.