The winners of the "Useful Art?! Humanity and Work" high school art competition, organized by the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) Faculty of Fine Arts, were announced at an exhibition opening in Tallinn. A total of 77 entries were submitted, with four top prizes and 11 special awards given. The grand prize was shared by Ashton Laid (Tallinn Art High School) for "Passion" and Mirjam Märtin (Hugo Treffner High School) for "Do the Work, Draw and Toil, Then You Won't Even Need a Photo." Second place went to Säde Noormets for "Angst," and third place to Mari Kaubi for "We Believe in Economic Growth." Special awards recognized works in categories including irony, frustration, collage, painting, and politics.
This competition matters because it represents the fifth year EKA's Faculty of Fine Arts has engaged high school students in contemporary art discourse, fostering the next generation of Estonian artists and critical thinkers. By offering substantial prizes and pre-academy course spots, the program provides tangible pathways for young creatives to pursue art education and careers. The diverse range of special awards also highlights how the competition encourages students to explore complex themes like labor, economy, and social critique through various media.