The Northern Voices

08/30/2025

08/26/2025

Imagine 30,000 young voices rising together in Tallinn, Estonia, asking the question: “Mis maa see on?” (“What land is this?”). In 2011, Siiri Sisask’s haunting song became a modern anthem of Estonia’s heart, carrying echoes of pride, pain, and belonging.

Imagine 30,000 young voices rising together in Tallinn, asking the question: “Mis maa see on?” (“What land is this?”). In 2011, Siiri Sisask’s haunting song became a modern anthem of Estonia’s heart, carrying echoes of pride, pain, and belonging.

08/26/2025

Across the United States, a small but mighty network of scholars, curators, and program builders is keeping Nordic and Baltic studies vibrant—and relevant to life in North America. From New York–New Haven to Seattle and Chicago, these educators connect languages and archives to contemporary debates on identity, democracy, and culture.

Across the United States, a small but mighty network of scholars, curators, and program builders is keeping Nordic and Baltic studies vibrant—and relevant to life in North America. From New York–New Haven to Seattle and Chicago, these educators connect languages and archives to contemporary deba...

08/26/2025

In recent years, a surge of creative collaborations between Nordic and Baltic artists and American institutions has been transforming the cultural landscape in North America. From film festivals and museum exhibitions to music series and design programs, these partnerships serve as vibrant bridges between Nordic/Baltic cultural heritage and contemporary American arts.

In recent years, a surge of creative collaborations between Nordic and Baltic artists and American institutions has been transforming the cultural landscape in North America. From film festivals and museum exhibitions to music series and design programs, these partnerships serve as vibrant bridges b...

08/25/2025

The Nordic and Baltic peoples have long been known for their deep respect for nature and progressive environmental values. From the earliest days of the modern green movement in America to today’s youth-led climate strikes, individuals with Nordic and Baltic roots have played remarkable roles in U.S. environmental movements. Their engagement ranges from shaping historic moments – like the very first Earth Day – to energizing today’s climate activism and forging transatlantic partnerships for a sustainable future.

The Nordic and Baltic peoples have long been known for their deep respect for nature and progressive environmental values. From the earliest days of the modern green movement in America to today’s youth-led climate strikes, individuals with Nordic and Baltic roots have played remarkable roles in U...

08/24/2025

In this guest post, a media training expert shares why interviews don’t end when the cameras stop rolling, offering practical tips on clarifying points, correcting mistakes, and maximizing positive coverage to strengthen relationships with reporters.

In this guest post, a media training expert shares why interviews don’t end when the cameras stop rolling, offering practical tips on clarifying points, correcting mistakes, and maximizing positive coverage to strengthen relationships with reporters.

08/20/2025

At just 12 years old, Ragnar Nigul is already accustomed to punching above his weight – both literally and figuratively. The Estonian-American middle schooler trains in TaekwonDo six days a week and has the medals to show for it.

At just 12 years old, Ragnar Nigul is already accustomed to punching above his weight – both literally and figuratively. The Estonian-American middle schooler trains in TaekwonDo six days a week and has the medals to show for it.

08/11/2025

Leaders from the eight Baltic and Nordic countries jointly issued a statement pledging support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity on Sunday amid rumors of a ceasefire deal between Russia and the U.S.

08/01/2025

Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. is now accepting applications for its 2026 Performer and Lecturer of the Year programs, offering artists, academics, and cultural practitioners the chance to tour the U.S. and share Finnish and Finnish-American stories. Each honoree receives travel and performance support to appear at events nationwide, continuing a legacy that has featured violinists like Charlotte Loukola, stand-up comedian Miska Kajanus, and sauna culture advocate Eero Kilpi. Applications are open until October 1, 2025.

Finlandia Foundation National is now accepting applications for its 2026 Performer and Lecturer of the Year programs, offering artists, academics, and cultural practitioners the chance to tour the U.S. and share Finnish and Finnish-American stories. Each honoree receives travel and performance suppo...

08/01/2025

The Foundations for Estonian Arts and Letters has opened its 2025 Young Artist Stipend: a one-time $2,000 grant for U.S.–based creatives of Estonian heritage (ages 18–35) working in music, performance, folk culture, literature, or visual/applied arts. Applications are due September 1, 2025.

07/31/2025

When you think of a solo instrument in classical music, the bassoon might not be the first to come to mind. But Estonian-born bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann has spent his career turning this unsung instrument into a show-stopper. With charismatic performances that The New York Times has praised as “dynamic… amazing… gripping…,”

When you think of a solo instrument in classical music, the bassoon might not be the first to come to mind. But Estonian-born bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann has spent his career turning this unsung instrument into a show-stopper. With charismatic performances that The New York Times has praised as “d...