OREANDA-NEWS. April 08, 2014. Estonian Minister of Culture Urve Tiidus awarded recognition to companies who have been long-term supporters of Estonian culture. The ceremony took place in the Chamber Hall of the Estonian National Opera and three titles of ‘Friend to Culture 2014’ were handed out. The titles were awarded to David O’Brock, Amserv Grupp AS and, for the second year in a row, AS EMT.

According to Tiidus, the helping hand of companies and people supporting culture is felt in many activities. “It’s nice to see that cultural projects are not only being sponsored in Tallinn but that events in smaller places are being supported as well,” she said. “This boosts the cultural life in rural regions. Moreover, in promoting Estonian culture at the international level, financing from companies and people is increasing in addition to state financing.”

During the event, Tiidus also handed out certificates of appreciation to 46 companies and people who were nominated by various organisations in the field of culture. Among others, Danske Bank received a certificate of appreciation for its contribution to culture-friendly projects.