Fenno-Ugria’s new exhibition “13 Finnougrists” presented in University of Tartu

Fenno-Ugria’s new travelling exhibition, ‘13 Finnougrists’, opened on 9 September 2026 in the Jakobi 2 teaching building at the University of Tartu. The exhibition is based on the 2026 Finno-Ugric Calendar.

Madis Arukask, Chair of the Fenno-Ugria Board, Associate Professor at the University of Tartu and folklorist, presided over the opening ceremony.

Tõnu Seilenthal, author of the exhibition texts, Fenno-Ugria board member and professor emeritus at the University of Tartu, spoke about the origins of the exhibition: the selection of scholars and the portraits of Finnish and Estonian cultural figures by the Finnish artist Li Taiga, which inspired Fenno-Ugria to commission portraits of leading figures in Finno-Ugric linguistics from her. The discussion also touched upon the writing of the texts and their adaptation to the calendar format, particularly the need for abridgement: the full-length versions, featuring introductions to the linguists’ work, can be accessed via a QR code on the Fenno-Ugria website. The exhibition was designed by Eva Sepping, who also added an interactive element: a photo display featuring an image of M.A. Castrén.

The ensemble Kännu Peal Käbi set the mood, whilst guests enjoyed sandwiches made with Hungarian lard and caraway cheese by Tõnu Seilenthal.

Finno-Ugric studies is a small but important discipline, the influence of which extends far beyond the boundaries of its own field. The study of Finno-Ugric languages has contributed to a better understanding of structural diversity in languages, the mechanisms of language change, the significance of language contact, and ways of preserving languages.

It is precisely on the recognition of the kinship between Finno-Ugric languages that ethnology, folklore studies and other academic disciplines concerning Finno-Ugric-speaking peoples are founded, as well as the tradition of the kinship movement as a form of cultural interaction, which is of great importance to the Fenno-Ugria Foundation.

The project was supported by the Kindred Peoples Programme and the Ministry of Culture of Estonia.

• Li Taiga