Helen Sildna Awarded In Estonia

TALLIN, Estonia (VIP NEWS) — The founder and director of Tallinn Music Week, Helen Sildna awarded the “Citizen of the Year” Award in Estonia.

The founder and director of Tallinn Music Week Helen Sildna has been awarded the title of “Citizen of the Year” by the Estonian Minister of Culture Indrek Saar for her dedicated engagement in the “Friendly Estonia” movement to support open and tolerant society and her passionate contribution to the Estonian music industry. Estonia celebrates the “citizen’s day” on 26th November, to highlight the importance of citizens’ initiatives in the society.

Helen Sildna said: “The title is of course a surprise and big honor to me. From one side I have done something that is natural and self-evident for me – to stand up for the values I believe in. On the other hand I am happy that we celebrate the citizen’s day in Estonia and put a focus on the meaning of being a citizen. It is a cornerstone of democracy, the futures of our countries and societies depend on all of us to participate. We do not organize Tallinn Music Week to merely entertain people, this is our input for a better, happier and healthier society. It was only natural for our team to be involved also in the “Friendly Estonia” – a private initiative to express support for an open and tolerant society in the wake of the European refugee crises." Within a few weeks over the summer a team of volunteers organized a large open-air concert that attracted 7000 people on 6th September in Tallinn. “Hundreds of people and companies joined ‘Friendly Estonia’ to contribute to human values in our country reassuring us that Estonia’s way is to be an open, human and tolerant country,” comments Sildna.

“There is nothing more important than the value and dignity of a human being and his basic rights – equal opportunities, freedom of expression regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. Tolerance is the soil for creativity to flourish and that is the foundation of a healthy society and sustainable economy. If it is not us, the creative sector, to stand up for these values, then who will?”

The Minister of Culture Indrek Saar said: ”In spite of the fear, frustration and also hate speech surrounding some of the most controversial topics like refugee crises and civil partnership issues, Helen has been brave to speak up for an open and friendly Estonia.”

Tolerance and openness as a foundation of creativity has been the foremost value of Tallinn Music Week for seven years already. TMW aims to be free-spirited, creative, fun but at the same time sensitive to our community’s needs and tendencies. TMW is our team’s way to do our part in building a better, happier, more creative, more considerate and caring society.

The 8th edition of TMW takes place in Tallinn from Monday to Sunday, 28th March to 3rd April 2016.