In the gallery, visitors can explore memes, poems, collages, and videos inspired by Estonian digital heritage, as well as several unexpected art forms. Among the most striking are a fusion of the Karu Primer and Forselius’ Primer, a Kalevipoeg story-robot, and a web installation of Estonian books visualized as a DNA double helix.

Ivika Hein, Teacher of Literature of the Year and a member of the competition jury, emphasized that the contest’s importance lay above all in encouraging exploration of the vast reserves of our electronically preserved culture. “If no one opens them, the fascinating material collected there has little meaning. Besides, giving free creative thought the chance to take flight is always beneficial—both for the creator and for those who enjoy the result,” Hein noted.

The jury evaluated the works based on originality, their connection to the theme “Estonian Book 500,” and the ingenuity of digital heritage use. The grand prize—an iPhone 16e—was awarded to high school student Rasmus Jan Karus, whose short film “Book of Life” made outstanding use of digital heritage resources. “Karus creates a compelling whole from materials found in digital databases, carefully and inventively stitched together,” said the competition’s chief organizer, ERM junior researcher Mart Alaru.

The digital creativity competition was held as part of the Ministry of Culture–funded research project “Digital Cultural Heritage as a Societal Resource.” Participants were recognized at ERM’s season opening event. The grand prize was sponsored by C&C Eesti (formerly iDeal), with additional prizes provided by ERM, the bookstore Biblioteek, A. Le Coq, and Premia Ice Cream Factory.

More information: https://www.erm.ee/et/content/digiloomingu-konkursi-eesti-raamat-500-tulemused