ESTONIA

Architecture

SILLE PIHLAK AND

SIIM TUKSAM (PART)

NOMINATOR:

Dr. Sille Pihlak and Dr. Siim Tuksam are leading figures in contemporary Estonian architecture, combining practice, research, and education through PART Architects and their roles at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Their work, which integrates timber innovation, digital fabrication, and infrastructural design, has earned international recognition, including a Mies van der Rohe Award 2024 shortlist and multiple national architecture prizes. As founding researchers of the Timber Architecture Research Center PAKK, they connect Estonian timber manufacturers with global innovation, translating academic research into real-world applications. Their award-winning designs, including high-voltage pylons, pedestrian bridges, and experimental timber structures, have gained international recognition, appearing in leading symposiums such as Holzbau Europe and the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Their Slender Facade project focuses on sustainable renovation of Sovi-
et-era housing, offering socially intelligent and customizable solutions. Actively engaged in European research networks, they contribute to shaping the future of modular, algorithmic, and prefabricated architecture, ensuring that their work remains at the forefront of architectural discourse and technological advancement.

Estonian Architects' Association /

Estonian Architects Association

KALLE VELLEVOOG (JVR)

Kalle Vellevoog is a leading Estonian architect whose work has had a lasting
impact on public architecture, urban development, and cultural heritage
in Estonia and across Europe. As a partner at Arhitektuuribüroo JVR since
1990, he has been instrumental in shaping Estonia’s architectural policy and
advancing the quality of public spaces. A key advocate for urban regener-
ation, Vellevoog has led the Great Public Space program, revitalizing town
centers across Estonia and aligning with broader European urban renewal
efforts. His designs, including the Memorial to the Victims of Communism
and the Narva Castle reconstruction, blend historical preservation with con-
temporary architectural principles. Recognized with numerous national and
international awards, his work is widely published and exhibited. Through
his leadership roles in the Estonian Association of Architects and contribu-
tions to architectural competitions, exhibitions, and policy-making, Vellev-
oog continues to influence the development of public space and cultural
architecture in Europe.

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Igaunijas arhitektu asociācija /

Estonian Architects Association

AWARD WINNER 2025

Salto Architects is a Tallinn-based firm founded in 2004 by Maarja Kask
and Ralf Lõoke, known for its site-specific approach at the intersection of
architecture, landscape design, and art. Their projects range from public
buildings and urban spaces to temporary installations, often exploring
the relationship between architecture, landscape, and art. Their designs
are deeply rooted in site-specific research, addressing the cultural, so-
cial, and environmental characteristics of each location. Notable works
include the Viljandi State High School, Tallinn Cruise Terminal, and Baltic
Film and Media School, as well as experimental installations like Gas Pipe
(Venice Biennale 2008) and Fast Track (Russia). Their work has gained
international recognition, winning awards and being featured in exhibi-
tions and publications worldwide. Beyond practice, they have played a
key role in shaping architectural discourse in Estonia and Europe. With
over 100 competition wins, they actively lecture, exhibit, and teach at the
Estonian Academy of Arts, contributing to the advancement of contem-
porary architecture.

MAARJA KASK AND

RALF LÕOKE (SALTO)

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Igaunijas arhitektu asociācija /

Estonian Architects Association

LITHUANIA

Science

JURGIS KAZIMIERAS

STANIŠKIS

Jurgis Kazimieras Staniškis, now professor emeritus at Kaunas Universi-
ty of Technology, is known for his practical recommendations for the in-
dustry on how to make our comfortable life on this planet more sustain-
able. The latest monograph prepared by his group – Jurgis Kazimieras
Staniškis, Eglė Staniškienė, Živilė Stankevičiūtė, Asta Daunorienė, and Joana
Ramanauskaitė, Transformation of Business Organization Towards Sus-
tainability: Systems Approach – was published by Springer Nature in 2022.
He also co-authored the first Global Sustainable Development Report 2019
The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development as a
member of an independent group of 15 scientists appointed by the Unit-
ed Nations Secretary-General. The report was presented and positively
approved by UN High-level Political Forum and the UN General Assembly.
In his scientific work, J.K. Staniškis shares a fundamental belief that the ‘pur-
pose’ of the socio-economic system is to improve well-being for all within
the limits of what the planet can sustain, that is, to produce good lives that
don’t cost the Earth.

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Lietuvas zinātņu akadēmija /

Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

PROF. GIEDRIUS ANTANAS

KUPREVIČIUS

Giedrius Antanas Kuprevičius is a composer popular in Lithuania for more
than half of a century. Professor’s versatile talent spans a broad range of
genres, including instrumental orchestral and solo music, vocal music for
choirs and single performers, pieces for stage, theatrical performances
and cinema, etc. He is also a performer: since restoring in 1956 the Kau-
nas carillon with his father, he played that instrument and gave concerts,
was a senior carillonneur for a long time. G.A. Kuprevičius played carillons
in New Zealand, Germany, Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands. Compos-
er used modern technologies and instruments – synthesizers, sequencers,
modulators, Mellotrons, samplers and, finally, computers – ever since they
appeared, and communicated intensely with the music production soft-
ware engineers from Cubase, Sibelius, EastWest. His oratorio “Creation of
the World for the End of the 20th Century” was performed at EXPO-2000
in Hanover, and at an international forum in Vienna. His other works have
been heard at concerts in various countries in Europe, as well as in America,
Australia, and New Zealand.

Lietuvas zinātņu akadēmija /

Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

AWARD WINNER 2025

GEDIMINAS RAČIUKAITIS

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Lietuvas zinātņu akadēmija /

Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

Gediminas Račiukaitis is a prominent specialist and developer of world-
known Lithuanian laser technologies. Dr G. Račiukaitis co-authored
15 Lithuanian, 5 European, 3 US, 2 Japanese and 2 Chinese patents
(as of 31/12/2024) in laser radiation generation, control and application
for materials processing. His current scientific activity is related to the
use of short-pulse lasers for material processing that allows one to form
desirable micro- and nanostructures. Laser methods of generating sec-
ondary radiation and electron acceleration with intense laser light are
also his favourite objects. G. Račiukaitis’ competence in the field is rec-
ognized by more that 16 reputable international journals, for which he
works as a reviewer. Moreover, Dr Račiukaitis is a true representative of
the Lithuanian laser industry, being the current president (chair of the
board) of the Lithuanian Laser Association. The Association unites 60+
companies and institutions operating in the Lithuanian laser ecosystem
and facilitates the competitiveness and joint marketing of its members
worldwide.

LATVIA

ART

RAITIS &

RASA ŠMITI

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Rasa Šmite and Raitis Šmits are globally recognized pioneers of new media culture—artist-researchers who have worked at the intersection of science and technology since the mid-1990s. The RIXC Center for New Media Culture, which they founded and direct, organizes major annual art and science festivals, exhibitions, symposia, and workshops, while also publishing books, translations, and research (including the peer-reviewed journal “Acoustic Space”), firmly integrating Latvia into international collaborative networks. Rasa and Raitis also work as researchers and lecturers
across Europe and the USA. In their artistic practice, the Šmits create works that explore relationships between nature and technology, humans and plants, ecology and climate change.

For example:

• The VR artwork “Atmospheric Forest” (2017–2020) visualizes environmental processes and climate change’s impact on forests in the Swiss Alps.

• The installation “Sensory Depths” (2002–2022) reveals cosmic-scale interactions between solar system phenomena and Earth’s ecosystems, using data from the Irbene radio telescope.

•Interactive projects like “Talk to Me” (2011) and the VR installation “Solarceptors” (2025) investigate plant intelligence, while other works let audiences “communicate” with bacteria in wetlands and ponds.
Their projects have been exhibited worldwide, including at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Latvian National Museum of Art, House of Electronic Arts (Basel), Ars Electronica Festival (Linz), and other venues across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Latvijas mākslas akadēmija /

Latvian Academy of Arts

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Latvijas mākslas akadēmija /

Latvian Academy of Arts

AMANDA ZIEMELE

Amanda Ziemele has introduced a fresh perspective on traditional painting
in Latvia’s art scene—her exhibitions playfully invite viewers to experience
vibrant pictorial elements that extend beyond the canvas and frame, while
engaging in the internationally relevant discourse on painting’s place in
contemporary art. In exhibitions such as “Quantum Hair Implants” (2019)
and “Sun with Teeth” (2023), she tackles fundamental questions through
expressive visual associations that emerge spontaneously as viewers step
into a space that feels like walking inside a painting, surrounded by tangible
forms, colors, and brushstrokes arranged in humorously staged relation-
ships. Ziemele has succeeded in distilling the essence of both painting and
installation art, carefully merging the two mediums while respecting their
core principles.
After graduating from the Latvian Academy of Art, she continued her studies
at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, where her thesis “Fish with Legs” was
awarded best in 2018, opening doors for exhibitions in Brno (Czech Republic),
Stockholm (Sweden), and Cologne (Germany). Since 2016, she has regularly
exhibited in Latvia, becoming a Purvītis Prize laureate in 2021 and success-
fully representing Latvia at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024.

AWARD WINNER 2025

SKUJA BRADEN / MĀKSLINIEČU DUETS:

INGŪNA SKUJA & MELISSA BRADE

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

In 1999, porcelain artists Ingūna Skuja from Latvia and Melissa Braden
from California, USA, joined forces to form Skuja Braden. Their creative
practice is rooted in a visually stunning fusion of tradition and innova-
tion, boldly challenging conventional perceptions. Their work reflects the
artists’ shared experiences with contemporary political and social is-
sues, tracing the roots of many problems through art and literary history.
Skuja Braden’s sophisticatedly grotesque porcelain pieces explore
themes of female identity, patriarchal history, and current politics, blend-
ing Zen Buddhist and pop art concepts with the aesthetic language of
Edo-period Japanese prints.
In 2022, Skuja Braden represented Latvia at the 59th Venice Biennale with
their large-scale installation “Selling Water by the River,” featuring over
300 porcelain miniatures and sculptures, earning widespread critical ac-
claim. Over their 25-year career, the duo has participated in more than
180 group exhibitions and held over 50 solo shows not only in Latvia but
also in New York, Milan, Istanbul, Zagreb, and elsewhere. Their works are
held in public museums and private collections across the USA, Domini-
can Republic, S

Latvijas mākslas akadēmija /

Latvian Academy of Arts

LATVIA

MUSIC

AWARD WINNER 2025

RAIMONDS PAULS

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

The outstanding Latvian composer of popular music and pianist Raimonds Pauls (born in 1936 in Riga) is the most famous composer not only in Latvia but far beyond its borders. His music has been heard in countless countries and the most prestigious concert halls, thanks to his unique melodic talent. Among R. Pauls’ approximately 3,000 musical works, the central place is occupied by songs, followed by musical theater, instrumental, theater, and film music. Maestro Pauls’ rich creative imagination combines the intonations of Latvian folk music, jazz, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, French chanson, German schlager, and traditional chants with emerging trends, always managing to create timely, universally appealing, and extraordinarily democratic music.
He is the composer of music for several musicals, three ballets, over 50 films (including “Vella kalpi”, “Limuzīns Jāņu nakts krāsā”, “Dāvana vientuļai sievietei”, “Teātris”, “Ilgais ceļš kāpās”, and others), as well as numerous theater productions. The majority of R. Pauls’ works have been recorded and released on vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, as well as in song collections, soloist albums, group albums, and more. His music albums in Latvia have repeatedly received Gold and Platinum Disc awards. R.Pauls’ songs have won 11 times in the “Microphone” song poll.

Latvijas Izpildītāju un

producentu apvienība (LaIPA) /

Latvian Performers’ and

Producers’ Association (LaIPA)

DONS

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Latvijas Izpildītāju un

producentu apvienība (LaIPA) /

Latvian Performers’ and

Producers’ Association (LaIPA)

Dons, whose real name is Artūrs Šingirejs, born in 1984, is a Latvian singer. He is the winner of several music competitions, including Muzikālā banka (2012, 2013, 2014, 2024) and Supernova (2024). He represented Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 final. Dons first gained public attention in 2003 on the reality show Talantu fabrika (Talent Factory). Together with singer Lily, he released an album, several songs from which reached the top of Latvian music charts. In 2006, he released his debut solo album, Lights On. The album’s title track of the same name also gained popularity abroad. In 2007, he participated in the Latvian National Theatre production Adata (The Needle), performing the song Ja tu man esi (If You Were Mine). In 2008, Dons released an album in Latvian titled Lelle (Doll). For several years, he collaborated with composer Zigmars Liepiņš and represented Latvia in the New Wave 2008 competition, where he placed 4th. In 2010, he took 2nd place in Eirodziesma with the song My Religion Is Freedom. In 2012, he released the single Signāls (Signal), which was recognized as the radio hit of the year and won Muzikālā banka 2012. Dons also won Muzikālā banka 2013 with the song Pēdējā vēstule (The Last Letter) from his album Varanasi and triumphed again the following year with Pāriet bailes (Overcome Fear). In 2024, his song Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts (Kingdom of Broken Spears) won Muzikālā banka 2023. With an English version of the song titled Hollow, he participated in Latvia’s Eurovision national selection, Supernova 2024. He won the competition, earning the right to represent Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, where he reached the final and placed 16th.

VALSTS AKADĒMISKAIS KORIS LATVIJA

IZVIRZĪTĀJS:

Latvijas Izpildītāju un

producentu apvienība (LaIPA) /

Latvian Performers’ and

Producers’ Association (LaIPA)

The State Choir LATVIJA is one of the most significant monuments of Latvian cultural life and history. The choir’s musical radiance is defined by the vocal culture and sound of the Latvian choral tradition, characterised by warmth, balance and precision. The State Choir LATVIJA is the largest professional choir in the Baltic States, and it is regularly in demand on the concert programmes of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. Since 1997, the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the choir has been Māris Sirmais, while the choir’s General Manager has been Māris Ošlejs. The 60 members of the State Choir LATVIJA are renowned for their musical intelligence and vocal skill, making the choir a unique instrument capable of performing everything from subtle a cappella pieces to large vocal-symphonic masterworks.

The State Choir LATVIJA has collaborated with world-renowned symphony orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, The Cadaqués Orchestra, The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, The Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and others. The choir is a seven-time laureate of the Great Music Prize (1998, 2000, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016), a 2003 laureate of the Cabinet of Ministers Award of the Republic of Latvia, and a 2007 laureate of the Ministry of Culture Award of Latvia.

The choir has performed with such outstanding conductors as Mariss Jansons, Andris Nelsons, Zubin Mehta, Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, Vladimir Ashkenazy, David Zinman, Simone Young, Tõnu Kaljuste, Jaap van Zweden, Kent Nagano and others. One of the most significant achievements in the history of the choir was its collaboration with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and conductor Mariss Jansons in a world tour dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the orchestra.

The choir has performed on the stages of the world’s greatest concert halls, including the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, KKL Luzern, The Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, The National Music Auditorium in Madrid, Lincoln Centre in New York, Shanghai Concert Hall, The Esplanade in Singapore and many others. The State Choir LATVIJA is internationally acclaimed both for its academic excellence as well as its innovative projects. The choir has participated in recordings produced by Naxos, Warner Brothers, Harmonia Mundi, Wergo and Ondine, as well as numerous recording projects by both Latvian and foreign music publishers.

LATVIA

SPECIAL AWARDS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

AWARD

RAIMONDS PAULS