Opening of the new study building

On 31 October UT VCA ceremonially opens Vilma House, a new study building which houses an up-to-date multimedia studio, woodwork, handloom and prop and stage crafts workshops, auditoriums and Viljandi Creative Incubator textile workshops.

Culture Academy bought the premises of the former bread factory in 2012 to solve the continuous problem of lack of space. In the nearly 3000 square meters of renovated space the students of Estonian native construction and native textile alongside with the theatre arts stage and prop students will have their new workspace. The renovation works of dance building for performing arts students and wool workshop for native textile students are yet to come.

According to Anzori Barkalaja, Director of UT VCA this is good example of creating an excellent study environment by upgrading empty premises standing unused for many years. „The students and staff of the VCA have also contributed to the renovation of the house: in 2012 and 2013 several conservation works took place in the house and the textiles and furniture of the house was either renovated or made by the students and supervised by the teachers of the Academy, who frequently participated in the work. The interior design is made by our own teacher Kaari Metslang, who skilfully combined the minimalistic interior and smart solutions into handy, interesting and comfortable study spaces.“

In addition to VCA students, the Vilma House is also used by Viljandi Creative Incubator textile centre. The latter helps the craftsmen of South Estonia to materialize their creative potential while minimising the risks of a beginning enterprise.

The first stage of the renovation cost over 735 000 € and was financed by Culture Academy alone. The renovation was carried out by Tartu Ehitus Llc. and Tevent Ltd.

More information
Kadri Sprenk
Communication and project manager
Phone +372 510 9043 / 435 5260
kadrisprenk [ät] ut.ee
www.kultuur.ut.ee