The letters are illustrated by the participating artists

Graphic design by Anna-Liisa Sääsk

RUA 2025: Saaremaa municipality

In its 8th year, the RUA festival team sailed for the first time—together with the participating artists—to an island. Specifically, from May 19 to 24, the island of Saaremaa became the canvas for this year's festival.

Artists from eight different countries came together, bringing their artistic visions to life in public spaces across the island. As has become tradition, one local artist (from Saaremaa) and one from Ukraine were part of the participating artists. In total, more than ten artists transformed empty walls into works of art, scattering murals across towns and villages of Saaremaa—Kuressaare, Kärla, Salme, Lümanda, Orissaare, Valjala, Kaali, and Kärneri.

Though visually versatile, each mural carries a more or less subtle or symbolic thread that ties it back to its location in Saaremaa. These new artworks now live on, brightening the walls of an animal shelter, a youth center, multiple schools and apartment buildings.

The participating artists took warm memories with them from the island. In addition to the memories of artistic creation, these include smoked garfish gifted by the local bus driver Maidu, school children singing in the rain to express their gratitude to the artists, curious eyes peeking around corners, and sweets gifted by local kids. The islanders gave the entire festival team and artists a warm and heartfelt welcome on Saaremaa.

Artists and locations of the artworks:
Francisco Fonseca (Portugal) · Pargi 3, Kärla
Ed Hicks (United Kingdom) · Kaali School, Kaali
Jens Stentoft (Denmark) · Salme Basic School, Salme
Maria Björklund (Finland) · Animal shelter, Kalevi 1b, Kuressaare
Kadi Grass (Estonia) · Pöide School, Kärneri
Pidžin (Lithuania) · Valjala youth center, Posti 39, Valjala
Williann (France) · Aleviku 1 shed, Lümanda
Hanna Davydova (Ukraine) · Mändjala bus stop, Mändjala
Riivo Suave (Estonia/USA) · Kuivastu põik 1, Orissaare
Uneg (Mexico) · Orissaare sports hall, Orissaare
Kirsi-Maria Raunio (Finland) · Instructor of the youth camp, Valjala teenuskeskus, Posti tn 15, Valjala

Sponsors:
Sadolin Estonia, Saaremaa municipality, Color Expert, Fere OÜ, Cultural Endowment of Estonia Saaremaa branch, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Estonia, MTÜ Võimalus, MTÜ Mondo, Saarte Koostöökogu MTÜ.

Koostööpartnerid:
Prindiviis, Weprint, Öun Drinks, Pöide Brewery, Color Expert, Ramirent, Spekter, Olerex, Arensburg Boutique Hotel & Spa, Pihtla Brewery.

The youth camp was carried with the financial support of MTÜ Mondo and Saarte Koostöökogu MTÜ.

Photos: Ott Rõngas

Before photos of the walls:

Sponsors / Partners of 2025: