We are happy to invite youth, artists and others to take part in the creative contest “In the Heart of the Elements”, which highlights the connection between humans and nature through the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.*

*Ether – love, the unifying and all-encompassing reality that connects the four elements.

The best works will be awarded and featured on 15 August as part of the stage production and decorations of the MEELTE VIDEVIK festival with Kristjan Järvi.

From sun to sun, an ancient Estonian twilight ritual is born. The rustling of the forest, the crackling of a campfire, and dreamlike light landscapes intertwine into a journey where every sound, touch, scent, and light reveals presence and connection within nature, creativity, and hope.


Categories:

Music and spoken word arts: poetry, song, incantation, runic song, recitation, play, ritual
Dance and movement arts: choreography, improvisation, stage movement
Art, crafts and (re)design: painting, photography, graphics, sculpture, works and design created from recycled or nature-friendly materials
Media: podcast, short film, community story, discussion opening up the meaning of the elements in our lives

Contest conditions:

  • Register for the competition HERE. Registration is required to gain access to our platform where works can be uploaded.
  • The competition is evaluated in three groups: youth, adults, and collectives.
  • All works are submitted on the Birdwave platform in the relevant space as a video of up to 3 minutes, where the author introduces or performs their work. For foreign-language works, an Estonian translation must be provided by the participant.
  • Works can be submitted until 7 July 2026.
  • Each participant may submit one work in one or several element rounds.

The elements are:

🌍 EARTH
💧 WATER
🌬️ AIR
🔥 FIRE
🌀 ETHER (love and all four elements together)

  • The use of AI in creative work is not allowed.
  • Evaluation will consider originality, interpretation of the theme, clarity and impact of the message, as well as artistic execution and overall coherence. Results are final and not subject to appeal.

Jury members: Kristjan Järvi, Anu Raud, Toomas Trapido, Kairi Emanuel, Alex Aus, Birgid Täht.

  • Participants under 18 must have parental consent.
  • By submitting a work, the participant grants the organizer the right to use it freely in public space: publish it online and display it at exhibitions.
  • Audience favourites will be selected on the Birdwave Instagram page.
  • The number of participants is limited.
  • Participation and access to the Birdwave platform is ensured by a participation fee:

Youth (13–18 years): €10
Adult: €25
Collective*: €55
*family, class, course, colleagues, group, etc.

We want creative expression to be accessible to everyone. If you wish to participate but are unable to pay the participation fee at the moment, please contact us at linnulaine@gmail.com. We will find a solution together.

The participation fee supports the prize fund, public presentation of creative projects, and marketing.

Recipient: Linnulaine MTÜ
Account number: EE984204278631293205
Payment reference: “In the Heart of the Elements” + participant or collective name and email address
Option to pay via invoice is also available. Please request an invoice at linnulaine@gmail.com

We will send more detailed competition information to registered participants.

PURPOSE

Our goal is to broaden participants’ awareness of the connection between humans and nature, provide opportunities for creative self-expression and community activity, and create a safe and environmentally conscious celebration culture.

Participation provides the opportunity to:

  • be part of an inspiring creative community and virtual creative environment where different art forms and people meet;
  • create and share your work in a safe and supportive environment;
  • reach a wider audience — the best works will be presented at the Meelte Videvik festival and on Birdwave’s social media platforms;
  • contribute to the spread of mental well-being and nature culture.

OUTCOMES

As a result of the competition, the following will be created:

  • element-inspired creative works
  • audiovisual media content on the Birdwave platform
  • social media (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) coverage
  • unique works for the final event of the competition and the Meelte Videvik festival

👉 The competition is based on the citizens’ initiative “Earth Day as a national peace holiday.”
Learn more and support the initiative HERE.

🌎 Let's be the voice of nature together!

Poster authors: Kadri Eliise Eensaar & Mari Viiard

The name of the creative competition originates from the eponymous play by French playwright Pierre-Alain Duffait.