ELIA Congratulates Hilkka Hiiop as the New EKA Rector

Photo by Evert Palmets 

ELIA warmly congratulates Hilkka Hiiop on her appointment as Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), starting in April 2025.  

Jüri Kermik, Chairman of the Rector’s Election Committee, said: “The new EKA Rector is a person who knows the Academy of Arts in depth. As a collective, we are excited to see how the new Rector will develop the already high-ranking academy to new heights.” 

Hilkka Hiiop has been the Dean of the EKA Faculty of Art and Culture since 2021. Hiiop is a professor in the Academy’s Department of Heritage Preservation and Conservation.  

On 4 April 2025, she will take up office and succeed Mart Kalm, who will be stepping down as Rector although continuing his duties with the Academy. 

ELIA has worked closely over the years with Mart Kalm, who currently serves as a member of ELIA's Executive Group and Representative Board. During his term as Rector, EKA hosted the ELIA Leadership Symposium 2022 in Tallinn.  All of us at ELIA wish Hilkka every success in her new role!