Estonian Academy of Arts

Located in the capital city, Tallinn, Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) is an active study and research institution and the leading national centre of innovation in visual culture. Nearly 1,100 students are currently enrolled at the Estonian Academy of Arts and are taught by 89 professors, associate professors, teachers and lecturers from Estonia and abroad. Studies take place in small groups of carefully selected students, and the Estonian Academy of Arts prides itself on the low student-to-professor ratio. Its practice-based Fashion, Textile, and Accessory Design curricula have a specific focus on design for sustainability. The first research lab established in EKA is the Sustainable Design and Material Lab at the Estonian Academy of Arts (SDML) - a cross-disciplinary research center that connects design-led research and experiential learning while bringing together students, researchers, practitioners and companies.
SDML principal research areas are:

• developing circular design solutions in the field of textiles and fashion (upcycling, recycling)
• sustainable biobased materials development and design.