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Signe KiviEstonian textile artist, politician and statesman
Date of Birth: 24.02.1957
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
- Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
- Education and Artistic Career
- Political Engagement
- Minister of Culture
- Parliament and Other Positions
- Current Political Role
- Personal Life
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Signe Kivi was born on February 24, 1957, in Tallinn, Estonia. Her mother, Urve Buschmann, was a renowned folklorist who instilled in Signe a deep appreciation for Estonian cultural heritage.
Education and Artistic Career
In 1984, Signe Kivi graduated from the Estonian State Art Institute with a degree in textile design and fashion modeling. She became an artist for "Kodu," a folk art collective, and later worked for "Ars," an art fund in Tallinn. From 1988, she taught at the Estonian State Art Institute, where she later became a professor and head of the textile department.
Political Engagement
In 1990, Signe Kivi was elected as a member of the Estonian Congress, where she worked on restoring the Union of Estonian Women. In 1999, she joined the Estonian Reform Party and was appointed Minister of Culture in the government of Mart Laar.
Minister of Culture
As Minister of Culture, Signe Kivi played a pivotal role in promoting Estonian culture and sports. She also served as chair of the Council for Cultural Affairs and the Estonian Sports Council. In 2002, she resigned from her post due to misappropriation of funds within the country's cultural foundation.
Parliament and Other Positions
Following her resignation, Signe Kivi served as a member of the Tallinn City Council and was elected to the Riigikogu, the Estonian Parliament, in 2003. From 2005 to 2015, she was Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts. In 2017, she became Director of the Tartu Art Museum.
Current Political Role
In 2019, Signe Kivi was elected to the Riigikogu for a second time and now serves as a member of the Committee on Culture. She is also a council member of the National Library of Estonia.
Personal Life
Signe Kivi is married to Kalju Kivi, a former art director. She has two sons and two step-sons, as well as six grandchildren.
