About

Facts and Figures

7 Years of operation
71 Exhibitions in total
57 Exhibitions in Estonia
- 24 extensive documentary photography exhibitions at the Documentary Photo Centre
- 9 exhibitions across Estonia: Viljandi (2), Tartu (2), Narva, Paide, Haapsalu, Pärnu (2)
- 5 outdoor exhibitions in different districts of Tallinn: Mustamäe, Õismäe, Northern Tallinn, Lasnamäe, Nõmme
- 20 digital exhibitions on the screen of Solaris Centre’s Atrium
14 Exhibitions outside Estonia
- 12 cities: London, Budapest, New York, Paris, Tampere (2x), Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Sofia, Bucharest, Saint Petersburg, Tokyo
1 Virtual Exhibition
- + supporting educational materials. The exhibition and materials are in Estonian and English.
170+ Photographers and Artists
- have participated in Documentary Photo Centre’s Exhibitions
50+ Events in the audience program
40+ Meetings with school groups
120 + Sold photos over the past 4 years
1 Order
- In 2023 French National Order of Knighthood of Arts and Letters (L’ordre des Arts et des Lettres) was presented to Kristel Laur, head of the Documentary Photo Centre
1 Golden Egg Design Award
- In 2018 for corporate branding of Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre
30+ Cooperation partners related to exhibitions
6 Dignified and socially sensitive permanent supporters

Mission

The Documentary Photo Centre is dedicated to supporting the value and development of documentary photography in Estonia and to introducing Estonian documentary photography to the world.

Our mission is to bring together photographers and audiences who, through the medium of documentary photography, tell and experience stories that inspire, enrich, engage, and transform lives.

We believe that influencial documentary photography broadens perspectives, deepens understanding, increases empathy, creates connections, encourages collaboration, and motivates us to seek solutions to challenges.

A special focus of our work is the preservation and presentation of the legacy of Juhan Kuus.

Strategic Goals

Dokfoto Keskus focuses on topics that have a strong impact on humankind and that develop the sphere of documentary photography.

A good documentary photo can make people see what’s going on in society, help them understand it better, increase empathy, encourage cooperation, bridge the gap between differences and motivate people to find solutions to challenges.

Juhan Kuus

Juhan Kuus is a world-renowned documentary photographer of Estonian origin who lived and worked in South Africa. Many of his works and photographic essays have touched people and encouraged them to take action. Kuus believed that documentary photography has an important role to play. When asked why he chose this field, he replied: “I hold up a mirror to society. I tell my compatriots: ‘This is you unrestrained; this is how I see you’.” Kuus hoped that his works might also inspire or influence people in Estonia to take up documentary photography as well as make them look for solutions to the problems depicted in the photos. He also wanted us to recognise and acknowledge what we look like as people, as recognition is the start of many things, including change.

After Kuus’ sudden death and because of his wish to have his personal photo archive preserved in Estonia, we established a fund to safeguard his legacy. Its public branch is called the Juhan Kuusi Dokfoto Keskus.

Main Activities of the Centre

Exhibitions in Estonia and on the international market

Educational programmes and development activities:
— for professionals
— for amateurs

Photo projects initiated and carried out by the centre

Sale of documentary photos

Our DNA

Dokfoto Keskus values documentary photos that display a balance between stories about topics that are important to humankind and the individual creative ambitions of the photographer.

The centre develops documentary photography that supports progressive change, amplifies voices, promotes human dignity and gender equality, creates respect between people and breaks barriers to help understand and shine the spotlight on social justice.

It is important to the centre to reach different target groups and cooperate with them in creating and sharing the values of documentary photography.

Dokfoto Keskus works at the local, regional and international levels.

The centre is also involved in cooperation projects in different disciplines and forms of art so as to create new quality and better results.

The centre focuses separately on activities with Estonian documentary photographers and young people, as cooperation between professionals and the inclusion and education of young people support the development and appreciation of the field at the local and international levels.

Member of the Documentary Photography Club

We welcome both photographers and photography enthusiasts who love documentary photography. Documentary Photography Club helps to unite people interested in documentary photography, offering experiences and opportunities for meetings, trainings, lectures and socialization.

Why join?

– Free exhibition visits at the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre, discount ticket for a companion;
– Discount tickets for exhibitions organized by the Documentary Photo Centre in cooperation with partners outside our Centre;
– Invitations to the openings of the Documentary Photo Centre exhibitions;
– Advance information and invitations to events organized by the Documentary Photo Centre;
– Free of charge or at discounted prices: trainings, seminars, workshops, audience programs, meetings with photographers / curators, film evenings and other events;
– You are our valued partner and supporter, from whom we might ask for advice in our activities.
– You help to influence and develop the field of Estonian documentary photography.

How to join?

Send us a letter (klubi@dokfoto.ee) with a wish to become a Member of the Documentary Photo Centre Club.

Add to letter:
* your first and last name
* connection or interest in photography or documentary photography

Membership will be activated when the member’s annual fee 25 €) is received. Please transfer 20 € to the current account of MTÜ Juhan Kuusi Fond: EE852200221064227459 Swedbank.

Write as the explanation: CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEE. If your membership fee is paid by the company, we will issue an invoice if needed.

A Member of the Documentary Photo Centre is asked to be prepared to present an identity card at the ticket sales counter.

Photographers

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have ideas you would like to implement with Dokfoto Keskus.

We also welcome pro-active people who are prepared to think about and help us develop and carry out our activities.

KRISTEL AIMEE LAUR

kristel@dokfoto.ee
+372 522 2422

Support the Documentary Photo Centre

It takes a village to develop and sustain the Documentary Photo Centre

If you feel compelled to support our goals and mission, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we will find a solution that best suits you or your organisation.

The Juhan Kuus Foundation seeks support to implement various educational programs at the Documentary Photo Centre for professionals, enthusiasts, and photography lovers alike. We also need help preparing for the Centre’s photography projects and exhibitions, as well as caring for and promoting the Juhan Kuus archive and his work in Estonia and abroad.

Since 2022, we have been listed as a non-profit organization eligible for income tax benefits. This means that donations made by our supporters are tax-deductible to some extent, providing you with a unique opportunity to support a worthy cause while also benefiting from tax savings. More information can be found here.

Drop a fiver or become a regular supporter!

NPO Juhan Kuusi Fond, bank account number: EE852200221064227459, SWEDBANK
Do a good deed!
Contribute to the donation box located at the Documentary Photo Centre.
We are happy to publish the names of donors in our annual report and on this website. Please let us know if a donor prefers not to have their name disclosed.

The Juhan Kuus Foundation is committed to adhering to best practices in donation management. We assure you that your contributions will be used responsibly and effectively to further our mission and support our programs.

More information can be found on the Hea Kodanik page.

Charitable Contribution

The Documentary Photo Centre also contributes to charity by supporting and inspiring specific social groups through its activities.

FREE ENTRY FOR STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

The Documentary Photo Centre is, to our knowledge, the only cultural institution in Estonia that charges admission but offers free access to exhibitions for this age group. We are committed to continuing this approach, as we believe that the Centre’s exhibitions play an important role in young people’s development, helping them reflect on various topics, deepen their understanding, and cultivate empathy. Teachers are also welcome to visit exhibitions with their classes free of charge.
SENIORS

Our goal is to offer meaningful, inspiring, and social ways for seniors to spend their free time.

“A Better Sunday” takes place on the last Sunday of each month. On this day, entry is free for both visitors when accompanied by a senior. The aim is to bring different generations together through cultural experiences.

For two years, our pilot programme “Morning Photo Sessions for Seniors” was part of the “I Love to Help” charity initiative. During the pandemic, we created an alternative called “Virtual Photo Mornings for Seniors.”
PEOPLE WITH LIMITED FINANCIAL MEANS

Through the “Better Sunday” initiative, all members of society can benefit by visiting with a senior companion. This means at least 12 free admission days per year, offering access to all exhibitions at the Documentary Photo Centre free of charge.

ADDITIONAL DAILY FREE ADMISSION:

VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR COMPANIONS
WAR REFUGEES

Contacts

KRISTEL LAUR
Co-Director of Documentary Photo Centre, Curator, Designer, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Juhan Kuus Foundation NPO

kristel@dokfoto.ee
+372 522 2422

TOOMAS JÄRVET
Co-Director of Documentary Photo Centre, Curator, Marketer, Co-Founder and Member of the board of the Juhan Kuus Foundation NPO

toomas@dokfoto.ee
+372 501 0777

JUTA SAADRE
Volunteer, Assistant

AARI LEMMIK
Volunteer, consultant, translator and editor

aari@dokfoto.ee

JUHAN KUUS DOCUMENTARY PHOTO CENTRE (JUHAN KUUSI FOND NPO)

LOCATION OF ACTIVITIES

Telliskivi 60a/5, ground floor, Tallinn 10412

REGISTERED ADDRESS, use also for mail

Tuuleveski 24a, Tallinn 10618
Registrikood: 80398577
Swedbank EE852200221064227459

Contacts

Co-Director of Documentary Photo Centre, Curator, Marketer, Co-Founder and Member of the board of the Juhan Kuus Foundation NPO

toomas@dokfoto.ee
+372 501 0777

Co-Director of Documentary Photo Centre, Curator, Designer, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Juhan Kuus Foundation NPO

kristel@dokfoto.ee
+372 522 2422

Volunteer, Assistant

Volunteer — consultant, translator and editor

aari@dokfoto.ee

LOCATION OF ACTIVITIES

Telliskivi 60a/5, ground floor, Tallinn 10412

REGISTERED ADDRESS, use also for mail

Juhan Kuusi Fond NPO,

Tuuleveski 24a, Tallinn 10618

Reg.Code: 80398577
Swedbank EE852200221064227459

Testimonials

Having observed the centre’s activities over its operating period, I am filled with tremendous gratitude for all they have accomplished with its modest means. The numerous excellent exhibitions and collaborative projects, inspiring meetings, and discussions.

The centre plays a vital role in the landscape of visual culture by valuing photographic heritage, introducing the works of both classic and young photographers, and developing international contacts. By enriching our memory through diverse reflections of life, the selected exhibitions, photos, and meetings highlight humane values, a positive attitude towards life, tolerance, and an intolerance of violence during challenging times.

Using the contemporary photo lab set up by Documentary Photo Centre also provides a unique opportunity. This lab helps rediscover the secrets of analogue photography in the digital age and creates new values in today’s context.

Peeter Langovits

Photographer

Each visit to this small yet powerful photo centre has significantly broadened my worldview. The dedication, discerning taste, meticulousness, and passion of its creators, who personally share their discoveries during curator-led tours, substantially enrich Tallinn’s and Estonia’s cultural landscapes. Notably, the legacy of Juhan Kuus is preserved not just through a memorial plaque or online articles but through a vibrant living centre. It provides visitors with precious moments to reflect, understand, explore, admire, and marvel—celebrating the photographers who freeze time for us while offering a platform for documentary photographers to exhibit their work. This, I believe, is vital.

Külli Teetamm

Actress

The Documentary Photo Centre has become a mecca for art and photography and collaboration among artists, institutions, countries, and artistic expressions. It is led by dedicated individuals who make culture their ambition and art a necessity. It has transformed into more than just a place— a space of possibilities. It transcends individual ownership, belonging instead to a collective consciousness that something greater than ourselves will emerge from our combined efforts. The Documentary Photo Centre represents a human adventure and a journey of thought, continually inspiring all who engage with it.

Éric Bultel

Former Head of the French Institute of Estonia

Every single exhibition by the Documentary Photo Centre manages to surprise both in content and quality. I adore the curators’ outside-the-box thinking, as all the exhibitions have managed to educate and touch emotionally, even though the space is small. The Documentary Photo Centre is much larger than its physical size! I don’t want to miss a single exhibition, as I know I miss something if I do! I usually see one exhibition more than once because I want to take my family and friends along, too, after first witnessing the exhibition by myself.

Henna Mikkila

Travel Influencer

The support and appreciation for photographic art at the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre has been very dear to us, personally and professionally. We believe it has also inspired numerous other photographers and visual artists. The centre’s devotion, creativity, and high artistic standards make its presence felt beyond the confines of the Telliskivi area and Tallinn and extend its influence internationally. Its remarkable ability to connect diverse cultures and countries in a cultural dialogue is vital to Tallinn and Estonia. The Documentary Photo Centre is always a welcoming place to visit, offering a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Jyri Pitkänen & Eveliina Talvitie

Creative partners – Photo Artist & Writer

I am thrilled to have discovered the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre. Each exhibition there is an event in itself, enriching my daily life and work. As a writer searching for moving stories, I find that documentary photography offers a wealth of inspiration. Additionally, I lead a children’s creative writing circle at the Estonian Children’s Literature Center, where we often visit exhibitions. These outings inspire the children to craft stories that seem to emerge effortlessly. Such moments are memorable for the children, helping them learn to perceive the stories around them. Every visit to Dokfoto Keskus feels personalized; their warm and friendly reception makes it seem like they’ve been expecting you that day.

Liis Sein

Playwright and Children’s Author

Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre has contributed more to Estonian photography than all national museums combined—a bold statement, right? But it’s interesting how entities with abundant resources have achieved so little while those with fewer resources, like Documentary Photo Centre, have accomplished so much. The secret lies in their passion for photography, belief in its power, and total dedication to this art.

Documentary Photo Centre has allowed numerous emerging photographers to present their work globally. For these young artists, nothing is as crucial as receiving encouragement and the chance to have their work featured in a gallery. Despite the vast potential of Estonian photographers, major art institutions often focus only on a narrow selection of artists. Documentary Photo Centre commendably broadens this scope, showcasing diverse talents who might otherwise remain unseen. By doing so, it not only introduces fresh perspectives to Estonian photography but also educates audiences, enriches experiences, and enhances the overall cultural landscape of Estonia.”

Kaupo Kikkas

Photographer

I can hardly imagine our art world without the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre anymore; over seven years, it has become indispensable. I mean, I do walk past it as I walk down Telliskivi Street almost every day. But I never miss an exhibition.

Juhan Kuus photographed people; perhaps that’s why the centre named after him is human-scaled. The exhibitions are manageable; they don’t overwhelm with quantity but invigorate with quality. They leave room for deep reflection and engagement. I never leave this centre empty-handed; thoughts and feelings consistently linger longer than just the evening or day I spent viewing an exhibition. Please, do more!

Indrek Koff

Writer and Translator

Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre has been instrumental in the evolution of Estonian photography, particularly in promoting photo-documentary. A decade or more ago, only a few photographers in Estonia were dedicated to long-term, in-depth documentary projects. Today, their numbers are growing, thanks in significant part to the efforts of the Documentary Photo Centre. From its inception, the centre has aimed to elevate the profile of documentary photography. It has not only introduced local audiences to internationally renowned artists but has also organised group exhibitions for Estonian photographers, fostering new and emerging voices in the field.

Marge Monko

Artist and Professor of the Photography Department of the Estonian Academy of Arts

It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre because they genuinely value the work and time of photographers, not treating documentary photography as merely an extravagant hobby—a perspective many documentarians, and indeed all travel photographers, frequently encounter.

Furthermore, the Documentary Photo Centre is one of the most stress-free places to visit, whether for an exhibition, a literary evening, or a meeting with a photographer, because it’s always okay to be yourself there.

Alongside dissecting current issues, I’m also pleased that the Documentary Photo Centre has maintained space for exploring other cultures through documentary photography without constantly seeking out problems and conflicts.

Silvia Pärmann

Travel Writer and Photographer

Read all >

Recognition and Memberships

Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters of France

In November 2023, the French Ambassador, Emmanuel Mignot, presented Kristel Laur, the head of the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre, with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters of France. This prestigious honour recognizes Kristel Laur for her outstanding, dedicated, and high-level contributions to fostering Estonian-French cultural relations in the field of photography.

Golden Egg Award 2018
Awarded for the corporate branding of the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre

Team:

Project Manager: Toomas Järvet
UX Designer: Marta Vatsfeld
Designer: Ilmar Kurvits
Creative Director: Lauri Tikerpe
Organizer: Estonian Marketing Association (TULI)

The Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre is a founding member of the Association of Art Institutions (KAEL). KAEL is a union of Estonian exhibition institutions, art exhibition organizers, and providers of art-related support services.

The association’s mission is to promote collaboration among organizations, advocate for the interests of the sector, and raise public awareness of art.

We are looking for new colleagues!

We welcome active thinkers and doers to help develop and implement the activities of our centre. If you’d like to be part of shaping the future of the Documentary Photo Centre, please do get in touch:

toomas@dokfoto.ee