Elke-Liisa Lõhmus: Building Bridges Between Cultures and Empowering Artists, A Visionary Curator Joins Nordic Artists of New York

As a key collaborator with Nordic Artists of New York (NANY), and the curator of NY Estonian House, Lõhmus is not just organizing events; she's building bridges between cultures and empowering artists to thrive.

From Performer to Entrepreneur: The Birth of Liderway

Lõhmus's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. From her early days as a classical piano prodigy in Rakvere, Estonia, to her emergence as "Listonia," the first Estonian woman to break into hip-hop on national radio, she has consistently defied expectations. Her performance career has taken her from New York's SOB's to Atlanta's A3C festival, and she has collaborated with iconic artists like DMX and Popcaan.

But Lõhmus's vision extended beyond the stage. Witnessing the challenges faced by fellow musicians, particularly in the complex world of sync licensing, she founded Liderway Entertainment, a creative booking agency and publishing company, in 2020. Liderway, born from a "human-first" philosophy, empowers artists by providing fair representation and opportunities for growth. The name itself, derived from her mother's maiden name (Lider) and her commitment to fostering confidence, reflects her core values.

Curating Culture, Connecting Communities

Lõhmus's role as curator of the New York Estonian House has further solidified her position as a cultural leader. She believes that live, niche-driven events are more vital than ever in an increasingly digital world. "Niche is the new mainstream," she asserts, emphasizing the power of authentic, unrepeatable experiences to connect people with their heritage and with each other.

Her approach to talent selection is rooted in authenticity. While she values flexibility, she prioritizes artists who remain true to themselves. Her diverse roster, which includes Lithuanian kanklės player Simona Smirnova and New Orleans DJ Bird, reflects her commitment to cultural "razzmatazz," a vibrant blend of traditions and influences.

A Champion of "Human Creators First"

Lõhmus is a vocal advocate for the rights of artists in the evolving entertainment landscape. She embraces technological advancements but firmly believes that nothing can replace the human touch. She supports initiatives like ASCAP's "Human Creators First" and the U.S. Copyright Office's clarification that copyright protects human authors, recognizing the importance of safeguarding artistic expression in the age of AI.

Joining Forces with NANY

Lõhmus's collaboration with Nordic Artists of New York is a natural extension of her mission to empower artists and foster cultural exchange. NANY, founded in 2024, is dedicated to uniting, elevating, and inspiring Nordic and Baltic artists in New York City. It provides a platform for collaboration, resource sharing, and the creation of partnerships that bridge the gap between art and environmental action.

"Nordic Artist of New York, aligns with my views and vision to be part of a team that brings local artists, filmmakers, and composers to the forefront, providing a continual resource for grants and future opportunities. It’s much needed." She says.

True North and Beyond

Lõhmus's involvement in True North 2025, NANY's flagship Earth Day event, promises to be a powerful demonstration of her curatorial vision. Held at the historic New York Estonian House on April 22, 2025, True North will be an immersive experience showcasing a diverse range of Nordic and Baltic talent, including music, dance, visual arts, and multidisciplinary collaborations. The event will also highlight local environmental initiatives, reflecting the shared values of NANY and its artists.

For audiences, True North offers a chance to experience the vibrant tapestry of Nordic and Baltic culture, curated by a visionary leader. For Lõhmus, it's an opportunity to continue building bridges, empowering artists, and shaping the future of the cultural landscape. Looking forward Elke is exited to showcase the New York Estonian House as the venue for NANY's first ever showcase event: True North. "It's a perfect place to bring all the Nordic and Baltic talents and community together, and I'm honored to be part of the collaboration" she adds.

Don't miss True North 2025 on April 22, 2025, at the New York Estonian House. Learn more about NANY's mission and events at www.nordicartistsofnewyork.com.

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