Culture meets science over a latte

  • 2014-02-05
  • Staff and wire reports

MOVING HOUSE: On a bitterly cold day, thousands of volunteers lined up from the old library to the new, moving the collection into its new home.

RIGA - Riga heads into its second month celebrating its year as capital of European culture. The list goes on and on for activities in the cultural, historical and science spheres, to keep your intellectual and aesthetic juices flowing.
For those who enjoy the full force of Latvia’s frigid winters, there are activities to participate in that are held outdoors. For the rest, who enjoy the warm comfort of staying indoors, there will be plenty on the agenda to keep you challenged.
So, the inaugural events set out in January continue this month, on a course to fulfill Riga’s place as Europe’s Capital of Culture, through its aptly named ‘Force Majeure’ program.

Amber through the Ages exposition
This Museum of Natural History exposition will be the first stop along the Amber Road, a European Capital of Culture museum project. It will throw light on Baltic amber, demonstrating its natural forms, richness of tones and its significance in terms of the world’s amber deposits. It was amber which first created awareness of this region in ancient European cultures.
Jan. 17 – Dec. 31, Museum of Natural History

Christian Boltanski expo at Arsenals
From Jan. 19 till April 20, at the creative workshop of the Latvian National Museum exhibition hall Arsenals, Christian Boltanski will present two excellent and world renowned art projects – the video work ‘In-between times’ (‘Entre Temps’) and the creative research project ‘Heartbeats’ (‘Archives du Coeur’); the making of the heartbeat archive is interactive. Part of the thematic division “Freedom Street,” Boltanski’s personal expo is among the most significant events of the ‘Riga 2014’ opening program. During a press conference in January Boltanski said, jokingly, that “Infants are the best audience for this project – heartbeats is the sound that they hear while being in their mother’s womb, therefore, bring your kids to see this exhibition.” The project is supported by L’Institut francais de Lettonie (French Institute in Latvia).
Jan. 19 - April 20, Creative workshop of the exhibition hall Arsenals

1914 Exhibition
The 1914 exhibition highlights the impact of the First World War on culture, presenting both the works of artists of that period and contemporary interpretations of war by the artists of today. Visitors will not only discover unique photographs and the works of Latvian classical modernism, but also paintings, graphic art and unique examples of sculpture from other countries representing their most prestigious art museums and national galleries.
Jan. 18 – April 20, Arsenals Exhibition hall

Exhibition of Kinetic Art: visionary structures. From Ioganson to Johansons
The exhibition, organized by the Center for Contemporary Art, is an excursion into Latvian avant-garde art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It features the works of seven innovative Latvian artists, providing insights into the experimental, even utopian artistic values of their eras. The exhibition is a dialogue between different time periods, revealing the interconnectedness and continuity in the works of art, each of which belongs to a different era and another ideological epoch.
Jan. 19 to March 16 at the new National Library of Latvia

Carnival of Riga Skijoring fest
A carnival rally that crosses the center of Riga and features skilled demonstrations on the Daugava river’s frozen surface, as well as a show that will be part of the Riga Skijoring fest, introducing the locals and guests of Riga to this unique tradition of motorized winter sports. (The date of the event may change). This is a complex festivity introducing one of the most prominent traditions in the motorized culture for winter enjoyment, where the fest will feature a carnival parade, and a variety of individual and athlete performances.
Feb. 15, at the natural amphitheater on the Daugava river

Science cafes
Science will be highlighted in ‘RigaDot’ project events like the cycle of discussions ‘Science cafes.’ They will offer a chance to meet scientists in person and pose questions for them to address. ‘Science cafes’ discussions are to evolve as free-flowing, informal exchanges of views on the issues of science currently in the public eye. Drawing on cultural heritage as well as emerging innovative elements in science and culture, Project ‘RigaDot’ is envisaged as a series of events to inform the audience about Riga as a creative center of culture and science. This program will feature events like the cycle ‘Science cafes,’ thematic exhibitions, concerts in Nabaklab, and thematic shows on radio Naba.
Feb. 27, at the University of Latvia, Radio ‘Naba,’ Club ‘Nabaklab’


Full schedule at /goto/riga2014.org