A brief history of Latvia and links to useful sites on Latvia's culture -- art, music, science, national symbols, etc.
"Rocks in my Pockets" animation film by Signe Baumane
This animation film, by New York-based Latvian artist Signe Baumane, is nearing the final stages of completion.
Vestnieciba atklaj Evalda Dajevska gleznu izstadi
3.oktobrī Latvijas vēstnieks Andris Razāns atklāja Ēvalda Dajevska gleznu izstādi „Vieta. Māksla. Identitāte”. Izstāde būs apskatāma līdz 18.novembrim.
Riga 2014 - European Capital of Culture
Riga has been selected as Europe's Culture Capital for the year 2014. Throughout 2014 a variety of exciting events will be taking place in Riga, a city that recently celebrated its 810th birthday!
Contemporary Art Exhibit to tour NY, Washington, DC and Chicago - April/May 2012
April 2-20: the National Arts Club of New York; April 26-May 12: Embassy of Latvia; May 18-21: at the Driehaus Museum in Chicago, where it will coincide with the NATO Summit. Detailed info: Contemporary Latvian Painters. Photos of the April 2 Opening in New York here
Animation movie to be shown at Kids Eurofestival
The Latvian children's film "Bear is coming" (Lacis nak) will be shown at the Kids Eurofestival in Washington, DC on October 16.
Explorer/Mekletajs: Photo Installation by Sniedze Rungis at Embassy of Latvia
"Photographic Installation by Sniedze Rungis" will be open daily from September 25 through October 2 at the Embassy of Latvia (2304 Massachusetts Ave., NW). On the final day, Saturday, October 2, the exhibit will be open until 8:00 pm. The project has been supported by the Latvian Foundation Inc.
Riga Dom Boys' Choir performs at Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage
On Friday, June 4, 2010 the Riga Dom Boys' Choir performed at the Kennedy Center. The performance can be viewed at: Boys' Choir performance.
Embassy of Latvia to open its doors - EU Open House - May 8
On Saturday, May 8 visitors will be able to tour the historic building, as well as enjoy the performances of traditional Latvian songs and dances.
Photography exhibit to be part of Euro Week
“Latvian Landscapes: The Road Less Traveled” by Matthew Blongwill be held at 2304 Mass. Ave, NW. Hours: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:00-4:00; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from May 10-28, 2010, 12:00-6:00 pm
Filmas "Rudolfa mantojums" pirmizrade Vasingtona
J.Streiča filmas "Rudolfa mantojums" pirmizrāde notiks š.g.14.janvārī Vašingtonā, DC Avalon Theater. Biļetes varēs iegādāties pie ieejas kīnozālē pirms izrādes.
Movie to be part of Kids Eurofestival in Washington, DC
The Latvian movie "Little Robbers" (Mazie laupītāji) will be shown on November 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Kids Eurofestival. The project director will be in attendance.
Choir from Latvia to perform at Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage
On Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.the Riga Business School choir will be performing at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage in Washington, DC
Global Museum on Communism
The Global Museum on Communism is a portal created to honor victims of communist tyranny and educate future generations about communist atrocities.
Contemporary Latvian Sculpture Exhibit to be part of Europe Week
"Latvian Dimensions: An exhibit of Contemporary Installations and Sculptures" (May 9 - 19, 2009) will be part of "Europe Week" in Washington, DC.
"The Soviet Story" opens in New York - October 24, 2008
"The Soviet Story," Jury Prize Winner at the 2008 Boston Film Festival, will be screened at the Village East Cinema in New York at the end of October.
Performers from Latvia participate in Kids Eurofestival in Washington
Artists Dace and Enrico Pezzoli performed at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on Wednesday, November 12, 2008.
Documentary film "The Soviet Story"
Mr. Edvins Snore, author and director of the documentary "The Soviet Story" was in the US in September 2008 for the US premiere of the film. "The Soviet Story" will be shown in New York from October 24-October 30, 2008.
Vestnieka A.Pildegovica komentars par "Rigas sargi" izradem ASV
Vēstnieka Andrejs Pildegovica vēstule Andrejam Ēķim, par filmas "Rīgas sargi" izrādēm ASV. Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovičs has sent a letter (in Latvian) to the producer of the film "Rīgas sargi."
Baltic Art from Private Collections: May 3-11 and May 16+17, 2008
An exhibitition of Baltic Art from Private Collections will be held May 3-11, and May 16 and 17 at 2304 Massachusetts Ave., NW. The exhibit is being organized as part of the EU's "Europe Week".
Latvian movie "Defenders of Riga" screening in New York in March
The feature-length Latvian movie "Defenders of Riga" will be shown in New York March 17, as well as on March 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. ** Update: A second showing has been added for March 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Film "Rigas sargi" Defenders of Riga in the US
The feature-length film "Rigas sargi," (Defenders of Riga) with English-language subtitles, will be shown in various US cities (including Washington, DC, Boston, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Portland, OR, Chicago, Los Angeles, Kalamazoo) throughout 2008
Latvian Music to be performed at Iowa Festival of Bands
Conductor Janis Purins of Latvia will be conducting at the Northern Festival of Bands at the University of Northern Iowa on February 8th and 9th. A number of pieces by Latvian composers will be performed at the Festival.
Washington Post article on music director Mariss Jansons
On February 3, 2008 the Washington Post's Style section profiled Mariss Jansons, Latvian-born music conductor of Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Conductor Mariss Jansons to conduct at Kennedy Center
Mariss Jansons to conduct Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra at the Kennedy Center on February 3, 2008.
National Costume Exhibit officially opened on Tuesday, October 23
Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former President of the Republic of Latvia, addressed over 200 guests at the opening. The exhibit of 35 Latvian national folk costumes will be at Union Station’s West Hall (50 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC), from October 22 through 9:00 p.m. on November 10 and is open to the public 24 hours. Click here to access video footage of the opening ceremony.
Latvian National Costume exhibit at Washington's Union Station concludes
35 Latvian national costumes were on display at Union Station’s West Hall from October 22 through November 10.
New York Times on "Graphic Modernism From the Baltic to the Balkans, 1910-1935"
October 13 "New York Times" article by Karen Rosenberg on "Graphic Modernism From the Baltic to the Balkans, 1910-1935" exhibit at New York Public Library (Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street). The exhibit continues through January 27, 2008.
Latvian video "Sounds Like Latvia" wins international competition
"Sounds Like Latvia" selected as "Grand Prix" winner in tourism video competition held in the Czech Republic on October 3-4, 2007
"Kabata" Theater actors visit Embassy
The actors visited the Embassy on October 15.
Latvian song festival in the US concludes
XII Latvian Song Festival in the US took place in Indianapolis from July 4-8.
Latvian Poetry to be on display on Metro Buses in Washington, DC
Latvian poems (part of the European Poetry in Motion® Public Arts Project) by 5 poets will appear on Metro Buses in May 2007.
Latest album by post-folk group ILGI places 2nd in World Music Charts
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
Official website of the Ministry of Culture - information on arts, cultural heritage, music, films, libraries, theater, etc.
The Latvian Institute
An organisation mandated to promote a positive image of Latvia both at home and abroad. Illustrated fact sheets about Latvia's culture, identity, history, traditions etc.
History of Latvia: A brief synopsis
History of Latvia in a nutshell.
Latvian Culture Foundation (Latvijas Kulturas fonds)
The aim of the Foundation is to promote culture by chanelling profits from state-administered and private business to various cultural endeavors.
State Culture Capital Foundation (Valsts Kulturkapitala fonds)
Administers competitions, provides grants in the branches of literature, theatre, arts, dance, music, film (all applications must be submitted in Latvian).
Music in Latvia
An overview of Latvian music: composers, groups, genres, recordings.
Virtual Latvian Art Gallery
Paintings, textile art, photographs...
Latvian Folklore
Catalogue of almost all Latvian folk groups, information about Latvian traditional music instruments.
The New Theatre Institute of Latvia
Resource about theatre and dance in Latvia - festivals, events, competitions
Latvian Museums
Website of the Latvian Museum Association. Learn more about various museums in Latvia - not just in Riga, but all regions of Latvia.
Latvian Science
Individual profiles of Latvian scientists, research institutions, and research subjects.
Latvia's People
A virtual encyclopedia: Latvia's people at the turn of the 21st century. Publish your biography yourself...