Latvia’s Honorary Consuls to the U.S. Establish an Organization to Support Art Museums in Latvia

Latvia’s Honorary Consul in Vermont Daris Dēliņš and Latvia’s Honorary Consul in Pennsylvania John Medveckis together with artist Vija Celmiņš have established American Friends of the Latvian National Museum Inc. (“American Friends”). The organization facilitates donations by U.S. taxpayers to foster awareness and support the work of the Latvian National Museum of Art and similar cultural organizations in Latvia.

Daris Dēliņš, President and CEO of the organization says: “We are delighted that there will now be an easy and tax-efficient way for people and organizations in the United States to donate money that will help develop and foster the work of some of the most important cultural institutions in Latvia.” The idea to create the organization was born when the founders hosted a lunch for the Minister of Culture of Latvia at the Whitney Museum in New York. Now, two years later, and with the generous financial assistance of John Medveckis and Vija Celmiņš, the legal incorporation work has been completed and the organization is open to accepting donations. 

American Friends mandate is to support work dedicated to the collection, preservation, and dissemination of artworks and other materials of artistic, historic, academic, and cultural relevance in all mediums at the Latvian National Museum of Art and similar cultural organizations in Latvia. Donations can be made by check or via PayPal or wire transfer. In certain circumstances, it may be possible to donate works of art if, after evaluating their cultural-historical and artistic significance, they are in compliance with the recipient museum’s collection policy.

The Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA) is the largest repository of professional art in Latvia, and occupies an important place in the accumulation, preservation, and promotion of cultural values ​​in Latvia and abroad. The structure of the Latvian National Art Museum includes the main building of the Latvian National Art Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, the Art Museum RIGA BOURSE, as well as the Museum of Romans Suta and Aleksandra Belcova.

The Embassy is proud of this initiative and grateful to John Medveckis, Daris Dēliņš and Vija Celmiņš for their generous support to Latvian art and culture.

For more information about the organization please visit their website: www.americanfriendslatvianmuseum.org

Press contact: Daris Delins This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.