Latvia/ 3.4 International cultural co-operation  

3.4.1 Overview of main structures and trends

The main institutional structures involved in the processes of international cultural co-operation are The Ministry of Culture, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Latvian Institute.

"The Cultural Policy Guidelines 2006 – 2015" set the vision for the development of Latvian international co-operation:

• sustainable cultural exchange, based on co-operation projects and co-productions, thus furthering the professionalism of cultural operators, and encouraging creativity and excellence in all cultural branches;
• increase in the recognition and competitiveness of Latvian cultural products; and
• Latvia as active participant and contributor to the cultural processes in the EU and the wider international community.

In recent years, the Ministry of Culture has developed large bilateral cooperation programmes – representative festivals: "L'éttonante Lettonie" (Latvian Cultural Days in France, 2005), "En Printemps Français" (French Cultural Days in Latvia, 2007), German Cultural Month (2008), Latvian Cultural Season in Russia (2007-2008) and Russian Cultural Season in Latvia (2008).

The Ministry of Culture has signed agreements with several non-governmental organisations (The Latvian Literature Centre, The Music Information Centre, The New Theatre Institute of Latvia, Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art etc.) delegating to these institutions the organisation of Latvia's representation at big international events such as the Venice Biennial of Art, Venice Biennial of Architecture, San Paulo Biennial of Art, MIDEM, Frankfurt Book Fair etc. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the Foreign policy guidelines (2006 – 2010), indicates that culture is one of the main resources and most effective instruments in establishing a positive image for the state. The guidelines point out that Latvia must develop a network of cultural attachés in those countries that are of strategic importance in terms of co-operation.

The Latvian Institute (http://www.li.lv/) int. al. offers special assistance to international journalists, editors, producers, researchers and other professionals.

Considerable international cultural co-operation is also undertaken in the non-governmental sector in Latvia. Individuals and organisations co-operate through networks, co-operation projects as well as through personal contacts.

See also  chapter 3.4.2.

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