Latvia : Profile updates - Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe

Latvia - Profile Updates

Latvia/ 3. Competence, decision-making and administration

3.2 Overall description of the system

Since 2011, the Ministry of Culture is responsible for integration.

Latvia/ 3.4 International cultural co-operation

3.4.2 Public actors and cultural diplomacy

Latvian projects benefited from the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture.

Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate

4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities

2011 changes in VAT had negative impact on the cultural sector.

4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.3 Cultural/creative industries: policies and programmes

Reports available on the "Creative Industries in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania" for 2010 and 2011.

4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate

4.2.4 Cultural diversity and inclusion policies

New Consultative Council for the Creative Industries formed at the Ministry of Culture.

Latvia/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.5 Language issues and policies

Language Shore is an international language technology project related to lesser used languages.

4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.5 Language issues and policies

New National Identity, Civil Society and Community Integration Guidelines 2012-2018.

4.2 Recent policy issues and debates

4.2.6 Media pluralism and content diversity

Riga Central Library opened a branch in Brasa Prison in Riga as part of an integration project.

Latvia/ 4.2 Recent policy issues and debates

4.2.6 Media pluralism and content diversity

The economic crisis is changing the face of the media industry.

4.2 Recent policy issues and debates

4.2.6 Media pluralism and content diversity

Concern about possible growing media concentration has arisen over the resale of one of the main TV companies.

4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.7 Intercultural dialogue: actors, strategies, programmes

Policy guidelines adopted for the electronic communication sector 2011-2016.

4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates

4.2.9 Employment policies for the cultural sector

Salaries in the cultural sector continue to decline, with 15% needing more than one job.

Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate

4.3 Other relevant issues and debates

Large cultural buildings planned for Riga have been cancelled but Riga Congress Centre will be reconstructed for Riga 2014.

5.1 General legislation

5.1.4 Social security frameworks

Working group to be established for the development of legislation on artists' social security.

Latvia/ 5.2 Legislation on culture

A new Law on Archives came into force in 2011 followed by major reforms.

Latvia/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation

5.3.6 Film, video and photography

The new Law on Film defines the distribution and protection of audiovisual heritage.

6.2 Public cultural expenditure

6.2.2 Public cultural expenditure broken down by level of government

In 2010 municipalities spent 37.4% less on culture, recreation and religion than in 2008.

Latvia/ 8.3 Arts and cultural education

8.3.1 Institutional overview

From 2011, a new Centre is responsible for education policy and art education in schools.

Latvia/ 8.3 Arts and cultural education

8.3.1 Institutional overview

State subsidies for cultural education in 2011 have been reduced by about 40% from 2008.

Latvia/ 8.4 Amateur arts, cultural associations and civil initiatives

8.4.2 Cultural houses and community cultural clubs

Numerous cultural houses have benefited from EU Structural Funds.

8.4 Amateur arts, cultural associations and civil initiatives

8.4.2 Cultural houses and community cultural clubs

Cultural houses have decreased by 58% in Riga and 39% outside Riga between 1990 and 2010.

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