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Latvia - Profile UpdatesLatvia/ 2. Competence, decision-making and administration
2.1 Organisational structure (organigram)
A new model of state cultural policy coordination in the regions was implemented in 2009.Latvia/ 2.4 International cultural co-operation
2.4.2 Public actors and cultural diplomacy
A programme of cultural cooperation 2009-2011 between Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia was signed to improve cooperation on the regional level.Latvia/ 3. General objectives and principles of cultural policy
3.1 Main elements of the current cultural policy model
Riga and other municipalities are focusing on cultural development being central to the critical strategy for city development, although in 2009 spending is down 20-40% due to the recession.Latvia/ 3. General objectives and principles of cultural policy
3.1 Main elements of the current cultural policy model
The number of state agencies in the cultural sector will be reduced from 17 to 11. Several will lose their autonomy, while others will be amalgamated. Municipalities will gain responsibility for amateur art, cultural education and some professional art institutions.Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
Bankruptcies are expected following the raising of VAT to 21% (from 5%) for the books and tourism sectors. The press lobbied successfully for a reduced rate of 10% for their own sector.Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
Riga and other municipalities are focusing on cultural development being central to the critical strategy for city development, although in 2009 spending is down 20-40% due to the recession.Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
The budget of the Ministry of Culture in 2009 decreased by 19.45% (by 34% when EU funds and National Library funding are excluded). The State Culture Capital Foundation budget was reduced by 45.9%.Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.2.1 Cultural minorities, groups and communities
Guidelines for Social Integration Policy 2010-2019 promotes the Latvian language among non-citizens, enhances intercultural dialogue and secures development of minority cultures.
Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.2.1 Cultural minorities, groups and communities
A debate has arisen in 2009 over the future operation of minority schools, with a suggestion that they could be transforming into multifunctional centres for minority culture and education.
Latvia/ 4.2 Recent policy issues and debates
4.2.4 Social cohesion and cultural policies
A Report on opportunities offered by the EU Structural Funds for culture 2007-2013 estimates 38.7 million EUR investments.
Latvia/ 4.2 Recent policy issues and debates
4.2.4 Social cohesion and cultural policies
Analyses of cultural sector issues such as consumption, participation, access, diversity are provided in recent studies.Latvia/ 4.2 Recent policy issues and debates
4.2.7 Employment policies for the cultural sector
Remuneration for public lending to copyright owners was decreased in 2009 from 10% to 5%, impacting on incomes of writers and translators.Latvia/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.3 Other relevant issues and debates
Construction of the National Library was started in 2008 and will require 163.7 million EUR over the next 5 years. However, work on the new museum and concert hall has stalled.
Latvia/ 5.1 General legislation
5.1.5 Tax laws
Bankruptcies are expected following the raising of VAT to 21% (from 5%) for the books and tourism sectors. The press lobbied successfully for a reduced rate of 10% for their own sector.Latvia/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation
5.3.8 Mass media
The Law on Electronic Media is in the preparation phase.Latvia/ 7. Cultural institutions and new partnerships
7.2 Status/role and development of major cultural institutions
The number of state agencies in the cultural sector will be reduced from 17 to 11. Several will lose their autonomy, while others will be amalgamated. Municipalities will gain responsibility for amateur art, cultural education and some professional art institutions.Latvia/ 8.2 Cultural consumption and participation
8.2.1 Trends and figures
Analyses of cultural sector issues such as consumption, participation, access, diversity are provided in recent studies.Latvia/ 8.2 Cultural consumption and participation
8.2.1 Trends and figures
In the past decade the number of films produced in Latvia increased, while cinemas decreased dramatically.Latvia/ 8.2 Cultural consumption and participation
8.2.1 Trends and figures
"FilmBus" has been launched to screen animated films for children free of charge in all over Latvia.Latvia/ 8.3 Arts and cultural education
8.3.1 Arts education
Despite arts education being a priority, public subsidies for teachers at primary and secondary arts education level was reduced by about 70% in 2009.
Council of Europe/ERICarts, "Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe, 11th edition", 2010
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