Latvian Museum Association's Annual Award 2021 Nominee: "Play the Museum!"

The Latvian Museum Association's Annual Award 2021 is presented for the twelfth year. Museum offerings and work of 2020 were shaped by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each nominee for the LMA Annual Award 2021 was distinguished by professionalism, quality, sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and public involvement. We are pleased to introduce the Latvian National Museum of Art's nominee for the LMA Annual Award— the educational program "Play the Museum!"

"Play the Museum!" is an engaging, interactive experience for schoolchildren at the Art Museum RIGA BOURSE. Regardless of age, the first visit to a museum and the experience gained during that visit is crucial, as it creates lasting impressions that influence whether one wants to return. "Play the Museum!" offers the first visit as a creative, engaging, educational, and practical activity that stays in memory with smiles, discoveries, and opportunities for self-expression. While playing, children learn the complex museum structure and gain an understanding of the museum’s operations and its role in society. This type of activity is unique in Latvia and is an excellent contribution to art and cultural history education.

Jury's comment: “The essence of the program educates and encourages participation, allowing one to understand the specific work of museum employees and presents its invisible side in an engaging way with participant involvement. The jury recommends to develope the program to allow children with special needs to participate as well.”

Project managers: Lilita Pudule, Sandra Ķempele