Art Museum RIGA BOURSE launches the project “Community Engagement in the Interpretation of the LNMA Asian Art Collection”
The Art Museum RIGA BOURSE, a structural unit of the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA), has launched the project Community Engagement in the Interpretation of the LNMA Asian Art Collection (No. PMIF/13.3./2025/1/10). The aim of the project is to promote the integration of citizens from South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia living in Latvia and to strengthen intercultural dialogue by utilising the museum as a platform for co-creation and participation. The project is implemented within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021–2027 programming period.
The project is based on the principles of inclusive and participatory museology, in which representatives of different cultures become co-curators in the interpretation of cultural heritage by offering their knowledge, traditions and experiences and revealing the stories of the LNMA Asian Art Collection. This approach helps ensure authentic cultural representation while promoting intercultural understanding among diverse groups within society.
A museum is not only a place to view works of art – it can also be a place to meet and a space for dialogue. This project allows various cultural communities to share their stories and personal experiences, offering a new perspective on the museum’s Asian Art Collection and fostering mutual understanding in society,
emphasises the project lead Kristīne Milere.
Within the framework of the programme, the following activities are planned:
- opening a new permanent exhibition of Japanese art, with its concept developed in collaboration with members of the Japanese community living in Latvia;
- creating a multisensory artwork through co-creation with an artist, the Indian community and members of the host society;
- organizing events created by various Asian communities, including cultural evenings, creative workshops and discussions.
The implementation of such an initiative is important as cultural diversity in society continues to grow, creating a need for new participation formats that promote the integration and encourage dialogue between communities and the host society.
The project will make a significant contribution to support social cohesion and intercultural understanding. It will provide an opportunity for Latvian society to gain a deeper insight into the cultural traditions, art and stories of various Asian countries while fostering dialogue between communities and the host society. As a result of the project, the museum will be strengthened as an open and inclusive place where sustainable cross-cultural exchange can develop. In the long term, this will promote social cohesion, a broader awareness of cultural diversity and the development of the museum as a community space.
The activities will be implemented from 2 March 2026 until 31 August 2028, with a total budget of EUR 98,700, of which 75% is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and 25% is co-financed by the Latvian state budget. The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Text by Kristīne Milere