Latvian Museum Association’s Annual Award 2022 Nominee:
The Route of Wellbeing
The LMA Annual Award is an annual competition in the museum sector aimed at recognizing and highlighting the most outstanding museum achievements of Latvian Museum Association members, creating a positive resonance for museum work in society, and promoting best practices to ensure the sustainable development of the museum sector.
The submitted projects were evaluated by a jury committee, which includes one representative from the LMA Board and four invited members from various sectors related to museum activities: Zane Grīnvalde, Chairwoman of the Latvian Museum Association; Jānis Šiliņš, Leading Researcher at the Latvian State Historical Archives of the Latvian National Archives; Ingūna Elere, Artistic Director and Lead Designer at H2E; Inga Surgunte, Head of the Culture Sector at the UNESCO Latvian National Commission; and Rasma Pīpiķe, Representative of the RA.DU knowledge transfer movement.
Each LMA Annual Award 2022 nominee is characterized by professionalism, quality, sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and public engagement, which is why we are pleased to introduce the Latvian National Museum of Art’s LMA Annual Award nominee – The Route OF Wellbeing.
Jury's comment:
The museum’s tradition of the Month of Wellbeing has been purposefully continued, creating a lasting offering for visitors and continuing the discussion about the role of museums in society. The tool designed for emotional and psychological experiences is socially significant and has become even more relevant in the context of the war in Ukraine. An up-to-date, accessible, interdisciplinary project, it offers society, shaken by the pandemic and other global challenges, an opportunity to soothe, reflect, and regain emotional stability.
Life in the 21st century for much of society is associated with activities and content consumption in the digital environment, as well as regular anxiety, overload, monotonous sensory experiences, or routine. "The Route of Wellbeing" is an invitation to explore an art museum in a more personal way, to enjoy time alone in the peaceful environment of art, to experience an alternative sensory journey that promotes mindfulness and mental well-being. It is freely available on the Latvian National Museum of Art’s mobile app and the Soundcloud platform in Latvian and English. The audio stories guide museum visitors through 12 stops in the permanent exhibition, addressing topics such as friendship, daring, everyday life, loss, and the unknown. At each location, art scholars provide narratives on the topic, while an art therapist offers specially developed tasks for self-discovery in interaction with the museum and its artworks. The project "The Route of Wellbeing" highlights the role of museums in promoting societal well-being and positions museums as an important resource for intellectual, calming, multisensory, and digital experiences, providing alternative experiences for young people, adults, and seniors alike.
Project management: Elīna Bērziņa, Undīne Perse-Vilerte
The project was made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation’s program "Cultural Breath" (KultūrELPA).
