13. Mostra Internazionale di Architettura – Lettonia

La Lettonia presenta il progetto “Inner Freedom. Riga street in Venice”.

Comunicato stampa

Latvia is participating in the International Biennale of Architecture in Venice
From August 29 until November 25 this year the 13th International Architecture Exhibition “Common Ground” is taking place as part of the Venice Biennale. Latvia‘s exposition – „Inner Freedom. Riga street in Venice” will be open for access there, next to the expositions of 55 other countries. Participation in the Venice Biennale is an event of national importance, contributing to the involvement of Latvia in the circles of the world architecture. The elected theme of Latvia‘s exposition gives an opportunity to introduce the visitors of the International Biennale of Architecture with Riga as the European Capital of Culture 2014.
The Minister of Culture – Žaneta Jaunzeme-Grende emphasizes the significance of the participation of Latvia in the international exhibition of architecture in the Venice Biennale and reminds that one of the priorities of the Ministry of Culture is the promotion of beneficial prerequisites for the development of the cultural and creative industries: „The participation of Latvia in the international exhibition of architecture of the Venice Biennale is of a national importance. The historical heritage of architecture characterizes the identity of a country, whereas the contemporary architecture is one of the most notable directions of the creative industries with a considerable potential for development. It is especially important for the establishment of sustainable and qualitative living spaces and promotes a dialogue with the society.” Using the means of expression of the contemporary architecture Riga is represented in the exhibition as the European Capital of Culture 2014.
In regard to the evaluation of the idea of Latvia taking part in the exhibition the head of the Foundation Riga 2014, Diāna Čivle commented: „The central idea of Riga as the European Capital of Culture is to encourage everyone to find their own Riga, to think together about our city. This concept is perfectly relatable to the idea that the young architects have for the Venice Biennale. There is going to be a Riga street in Venice, which will operate as a symbolic stage for our history and the concept of the European Capital of Culture.“
The motto of the Latvian display is: „Inner freedom is the architecture of future thinking“. It is constituted as the author‘s love confession to their hometown – Riga. The exposition offers an insight in different fragments of the facades and inner courtyards of the buildings on Brivibas street. The Latvian display will be located at one of the historically most significant places in Venice – the place of San Zaccaria, which could provide for a widespread attendance.
The Latvian installation is going to be constructed by a team of young people – the creative group “Other Side Studio” in collaboration with the architect Līga Apine, curator – Ieva Kulakova, and co-curator in Venice – Andris Brinkmanis. The honorary commissar of the exposition is one of the most notable contemporary Latvian architects, Chairman of the National Architectural Board – Andris Kronbergs. He stresses the charm of the architecture of Riga, which is integrated in the Latvian display, especially accentuating Brivibas street. “Architectural evidence of every era is residing here side by side in harmony, creating an appealing feel of a dynamic city,” notes the architect.
The participation of Latvia in the international exhibition of architecture is organized by the association “The Institute of Contemporary Art” and the Latvian Association of Architects. The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Foundation “Riga 2014”, Riga City Council, “Live Riga”, State Culture Capital Foundation, State Stock Company “Latvia’s State Forests”. Informational support: daily newspaper “Diena” and the internet portal “Delfi”.
Latvia is taking part in Biennale Venice International Exhibition of Architecture for the fifth time.
Adittional information about the Latvian exposition: facebook.com/InnerFreedomLV or twitter.com/innerfreedomlv
Information prepared by:
Lolita Rūsiņa
Ministry of Culture
Public relations specialist
P: 67330306, 29438087
E-mail: [email protected]
Additional information:
Zanda Aveniņa
Association „Institute of Contemporary Art”
Public relations specialist
P: 26063443
E-mail: [email protected]