EU National Institutes for Culture - EUNIC


Latvia

Latvia
SustainARTability
Opening of the SustainARTability exhibition. Photo: Didzis Grodzs.
Opening of the SustainARTability exhibition. Photo: Didzis Grodzs.
Opening of the SustainARTability exhibition. Photo: Didzis Grodzs.
Opening of the SustainARTability exhibition. Photo: Didzis Grodzs.

SustainARTability, a project led by EUNIC Latvia, brought together nine art students from Latvia and nine students from other EU countries - including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Italy, and Spain - as well as the UK for a residency programme. Over ten days, the students worked together to create works of art inspired by the everyday challenges of a sustainable lifestyle and documented the creative process.

The 10-day art residency was launched at the Art Academy of Latvia and led by renowned Latvian artists Kristians Brekte and Ieva Stalsene. The participants, BA and MA students from the fields of art, design and fashion, between 20 and 30 years old, worked individually and in groups on artworks that dealt with questions of sustainability.

No White Flags

Sustainability is currently closely linked to activism, which often manifests itself in public demonstrations, performances, posters and slogans. Protests often see the emergence of opposing fronts, each with its own beliefs and symbols. One of the oldest symbols used to demonstrate group affiliation is the flag.

Embracing the idea of promoting sustainability and recognising art as a powerful tool for understanding and addressing this global issue, each artist's creative process began with a piece of white cotton fabric in the shape of a flag - traditionally seen as a symbol of surrender. In this residency, however, the students transformed this symbol by creating a group exhibition called No White Flags, which aimed to reverse this meaning and symbolise a refusal to surrender.

As part of the exhibition, the white flags were transformed into works of art - paintings, installations and conceptual messages - through which each artist expressed their personal reflections on the concept of sustainability. The artworks were created using sustainable materials and methods in order to reduce negative environmental impact. Some artists utilised recycled materials, raising awareness about resource conservation.

The aim of the project was to engage the viewer, promote public understanding of sustainability issues and stimulate discussion on this timely topic.

I am very pleased that the participants have managed to create a comprehensive and diverse exhibition of contemporary art during this short residency, which can continue to thrive even after the project ends. Observing the correlation between Latvian students and aspiring artists from other European countries has once again convinced me of the importance of such an exchange of ideas and experiences.

Kristians Brekte, professor, artist and project mentor

Culture and climate action

The project also focused on cultural and climate action by organising workshops and lectures on sustainability and ecological issues. Participants analysed the role of art in the context of climate change and explored how art can serve as a tool to enhance public awareness of these issues.

To develop and refine their ideas, the residency participants attended lectures and workshops led by experienced artists and SustainARTability project mentors, Kristians Brekte and Ieva Stalšene. These activities provided participants with a deeper understanding of the concept of sustainability, the role of art in promoting it and the tools necessary to successfully create works that resonate with society and promote positive change.

Over the course of the project, partners facilitated further collaboration and cultural dialogue, allowing students to communicate and develop their projects: participants exchanged experiences and ideas, fostering cultural dialogue and understanding of sustainable practices. The residency encouraged artist development and laid the groundwork for future initiatives, aiming for long-term collaboration and raising awareness of sustainability in art.

In addition to that, the project improved collaboration within the cluster, creating a strong network among artists, educational institutions and cultural organisations.

Project finale

Following the end of the residency, all the artworks created by the art students were shown to the public in a final SustainARTability exhibition.

The exhibition will also be hosted by the Kuldīga Art House, Latvia, in 2025 - a collaboration that broadens the project's impact by engaging a regional audience and facilitating ongoing discussions on sustainability.



  • Sustainability
  • Co-creation
  • Youth
  • Workshop

Co-funded by the European Union Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.