International Conference Series “Cultural Crossroads XIX”

From November 4 to 7, the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) will host the international conference series “Cultural Crossroads XIX”, which traditionally brings together researchers, students, policymakers, cultural professionals, and representatives of the creative industries to discuss current processes in culture and the arts.

Over the course of four days, the conference series will offer a wide variety of themes and formats - from the role of culture in societal development and youth civic engagement to the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural content and the latest research in the field of culture and creative industries.

On November 4, the conference “The Basket of Cultural Services in the Shadow of Budget Cuts” will take place from 10:00 to 18:00 at the LAC National Film School Pavilion (58a Miera Street). Discussions will focus on the possibilities for implementing the concept of a cultural services basket in Latvian municipalities. Experts, policymakers, and local government representatives will explore solutions to ensure the diversity and continuity of cultural processes at a time when budgetary and security priorities limit available resources. The discussions will address cooperation among the state, municipalities, and the private sector, as well as the diversity of cultural offerings and their relevance to residents’ cultural needs across Latvia’s regions. The conference is organised within the framework of the State Research Programme “Latvian Culture – a Resource for National Development”, under the project “The Ecosystem of Latvian Culture as a Resource for National Resilience and Sustainability” (CERS).

On November 5, from 9:30 to 17:00, the international scientific conference “Youth Civic Participation: Decorative or Authentic? Formal or Meaningful?” will take place at the LAC Theatre House “Zirgu pasts” (46 Dzirnavu Street). The event will explore young people’s civic participation experiences and opportunities amid democratic challenges, technological innovation, and geopolitical crises, paying special attention to new, unconventional, and alternative forms of participation. The working language of the conference is English.

At 18:00, in cooperation with the Baltic Museology Advancement Association, the day will conclude with the launch of the Latvian translation of Nina Simon’s book “The Participatory Museum.” This conference is organised within the projects “Prerequisites for Authentic Youth Participation in Formal and Non-formal Education Environments” (UNFRAMED), funded by the State Research Programme, and “Towards Participatory Engagement in Museums: A Study of Museum Education Practices in Latvia” (MEET), supported by the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme.

On November 6, from 10:00 to 16:30, the international conference “Artificial Intelligence as a Source and Threat to the Diversity of Cultural Content: Perspectives of Artists, Audiences, and Policymakers” will take place at the LAC National Film School Pavilion (58a Miera Street), in cooperation with the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO. Latvian and international researchers will provide a multifaceted overview of the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural processes and artistic creativity — from technological and ethical dimensions to policy development and access to cultural heritage in the digital environment.

The conference will also examine the opportunities and challenges that generative AI poses for the creative industries. The final sessions will focus on the accessibility of digital memory and cultural heritage resources. The working language is English.

On the final day, November 7, at the LAC Gara House (58a Miera Street), starting at 9:30, more than 60 researchers and experts will present their research results, conclusions, and proposals in six thematic sections:

• Performing and Audiovisual Arts
• Cultural Heritage
• Culture and Society
• Cultural Contact Studies and Language Use in Culture
• Art, Literature, and Visuality
• Philosophy in Latvia (1944–1991): Conversions and Disruptions

During the conference’s section day at Gara House, the travelling exhibition “Science for Latvia 2025” will be opened, introducing visitors to 12 Latvian scientists and their contributions to the development of society and research.

Highlighting the LAC’s contribution to research development, this diverse exhibition — created by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) — will be on view at the LAC Gara House from November 7 to 27. 

At 19:00, the conference series will conclude at the Corner House (61 Brīvības Street) with the event “Soviet Philosophers’ Self-Criticism: A Performative Discussion”, where philosophers Andrejs Balodis, Andris Hiršs, and Ainārs Kamoliņš will discuss the role of intellectuals under totalitarian rule. 

Detailed event programmes of the conference series will be published soon. The conferences on November 4, 5, and 6 will be streamed live on the LAC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kulturasakademija) and the LAC YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@LKAkademija).

The research focus of the Latvian Academy of Culture is centred on interdisciplinarity in the study of cultural and artistic phenomena. Over its 19-year history, the annual international conference “Cultural Crossroads” has gained the status of a distinguished event. Its diverse programme appeals to experienced researchers, students, cultural practitioners, creative professionals, and anyone interested in Latvian cultural life. Each year, the programme helps fulfil the conference’s strategic goal: to develop a communicative platform for the theoretical and applied validation of research results in culture and the arts.