Latvija

Programme “Doctor, I can see well!”
(Latvia / 01.09.2015.)

The objective of the programme is to collaborate with schools in ensuring that school age children have good sight and to notice any changes in their sight in good time, offering advice on how to prevent problems involving children’s sight and, if necessary,  issuing prescriptions for the purchase of glasses or contact lenses.

Certified and practicing ophthalmologist Aleksandrs Ceunovs provides children with free consultations. Eye tests are carried out using professional mobile apparatus. In cases in which sight correction is required, children from impoverished families in need are provided with gift cards worth EUR 45,-, in order to provide them with the opportunity to buy glasses or contact lenses to correct their children’s sight.

Since 2013, 10,522 schoolchildren in 304 rural schools in 66 districts have received eye tests, as a result of which 2,266 schoolchildren who received tests have been issued with free prescriptions to buy glasses/contact lenses.

In this video you can watch ophthalmologist Aleksandrs Ceunovs at work at Tirza and Lizums schools, while in the following video, you can see eye tests being conducted at Pļaviņas Regional Gymnasium and Salas Secondary School.

School visits will continue during the 2015/2016 school year.

School application form for participation in the programme and the annex to the form - a list of schoolchildren, who require eye tests.

Sight is one of a person’s most potent senses. Changes in the sight of school age children, which for various reasons have not been noticed or treated on time, not only make it harder for children to understand the contents of their teaching subject matter and to socialize, but can also eventually impair their prospects in the job market. Thus, it is important to detect changes in children’s sight early, as well as to provide them and their parents with the professional advice and assistance they require. Data regarding the situation in Latvia indicates that at least 44% of schoolchildren in the lowest grades require sight correction (study — Latvian Schoolchildren’s Sight Screening, 2010). There are various reasons for changes in the sight of school age children including excessive study, computer work, watching television and not knowing how to relax and exercise their eyes, etc. An important factor in the successful correction of sight is wearing glasses. However, oftentimes, a family’s financial circumstances are an insurmountable obstacle to the purchase of glasses for a child who needs them.

You can check out eye exercises here.

Charitable programme “A Piece of Bread”
(Latvia / 01.08.2013.)

Even though the number of people in poverty is falling and the unemployment level is lower than in 2009/2010, there are still people in Latvia who receive their only hot meal of the day at soup kitchens run by charitable organisations.

To help such people, in the autumn of 2013, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation launched the charitable programme “A PIECE OF BREAD” with the aim of providing impoverished people in need with the chance to enjoy a regular hot meal.

Special support is planned to be provided to children, pensioners and people with special needs, and further funding will be provided for activities which give their target audience the chance to participate in measures aimed at improving their status.

Support for “Motus Vita”, a society supporting people with special needs
(Riga / 01.01.2012.)

“Motus Vita” is a society that offers support to people with special needs, uniting those who suffer from neuromuscular diseases (ALS/MND), as well as their family members. The Foundation’s support is aimed at helping people afflicted by neuromuscular diseases, defending their rights and interests, providing them with opportunities to meet other people, and offering patients themselves with information about these diseases, their treatment methods and options, as well as about the psychological and social problems they entail and means of resolving them.

Charitable initiative “Shared Table - Support for a Hot Meal”
(Across Latvia / Ziedot.lv / 01.10.2011.)

The charitable initiative “Shared Table – Support for a Hot Meal” provided comfort and relief in the form of a hot meal to those whose only source of nourishment is to be found at a charity soup kitchen. Support for this initiative on behalf of the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation began in 2010 with the award of co-financing for the establishment of soup kitchens in 15 cities. In turn, during the winter of 2011/2012,  further support was provided by the Foundation, making it possible to set up and operate 37 soup kitchens across Latvia, under the auspices of which, charitable organisations handed out approximately 5,000 portions per meal and about 70,000 portions per month. During the winter of 2012/2013, support from the Foundation resulted in 56 soup kitchens being run throughout Latvia, which issued 80,000 hot meals to cold and hungry people monthly.

The summer of 2013 saw the conclusion of our successful collaboration with the “Ziedot” (“Donate”) Foundation, implementing this charitable initiative.

Henceforth, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation is implementing the charitable programme entitled “A Piece of Bread”. For more information, please visit: www.maizesrieciens.lv.

Programme “Come and do! You can!”
(Latvia / 02.01.2015.)

Under the auspices of the programme, “Come and do! You can!”, financial support was provided to actively working non-profit organisations in cities and rural areas, whose diligent work enriches the lives of neighbourhood residents and which provide support to fellow citizens in their hour of need. 

Financial support was available to Latvian societies, foundations and religious organisations, which:

• provide support to expectant mothers and young families;
• implement initiatives in their work that support and benefit society, health, lifelong education, culture and the surrounding environment;
• promote an active lifestyle and spending quality free time among various groups of residents;
• implement animal welfare measures;
• implement initiatives in various cultural fields using a creative approach;
• provide the necessary social services to residents in the local community to improve their quality of life.

Under the programme, “Come and do! You can!”, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation awarded financing to organisations registered in Latvia, which collaborate on a stable and long-term basis with the local municipality and/or governmental body and/or local businesses, and whose operating goal is to develop diverse initiatives in support of the active and healthy life of the local community. The minimum grant sum awarded by the Foundation - EUR 700; whereas, the maximum sum - EUR 7,000. At least, 10% of the total project financing must be comprised of co-financing from a local municipality or another organisation or collaboration partner.

In 2013 and 2014, the Foundation awarded grants to 102 organisations, totalling almost EUR 225,000 each year, for the fulfilment of their visions. A similar amount of support, also in 2015.

Important! In 2015, the programme “Come and do! You can!” is ended. 

Projects supported under the programme "Come and do! You can!", 2015 (in Latvian).
Projects supported under the programme "Come and do! You can!", 2014 (in Latvian).
Projects supported under the programme "Come and do! You can!", 2013 (in Latvian).

Community philanthropy development programme 2012 - 2017
(Latvia / Talsis District Foundation Valmiera District Foundation / 01.02.2012.)

Objective – to strengthen and develop the concept of community philanthropy in Latvia/the Baltics, providing support for the development of existing community foundations and initiatives aimed at establishing new community foundations in Latvia’s regions.

Under the auspices of the programme, the Valmiera District Foundation and Talsis District Foundation operate as training bases and consultants offering advice on organising inhabitants’ forums and establishing new community foundations. In addition, financial support is provided to assist the operations of existing community foundations, as well as their development in accordance with special terms and conditions subject to competitive procedures. This support also aids the development of the mutual and international collaboration of community foundations and the exchange of their respective experience and best practices at Baltic level. Moreover, these community foundations are also given the opportunity to broaden their horizons and knowledge both in the West and the East, parallel to which, they are implementing educational measures aimed at developing understanding and skills in the realm of philanthropy.

In implementing the programme, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation is collaborating with the community foundation movement. This unites Latvia’s community foundations in order to encourage philanthropy and the participation of residents in the development of their communities. The community foundation movement is the national centre of competences in the realm of community philanthropy. 

Support for the operation of the women’s disabled persons’ association “Aspazija” in Riga and at its branches in 11 regions of Latvia 2011/2013
(Riga / 01.08.2011.)

Project goals - to establish broader collaboration with "Aspazija’s" regional branches, ensuring the successful work of people with physical disabilities at the "Saulgrieze" retail outlet in Riga’s Central Market.

Animal shelter “The Animals’ Friend”
(Riga / 01.01.2012.)

The Foundation is funding emergency veterinary assistance, care and rehabilitation for injured or sick homeless animals, as well as the sterilization programme for the city’s colony of cats during the period from 2012-2015. Every month “The Animals’ Friend” finds new homes for approximately 15-20 dogs and 50-60 cats. The Foundation supports the sterilization programme for colonies of cats in various places around Latvia, but primarily in Riga, using the “catch-sterilize-release” method, which has proven to be effective – not only has cats’ quality of life improved, but also that of people with the outcome that, instead of being a problem, street cats have become a normal part of the urban environment.

TV show “A Paw on Your Heart”
(Riga / SummerStudio, producers’ association / 01.09.2010.)

“A Paw on Your Heart” is a show for all the family focusing on animal welfare issues, offering specialist advice about animal care, rearing and other interesting subjects. “A Paw on Your Heart” visits animal shelters and helps to find their residents new homes and owners.

The show is broadcast on LTV1 on Saturdays at 10:00 with a repeat show going out on Sundays at 15:30. In addition, you can watch at any time on the Internet by visiting: www.kepauzsirds.lv.

The new bears’ house along Ligatne’s nature trails
(Ligatne, Gauja National Park / 01.04.2012.)

Thanks to co-financing from the Foundation, a new bears’ house was built along Ligatne’s nature trails for female bear Ilzīte and her male companions Puika, Mikus and Made. The Ligatne nature trails were established in the Gauja National Park in 1975 to introduce visitors to nature, species of wild mammals living in Latvia, as well as to the diversity of nature and the need to protect it. The forest animals encountered along the nature trails have been brought here from various places around Latvia – they have either been injured or are tame young animals that cannot survive without human care or independently find food.

Support for the renovation of the LU Botanical Garden
(University of Latvia Botanical Garden / 14.01.2014.)

On 23 May 2013, the University of Latvia and the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev agreed to collaborate in the renovation of the LU Botanical Garden in preparation for its centenary.

By the time of this important anniversary in 2022, it is planned that the infrastructure of the grounds will be improved so that it meets modern requirements and the garden is an attractive place where the general public can come to relax, satisfy its thirst for knowledge and spend its free time engaging in research and education, as well as enjoying exhibitions and concerts and other cultural events.

During 2013 and 2014, the central part of the garden was renovated along with the area of the park that is home to rhododendrons, perennials and ferns spanning an area of 7,000 m2. The old fence made of wooden boards is being replaced with a durable modern metal fence (739 m long). In addition, an alpinarium and collection of Latvian wild plants are being formed and part of the rainwater drainage system is being renovated. Asphalt paths no longer fit for purpose are being replaced by paving stones and a historically authentic gravel surface. Meanwhile, the pond in the central part of the park is also assuming a new appearance. It will be surrounded by benches and wooden boardwalks.

During 2015, renovation works will continue in the garden arboretum, which is the only place in the LU Botanical Garden with a hollow and rolling relief and which has additional appeal for visitors as it gives them the chance to get a better glimpse of the exhibits located there. There are lots of valuable plants in this part of the garden, the collection of which is regularly augmented. Likewise, the reconstruction of the Botanical Garden’s fence is continuing with the renovation of another section 510 metres long.

The LU Botanical Garden, which is already a popular leisure destination and the green jewel of Riga, was founded in 1922. Across an area of 15 hectares, it is home to 6,000 difference plant species. The objective of the garden is to accumulate, conserve, document and research the gene pool of domestic and overseas plants. The garden facilitates the conservation of biological diversity and provides the general public with an inspiring introduction to the plant kingdom. The Botanical Garden is open to visitors every day.

Support for the participation of the most talented students from Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in major international competitions
(Riga / 03.12.2013.)

On 3 December 2013, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation signed a collaboration agreement with Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) for the provision of support to fund the participation of JVLMA’s most talented students at major international competitions for three academic years. The goal is to secure broader recognition for Latvian musicians around the world, to help them to establish themselves on the international music scene, thus promoting Latvia’s profile overseas. The Foundation is financing the participation of JVLMA students, including Master’s and doctoral students in important competitions overseas, covering both the competition participation fees and other expenses related to the students’ participation in international competitions such as their travel and living expenses. Students secure the opportunity to take part in this project by way of a competition. 

In 2014, seven students received support from the Foundation, enabling them to take part in competitions in Israel, Germany, Finland, Poland and France.

The Latvian Academy of Sciences’ GRAND MEDAL
(Riga, Academy Square / 12.11.2013.)

On 12 November 2013, the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev and Latvian Academy of Sciences’ President Ojārs Spārītis reached an agreement on the provision of support to the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) to recognise outstanding in science that benefit Latvian society and the nation as a whole.

Under the auspices of this support, the Foundation will provide support for the Latvian Academy of Sciences Grand Medal, which is the highest award awarded to Latvian and overseas scientists for outstanding creative achievements. Candidates can be nominated to receive the award by the LAS full members, honourable and overseas members, as well as LAS departments. The decision to confer the award is made by the LAS Senate. The LAS Grand Medal has been awarded since 1993. 

Every autumn, two Grand Medals are awarded - one to a Latvian scientist and the other to an overseas scientist with links to Latvia. Recipients of the award receive the cast bronze Grand Medal and a cash prize of EUR 10,000 (post-tax), which are funded by the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation.

At a general meeting of the LAS on 27 November 2014, the Grand Medal and first two cash prizes were awarded to literary scientist and academic Dr. habil. philol. Viktors Ivbulis for his outstanding contribution to Indology (Dr. habil. theol. Leons Taivans’ laudatio text (in Latvian)) and LAS overseas member Dr. habil. chem. Regīna Žuka for her important contribution to the development of the anti-cancer drug Ftorafur (academic Jānis Stradiņš’ laudatio text (in Latvian)).

Support for the Art Academy of Latvia
(Riga / Latvian Academy of Art / 04.04.2012.)

On 4 April 2012, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation agreed to provide support to the Art Academy of Latvia, signing a memorandum of collaboration to strengthen the AAL’s efforts to nurture excellence.

Under the auspices of the collaboration, the Foundation supports:

The Art Academy of Latvia Prize

The goal of the prize is to identify and recognise the most outstanding achievements in the fields of  Latvian visual art, design and art history, encouraging the development of artistic processes, as well as the execution of new ideas and projects.

This prize was awarded for the first time in 2011 to painter Džemma Skulme, art historian Laima Slava and painter Jānis Avotiņš. See video (in Latvian).

In 2014, the prize was awarded to artist, art historian and Rundāle Palace Museum Director Imants Lancmanis, artists Anita Paegle and Kaspars Podnieks. You can view a photo gallery and video (in Latvian) of the formal prize giving ceremony.

The prize will next be awarded in 2016.

Philanthropist Ināra Teterev’s art grants

These grants are awarded to second year and more senior students in the undegraduate programme and to first year students upwards in the Master’s programme until the completion of their studies. Every academic year, two grants are awarded to undergraduates and one to a Master’s student.

In addition to a monthly sum of money, the grant provides recipients with the opportunity to embark on one or more study trips overseas and, upon graduation, to organise a personal exhibition or to prepare a graduation thesis (in art history). The total value of a single grant can reach EUR 9,750 (depending on the duration of the recipient’s studies).

The philanthropist Ināra Teterev’s art grants were first awarded in 2012: in the Bachelor’s programme to Sandra Strēle (painting; video (in Latvian)) and Lilita Bauģe (textile art; video (in Latvian)), as well as to Master’s student Agita Šteinberga (sculpture; video (in Latvian)). You can check out a photo gallery of the grant awards ceremony here. In  2014, all the grant recipients successfully completed their studies.

In 2013, grants were awarded to Master’s student Guna Poga (functional design; video (in Latvian)), undergraduates Elīna Brasliņa (graphic design; video (in Latvian)) and Elīna Sproģe (visual art and cultural history and theory; video (in Latvian)). You can check out a photo gallery of the grant awards ceremony here. In 2015, Guna Poga (graduation personal exhibition in Kalnciema Quarter) and Elīna Brasliņa (graduation personal exhibition) completed their studies in the Bachelor’s programme.

In 2014, grants were awarded to Talita Vālodze (painting), Sigita Sniegs (fashion design) and the Master’s student Līga Spunde (functional design). You can check out a photo gallery of the grant awards ceremony here.

For more information about the grant recipients, click here (in Latvian).

Every year in September,  the Art Academy of Latvia calls for applications for the grants awarded by philanthropist Ināra Teterev.

Study trips for Art Academy of Latvia students

The Foundation gives groups of students from the Art Academy of Latvia the opportunity, accompanied by lecturers, to attend exhibitions, museums or other important art events in Europe that are vital to their studies. This will help students to broaden their horizons and knowledge of pivotal developments on the international art scene.

Creative trips for Art Academy of Latvia teaching staff

The support is also aimed at helping the Art Academy of Latvia’s academic personnel (lecturers, assistants, associated professors and professors) improve their qualifications and creative quality. The Foundation’s support will give teaching staff the chance to live at their chosen residency in any country for two to four weeks.

Support for Riga Stradiņš University
(Riga / Riga Stradiņš University / 04.10.2010.)

Under the auspices of the collaboration between the Foundation and Riga Stradiņš University, "Philanthropist Boris Teterev’s Medicine Grants" have been established to provide support for medical students, whose study opportunities are restricted by financial constraints or whose outstanding achievements have already earned special recognition during the course of their studies. In addition, the "Intelligence Academy" has also been founded and support is being provided for projects aimed at modernising teaching and strengthening competition.

Support for artistic growth
(Riga, Jurmala / 01.04.2011.)

In collaboration with the international children’s and youth society “Eventus”, the Foundation provides support for artistic self-expression in ballet during the annual “Riga Spring” and “Winter’s Tale” festivals, which are attended by hundreds of children and teenagers from Latvia, Russia, Lithuania, Belarus and other countries.

The Book of Business and Official Behaviour
(Riga / 11.10.2011.)

With the support of the Foundation, protocol and etiquette expert Aija Odiņa’s latest work entitled "The Book of Business and Official Behaviour", of which 1,000 copies have been presented, in collaboration with the National Library of Latvia, to libraries in every region of Latvia, as well as non-governmental organisations. 

The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation’s programme for academic excellence
(Riga / 01.09.2011.)

The objective of the programme is to facilitate the development of outstanding, quality and competitive higher education to provide individuals with the opportunity to participate in the knowledge-based economy creatively and actively, thus improving the country’s competitiveness and creating a sustainable and stable developmental environment for future generations and intelligent society. Under the auspices of the programme, a team of domestic and international experts at Riga Stradiņš University and the Art Academy of Latvia will develop strategic action plans for these universities aimed at reinforcing their excellence and international competitiveness. In order to achieve these objectives, unique studies are being conducted with the participation of the management, teaching staff, students and graduates of the Art Academy of Latvia and Riga Stradiņš University, using the very latest research and methods that have been tried and tested in the European higher education space.

Establishment of the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art
(City of Riga / 30.10.2014.)

With the objective of founding the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art, in 2014 the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation and ABLV Charitable Foundation founded the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation.

ATTENTION! Selection of architects has begun for the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art’s conceptual design competition. The competition is open until February 8, 2016. Read more here.

In a formal ceremony on 30 October 2014, the Latvian Minister for Culture Dace Melbārde and Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation Council Members Ināra and Boris Teterev, Ernests Bernis and Oļegs Fiļs signed a Memorandum of Intent regarding the implementation of the aspiration to build the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art.

By 18 November 2021, drawing on the founders’ funds and other financing, in partnership with the Republic of Latvia’s Ministry of Culture, the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation will build the Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as manage the museum’s operation, governance and development, including the formation, maintenance and augmentation of its collection. The museum will be open and accessible to the general public. The Foundation’s founders are already providing the EUR 30 million financing required for the construction of the museum.

The philanthropists’ decision to undertake the establishment of the museum is a logical continuation of the work done to date in the field of Latvian culture and art by the founders of both foundations. Private initiative is hugely important to the development of society, and this step gives a powerful developmental impulse to Latvia’s arts processes, to strengthening the nation’s identity, tourism industry and the development of arts education, as well as the formation of an integrated cultural space in Riga.

In recent years, the demand from the public and the cultural sector for a contemporary art museum in the Latvian cultural space has significantly increased. This process is actively being nurtured by several non-governmental organisations, devising special programmes to support the creation of new works and contemporary art exhibitions, as well as various public activities to highlight the idea of the establishment of the museum. Since 2005, the Ministry of Culture and ABLV Bank have actively collaborated to build a collection of Latvian contemporary art. Parallel to these initiatives, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation is also implementing the programme "Art in Public Space" (in collaboration with the City of Riga).

The Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art is currently under development.

Boris and Ināra Teterev’s arts programme TÊTE-À-TÊTE
(City of Riga, Jurmala / 01.05.2013.)

The annual Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation’s arts programme TÊTE-À-TÊTE has been devised to nurture public appreciation of quality culture and art. In the programme, the emphasis has been placed on events, which it would be complicated or even impossible to execute in Latvia without the support of the Foundation, while live broadcasts of individual events make them accessible to as many people as possible.

Under the auspices of the first arts programme “TÊTE-À-TÊTE IN 20 EPISODES” in 2013, arts projects and open lectures, which reached a public audience of over 75,000 people, took place in Riga’s exhibition and concert halls, theatres, as well as at the Latvian National Opera and Rundāle Palace, some of which were also broadcast live on radio and television.

In 2014, the TÊTE-À-TÊTE programme included a number of film premieres, contemporary art exhibitions and concert premieres. Among the other highlights of the festival were an event to celebrate the completion of the restoration of Rundāle Palace, a special audio performance marking the return of artist Dimitri Gutov to his work "Gondola", which is the symbol of the Art Museum Riga Bourse, and the festival concluded with a concert given by the legendary London Symphony Orchestra at the Latvian National Opera House. The festival’s events were augmented by public conversations between globally renowned artists and experts. In total, TÊTE-À-TÊTE reached a total audience of over 250,000 people, who either attended events in person or enjoyed live broadcasts of conversations on the Internet, or television or radio transmissions of festival events.

A concerted desire to expand the audience for quality art is an important characteristic of the programme. Therefore, in 2015 the arts programme TÊTE-À-TÊTE will last for almost from 11 September to 30 October in Riga and Jurmala. The programme includes several theatre premieres, exhibitions of contemporary art from Latvia and Northern Europe, international conferences and a cycle of conversations, as well as the only concerts given by Grammy award winners and the London Sinfonietta in Latvia.

More information about the TÊTE-À-TÊTE 2015 programme is available here.

Programme “Art in Public Space” in Riga
(City of Riga / Riga Council / Riga City Council / 01.09.2013.)

The programme’s leitmotif is THE JOY OF THOUGHT to emphasise that contemporary art can spring surprises and highlight paradoxes of a positive nature, as well as introduce global trends and the presence of thought to the urban environment.

The practical aspiration of the programme is create enduring works of contemporary art in the urban environment.

The programme’s curator is art historian Helēna Demakova.

In 2013, “Riga Smiles”, a competition - exhibition was held showcasing art works in the urban environment (proposals were submitted by 12 Latvian artists). In 2014, it was followed by the competition “To the Bench!” (14 Latvian artists participated) and another competition - exhibition “Riga Smiles Again” (works were submitted by 14 Latvian artists).

The Foundation undertakes to gradually execute and install jury-recommended award-winning works in Riga’s urban environment.

On 30 April 2014, a memorandum of collaboration was signed with Riga Council regarding the implementation of the “Art in Public Space” programme in Riga until 2018 and a similar agreement was concluded on 1 September 2014 with the City of Riga’s Architect’s Bureau.  

The first three works were unveiled in Riga in 2014: Ojārs Pētersons’ environmental design object “The Large Vase. ¾” outside the National Library of Latvia, Brigita Zelča – Aispure and Sandis Aispurs’ object “Still Life” in the University of Latvia’s Botanical Garden and Ēriks Božis’ object “Benches” on Bastejkalns. In addition, an exhibition of contemporary art works "Greetings Head!" also took place under the auspices of the arts programme "Tête-à-Tête" 2014.

In 2015, Riga’s urban environment will be augmented by Brigita Zelča – Aispure’s object “The Edge”, Ieva Rubeze’s art object “Sculpture “GHOST”” at Trokšņu Street and Liene Mackus’ “Riga’s Lion” on Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street next to the “Mākslas muzejs” (“Art Museum”) public transport stop. In addition, under the auspices of the arts programme "Tête-à-Tête" 2015, an exhibition of Latvian contemporary art will be held entitled "Lielāks miers, mazāks miers" ("A Greater Peace, A Lesser Peace") along with an international conference on art in public space.

The programme’s activities began in 2012 with the installation in the atrium of the Art Museum Riga Bourse of “Gondola”, a work by Russian artist Dimitri Gutov, the creation of which was made possible by the support of the Foundation. The Foundation was also instrumental in providing support for the execution and erection outside the LNO of a monument to the great Latvian-born ballet dancer Māris Liepa (unveiled in 2013).

A cycle of 12 exhibitions “The Self. The History of Latvian Contemporary Art”
(The National Library of Latvia’s Art and Music Centre (4th Floor) / 09.10.2014.)

A cycle of 12 exhibitions "The Self. The History of Latvian Contemporary Art" will be hosted (from October 2014 to October 2015) by the National Library of Latvia (NLL) in collaboration with the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation, expanding the programme presented by the NLL’s Art and Music Centre. 

During the cycle of exhibitions comprising the project "The Self. The History of Latvian Contemporary Art", works by masters of Latvian contemporary art will be on display, primarily drawn from the collection of the Latvian National Museum of Art. Exhibited alongside them will be works by current artists, aspects of whose creative output thematically or stylistically resonates with the art of the relevant master. The exhibition cycle will be based on the "The Self. Personalities on the Road to Contemporary Art - the 1960s-1980s in Soviet Latvia" (compiled by Helēna Demakova).

"This unique cycle of exhibitions is closely linked to the library’s core mission – to provide the opportunity alongside works of art to discover a broad range of literature: books, exhibition catalogues and encyclopaedia entries about the exhibition’s artists," stresses the Head of the NLL’s Art and Music Centre, Ilze Egle.

"The future vector of this project is newly created works of art and literature collated in book format about the artists participating in the exhibitions. We can anticipate lots of surprises, both in terms of works of art and theoretical musings. In total, this cycle of 12 exhibitions ostensibly forms a single art exposition, which will culminate in a serious catalogue, which should demonstrate the interaction between art heritage and the present day," notes the curator of the exhibition cycle and the person who came up with the idea for the exhibition cycle, Helēna Demakova.

Under the auspices of the exhibition cycle, every day the NLL Art and Music Centre will present the Platforma Film studio’s recently produced films on Latvian contemporary art greats (Director: Ilze Šņore, Director and Director of Photography: Ilona Bērziņa, Cameramen: Artūrs Lapinskis and Inese Tīkmane, Editing Engineer: Jānis Ērglis, Producer: Pāvils Raudonis), as well as film tapes about masters of contemporary art.

The exhibition cycle will take place with the support of the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation and the State Culture Capital Foundation, in close collaboration with the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Mūkusala Art Salon and the "Art Needs Space" foundation. The project was conceived and is curated by Helēna Demakova, supported by a working group comprised of: Brigita Zelča-Aispure, Aivija Everte, Ilze Egle, Ingrīda Peldekse, Katrīna Teivāne-Korpa and Dace Gasiņa.

Exhibition cycle "The Self. The History of Latvian Contemporary Art":
1st exhibition: Auseklis Baušķenieks, Liene Mackus
2nd exhibition: Maija Tabaka, Maija Kurševa
3rd exhibition: Boriss Bērziņš, Barbara Gaile, Brigita Zelča-Aispure
4th exhibition: Imants Lancmanis, Aigars Bikše
5th exhibition: Egons Spuris, Inta Ruka, Kaspars Podnieks
6th exhibition: Bruno Vasiļevskis, Krišs Salmanis, Arturs Bērziņš
7th exhibition: Miervaldis Polis, Vilnis Vītoliņš, Ieva Rubeze
8th exhibition: NSRD, Krista Dzudzilo, Līga Marcinkeviča
9th exhibition: Māris Ārgalis, Ieva Iltnere, Armands Zelčs, Katrīna Neiburga, Zane Tuča
10th exhibition: Leonards Laganovskis, Oļegs Tillbergs, Gints Gabrāns, Evelīna Deičmane.

Exhibition “Magnetism of Provence”
(Art Museum Riga Bourse / 01.05.2015.)

From 1 May to 5 July 2015, the Art Museum Riga Bourse hosted the exhibition “Magnetism of Provence”. With this exhibition, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation marked the fifth anniversary of its operations in Latvia and offered museum visitors the opportunity to view works by great French artists from the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century. This was the first time in Latvian museum history that an exhibition had been organised on such a scale.

In collaboration with the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation, the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA) presented a unique exhibition at the Art Museum Riga Bourse, which offered viewers an introduction to the creative output of legendary art world personalities: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Marc Chagall, Raoul Dufy and Pablo Picasso. Among the works on show in the exhibition were paintings from Picasso’s “Fauna” series as well as some of his ceramics, Dufy’s “Fountain at Vence”, Chagall’s “Clock in the Flaring Sky”, Paul Signac’s “Spring in Provence” and other works.

The exhibition, its related events and education programme were attended by 50,155 viewers. “Magnetism of Provence” became the most visited exhibition in Latvia during the past 20 years.

In supporting this project, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation, which is one of the partners in the establishment of the nascent Museum of Contemporary Art, sought to showcase the development of contemporary art in the 20th century, which would be unimaginable without the works of art of its forerunner: classical modernism, the movement to which the works represented in the exhibition belong.

In France in the early 20th century, several artistic genres evolved that were subsequently partly repudiated by the generation of emerging artists who came to the fore after the Second World War. Nevertheless, there were others from this same generation who did form a partial dialogue with the said genres. From the 1970s onwards, postmodern art largely evolved, based on the accomplishments of the early part of the century. The magic of nature in the specific region and the genres of modernism originating in France have also proved to be sources of inspiration for several generations of Latvian artists.

The exhibition’s title “Magnetism of Provence” is symbolic, because artists who have spent a longer or shorter part of their lives in the South of France have undeniably been influenced by the surrounding environment, inspiring them to create outstanding works of art. In these works, one can sense specific and inimitable qualities characteristic of the light and colours in the South of France, which have been transformed into expressive lines on the artists’ canvases, into a rich colour scheme or character outlines, forming an impression of the atmosphere of the locale. What the works in the exhibition have in common is the creative transformation of these impulses of nature and the environment into an idiosyncratic and memorable artistic vision.

Latvia’s annual theatre awards “Spēlmaņu nakts”
(Riga / 23.11.2013.)

Latvia’s annual theatre awards “Spēlmaņu nakts” (“Players’ Night”) is a national event, which appraises the theatre season as a whole in state, municipal and independently-run theatres. The work of the experts and jury commission takes place throughout the season, appraising 100 - 130 new productions. During its 20 year history, “Spēlmaņu nakts” has  acquired public prestige, as well as recognition as a cultural project of national importance.

The “Spēlmaņu nakts” awards are presented annually on 23 November, i.e. on the anniversary of the birth of the great actor and director Eduards Smiļģis (since 1993). Along with monetary prizes, award winners also receive the symbol of “Spēlmaņu nakts”, i.e. the stage nail. The award depicts stage floorboards through which a stage nail shoots up vertically like a sprout. And in the background is a triangular mirror, symbolising the triangle as a symbol of God. The award was designed by metal artist Juris Gagainis. It reflects the ancient belief that if an actor finds a nail on stage, this signifies a new role – a new beginning, a new opportunity to prove oneself. A nail found on stage will bring good fortune to anybody finding it.

The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation has jointly supported the organising of “Spēlmaņu nakts” since 2013.

Imants Ziedonis’ Award "Time for Ziedonis"
(Riga / 03.05.2014.)

The goal of the “Time for Ziedonis” award is to provide annual recognition to those personalities whose excellence, passion, sense of mission, success, disposition and self-sufficiency have inspired a better Latvia. Every year, the award is presented in five categories to private individuals or group of people who have made outstanding contributions to each field exemplifying the values that define the Award. The award was established at the instigation of the great  poet,  publicist and public activist Imants Ziedonis. 

To view the 2014 and 2015 award winners, click here.

To view LTV recordings of past awards ceremonies (it is held on 3 May every year, i.e. on Imants Ziedonis’ birthday), click here.

The monetary prizes presented under the auspices of the award  are provided by the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation. Prize amount: EUR 3,000 for the winner of each nomination category (after tax).

The award is organised by Imants Ziedonis’ foundation “Viegli”.

Art object "Gondola" at the Art Museum Riga Bourse
(Riga / 29.05.2012.)

In 2012, the Art Museum Riga Bourse acquired a permanent new internationally recognisable symbol – globally renowned Russian artist Dmitri Gutov’s work of art “Gondola”.

The Art Museum Riga Bourse is a 19th century building whose prototype can be found in the Renaissance-style palaces of Venice. Although, Dmitri Gutov has used a real Venetian gondola in preparing his work of art “Gondola”, the message of this flying object is much broader.

This work of art continues the main thematic line of Dmitri Gutov’s creative output – in the artist’s spatial works, one can often discern cosmic, flying and linear elements. As a teenager, Gutov read the script for Michelangelo Antonioni’s film „Zabriskie Point” in “Inostrannaja ļiteratura” magazine, which intellectually influenced Gutov for decades to come. However,  Gutov only saw this film 15 years later. The film is an archetypical example of the phenomenon of 1960s Western counterculture. In one of „Zabriskie Point’s” closing scenes, the film’s heroine imagines her house blowing up and the spread of the debris being augmented by the fragment of colourful consumer items. Echoes of this film can also be perceived in Dmitri Gutov’s work of art exhibited at the Riga Bourse.

The 11 metre long “Gondola” is the frozen explosion of a real Venetian gondola – a spatial, but at the same time clear linear message, as is the case with all of the artist’s works. It is the artist’s space – an orderly cultural world created from the chaos of an explosion. There is nothing superfluous here; its form is clear, because of the clarity that exists in the artist’s mind.

The notable Russian artist Anatoly Osmolovsky has written that Dmitri Gutov’s art applies to the whole of 20th century art history. “Gondola” truly depicts the confluence of tradition and the avant-garde during the course of the creation of modern and contemporary art. Kazimir Malevich’s suprematist and Vladimir Tatlin’s “flying” forms are interwoven with the harmony and concurrently dramatic dynamics to be found in the depths of art history.

The artist Dmitri Gutov was born in 1960. His impressive biography can be read at the website: www.gutov.ru.

Dimitri Gutov created his work of art “Gondola” at the suggestion of the art historian Helēna Demakova. In 1995, Gutov took part in “Piemineklis” (“Monument”), a project curated in Riga’s urban environment by the art historian Helēna Demakova, with his art work “Nemiers valda manā sirdī” (“There is Unrest in My Heart”).

Latvian Radio Theatre project "ReStarts!"
(Latvian Radio / Dome Square / 01.09.2013.)

On 7 May 2013, Latvijas Radio and the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev signed a memorandum of intent regarding their collaboration during the period from 2013 - 2015 in order to make the art of theatre throughout Latvia, to encourage the adaptation of existing and creation of new literary works suitable for the format of radio, and to develop a unique medium for presenting theatrical art: Latvian Radio Theatre.

Under the auspices of the collaboration project “Re!Starts”, conceptual new productions - radio series are produced. In Latvian, audiences can listen to: “Taksista stāsti” (“Tales of a Taxi Driver”) (20 episodes), “Stopētāji” (“Hitchhikers”) (33 episodes), “Starpbrīdis” (“Intermission”) (43 episodes) and “Konteksti” (“Contexts”) (65 episodes). In turn, Russian, audiences can listen to: “Короткие истории неправильных слов” (“Short Stories Wrong Words”) (40 episodes), “Доброе время шуток” (“Good Time Jokes”) (36 episodes) and “Рассказы таксиста” (“Tales of a Taxi Driver”) (37 episodes).

In order to introduce young people to radio theatre and to involve them in the development of the genre of radio theatre, youth-oriented broadcast play competitions are held and the best plays are adapted and broadcast on Latvian Radio Theatre. In 2014, 28 broadcast plays and in 2015, 32 broadcast plays were submitted for the competition. 1st place was awarded to the following plays which were subsequently produced: Aiva Birbele’s radio saga for teenagers “Būda mežā” (“Buddha in the Forest”) (in four parts) and Arta Dzīle’s broadcast play “Mūsu virtuve” (“Our Kitchen”) (in Latvian; in Russian) - the winner of the competition “Latvia. More Important than Ever Before”.

In turn, a 20 programme series presented by Professor Jānis Siliņš comprised of conversations with actors who performed in previous years’ Latvian Radio Theatre productions  are broadcast in Latvian Radio Theatre’s TOP 20.

Broadcast and transmission cycle "Teātris.zip" - the best theatrical plays on Latvian television
(Latvia / LTV / 01.09.2012.)

The broadcast and theatrical play cycle "Teātris.zip" offers a unique benefit to the Latvian public, i.e. television viewers of various generations and audiences of the future – fully-fledged transmissions of the best and viewers’ favourite theatrical plays on LTV, as well as the compilation of an archive of recordings of the very best contemporary theatrical productions for broadcasting in the future.

"Teātris.zip" was launched in the autumn of 2012 (opening press conference). 

In the three seasons of "Teātris.zip", Latvian audiences have had the opportunity to enjoy recordings and live broadcasts of 90 of the best Latvian theatrical productions from various eras (60 evening performances together with the "Teātris.zip" programme presented by Ojārs Rubenis and 30 daytime performances). Parallel to this, LTV has produced recordings of 57 of the best plays from theatres in Riga and the regions. These are plays that have been included in Latvia’s cultural canon, as well as productions considered to be classics of their respective eras.

The latest "Teātris.zip" shows presented by Ojārs Rubenis can be viewed at: www.ltv.lv (section "Culture", searching for “Teātris.zip”).

The broadcast and theatrical play series “Teātris.zip” will continue during the 2015/2016 season.

Lech Majewski. 4 Moving Poems
(Art Museum Riga Bourse / 04.05.2013.)

From 4 May to 16 June 2013, the Art Museum Riga Bourse hosted “4 Moving Poems”, a personal exhibition by the notable Polish contemporary writer, director and poet, Lech Majewski.

Lech Majewski’s audio-visual project “4 Moving Poems” at the Art Museum Riga Bourse included four of biggest video work cycles: “DiVinities”, “Blood of a Poet”, “Bruegel Suite” and “The Roe’s Room”. The cycle “DiVinities” was produced during the period from 2001 to 2005 and was shown for the first time at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. “Blood of a Poet” is a work from 2005–2006, exhibited at MoMA and at the 52nd Venice Biennale. “Bruegel Suite” was produced from 2007 to 2010 and was first exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris and at the 54th Venice Biennale.

Emotionally and in terms of its contents, this cycle is derived from Lech Majewski’s film “The Mill & the Cross”, which was inspired by Pieter Bruegel’s painting “The Procession to Calvary”. The script is based on art historian Michael Francis Gibson’s essay of the same title. The film is comprised of a body of technically complex and emotionally potent elements, using the latest CG technologies and 3D effects, and boasting outstanding performances by Rutger Hauer as Bruegel, Charlotte Rampling and Michael York. The film has been shown to great acclaim at many film festivals around the world.

Each image included in the exhibition is comparable to a visualized moving poem, which can be view both individually and in context with others. Importantly, in formal terms, this solution liberates perception and makes it possible to interpret the meaning contained in the works in accordance with the creative capacity of the viewer, ever seeking new narrative twists and travelling through the labyrinth of scenes depicted in the cycle. It is akin to painting  with a video camera, where the artistic language and the theme of works mutually resonate, whereas the associations inspired by the works are multi-layered and individual.

In accordance with the exhibition policy supported by the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation, this project continued the strategy instigated in 2012 with the installation of globally renowned Russian artist Dmitri Gutov’s object “Gondola” of inviting the world’s very best artists to exhibit their works in Riga.

A collaboration with Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music
(Riga / 03.12.2013.)

On 25 April 2014, a newly built three manual romantic style organ whose building was financed by a number of private donors, among them the philanthropists, Boris and Ināra Teterev. In Latvia’s post-war history, this is the first organ to be newly built especially for Latvia’s needs and whose construction has been carried out by Latvia organ builders at the Ugāle organ building workshop. Therefore, the new organ building project is a rarity and an important event in Latvia’s cultural history. 

Since the founding of the Academy of Music or then Conservatory, there has always been an Organ class. It was founded by organist Pauls Jozuus – a contemporary and friend of Jāzeps Vītols since their days in St. Petersburg. There, Jozuus studied at the conservatory and sung in the choir conducted by Vītols. They shared a sincere friendship and subsequently their professional careers would develop together. When Vītols was invited to Latvia to found the Conservatory, Pauls Jozuus also headed to Riga. Vītols became the rector, while Jozuus was appointed first master of the Organ class. Back in the day, he worked together with his students in the same classroom where the new organ has now been installed.

In 2015, support was provided for the organising of the IV International Jāzeps Vītols Vocalists Competition. The goal of the project is to continue and maintain an important professional event for opera singing in Latvia, which allows participants to appraise their abilities at international level, to compare their experience, as well as motivating young singers, facilitating contact making and once again affirming Latvia’s standing as a country with highly developed singing traditions and the ability to successfully organise large international cultural events.

The symbol chosen for the competition is a precious stone, drawing attention to the fact that any participant who gets up on stage both during the first stage and in the formal finale concert at the Latvian National Opera House is already an amazing nugget and gemstone, polished over the years through the relentless process of rehearsals. More information about the competition and the winners can be found at: www.vitolakonkurss.lv

Support for theatrical art - Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre
(Riga / 01.07.2010.)

In a reflection of Boris and Ināra Teterev’s high appreciation of theatrical art, support was provided for a production of William Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night” (during the 2011/2012 season) and a show celebrating the music of the legendary Oscar Strok, “Tango ar Stroku” (“Tango with Strok”) (in 2012). The latter production has proved to be a tremendous hit with both Latvian and Russian audiences and is usually sold out.

In 2013, the Foundation and Mikhail Chekhov’s Riga Russian Theatre agreed on the provision of regular support for a range of new productions. On 11 May 2013, viewers had the chance to enjoy the first production under the auspices of this agreement: the operetta “Līgavaiņi” (“Suitors”), which was followed by “Kunga komediants” (“The Master’s Comedian”) and during the 2014/2015 season, “Khanuma”.

A monument to the great ballet dancer Māris Rūdolfs Liepa
(Riga / The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia / 05.09.2013.)

On 5 September 2013, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet Theatre building, a monument was unveiled in honour of the great Rigan and ballet dancer Māris Rūdolfs Liepa (1936 – 1989). The monument is a gift from the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev to the City of Riga and can be found on the edge of the canal next to the bridge between the Opera House and the University of Latvia.

Video clips: dedications to the great ballet master: “Atgriešanās” (“Return”), “Aktieris” (“Actor”) and “Deja” (“Dance”).

This monument is dedicated to ballet, using the globally renowned ballet dancer Māris Rūdolfs Liepa’s unforgettable stance in the classical attitude pose. Estonian artists spent almost two years creating this sculpture. In terms of its size and technological complexity, it is the most important outdoor work of art since Latvia regained her independence. The five metre high sculpture is made from stainless steel and is erected on a granite pedestal. The shadowy colouring is in contrast to the dancer’s stance, its patina has been created using the sculptors’ original technology, which the Estonians have kept a secret,” explains curator Helēna Demakova.

Following an invitation from curator Helēna Demakova, the monument was created by Estonian artists Jaan Toomik and Jiri Ojaver, who are professors at the Art Academy of Estonia, who have represented their country at the Venice Biennale, while of all the artists in the Baltic States, Jaan Toomik is received the greatest international recognition and renown. The monument’s architects are Peter Pere (Estonia) and Juris Gertmanis (Latvia).

An agreement regarding the creation of this monument was concluded on 24 August 2010 with the signing of a memorandum of intent. This was signed by the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev, representatives of Riga Council and the Latvian Ministry of Culture, and the great ballet dancer’s son, the Head of the Māris Liepa Charitable Foundation, Andris Liepa.

Latvian National Opera Academy 2012/2013
(Riga, Latvian National Opera / Latvian National Opera House / The Latvian National Opera / 28.11.2012.)

The objective of the Latvian National Opera Academy is to train new artists, helping them to begin their professional careers in operatic theatre, as well as ensuring artists’ further professional education and development. 

The Latvian National Opera (LNO) is the only professional operatic theatre in Latvia whose achievements we can boast of both nationally and internationally. The LNO consistently demonstrates high artistic performance and is concurrently a career trampoline for young domestic and foreign artists.

The LNO Academy operated for a single season in 2012/2013. The following images are from its opening event and seasonal finale concert.