Latvian Academy of Culture launches international “Artivism Bootcamp” study week dedicated to art and social activism
On June 1, the Latvian Academy of Culture launched the interdisciplinary study and experience week “The Artivism Bootcamp: The Intersection of Art and Activism”, bringing together students from arts universities across the Nordic and Baltic Sea region, alongside local artists, to collaboratively develop creative solutions to modern social issues through artistic expression.
The first day of the programme was focused on meeting each other, sharing ideas, and exploring the connection between art and activism. Through lectures and discussions, participants examined the role of socially engaged art, the artist’s place in society, the formation of artistic identity, and the potential of creative initiatives to foster social change and sustainability. Throughout the programme, students are collaborating with artists in Creative Labs, developing and testing small-scale artistic project ideas and socially impactful initiatives. The Creative Labs are led by local artists Elīza Māra, Evija Skuķe, Kristaps Ancāns, Mailo Mēness, and Nellija Spūle, representing the fields of visual art, theatre, music, performance art, and socially engaged artistic practice.
As part of the study programme, participants will develop practical skills in storytelling, collaboration-building, stakeholder mapping, and fundraising, while also establishing new interdisciplinary connections and networks for future cooperation. At the conclusion of the programme, participants will present their developed initiatives and receive feedback from experts.
Special thanks to Elīza Indriksone for documenting the programme through photography!
Programme organized within ActinArt - Nordic/Baltic Network for Entrepreneurial Mindset in the Arts, Act In Art 2025, NPHE-2025/10069.
The ActinArt network brings together Nordic and Baltic art academies in music, drama, dance, and cultural management. Coordinated by the Royal College of Music in Stockholm since 2023, the network’s diverse partners foster a strong, interdisciplinary approach. In recent years, ActinArt has focused on sustainability and exploring how art academies and students can help drive society toward a more sustainable future.
Prepared by Asnāte Kalēja