http://www.norden.com/en/rss.phpNorden Newsen-enhttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/86The exhibition Lapland Gardens by artist Inga Jurova is a part of the substantial outcome yielded by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ grant program Baltic Sleipnir. In the summer of 2006, it gave her the opportunity to visit an artists’ residence in Riklundsgården, the Swedish part of Lapland. Inga Jurova provides her own commentary on the lavish paintings that illustrate her travel impressions: "The Lapland Gardens. Culturally and historically, gardens have had different styles - Japanese, Rococo, Victorian, Spanish, French… and so on and so forth. Lapland gardens grow at the foot of rough, lofty and magnificent vastlands. The scenery was an inspiration to my first exhibition called A Scenery in Swedish Flag Colours, which was the result of my first trip to the Swedish Lapland. Coming back to the same place in late summer of 2006, I tried to resist the charms of the familiar scenery and discern its components instead. All of my pictures are nature close-ups, selected according to a system of my own and carefully arranged as in any garden." The exhibition Lapland Gardens will be hosted by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office the entire spring season!Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/371 CO2 E-Race program on May 15th 14:00-15:00 Electric cars and other ecological vehicles gather at the Statoil gas station on Eksporta Street. Preparation for the mass start. 15:00-16:00 Joint CO2 parade on the streets of Riga, starting from a ride over the Vanšu Bridge and finishing on the Elizabetes Street. 16:00-18:00 Presentation of the eco-vehicles outside the Congress House. Music provided by a Danish brass band. Children invited to participate in a joint construction of a cardboard car. Public speech by the Minister of Environment, Raimonds Vējonis. 18:00-19:00 Vehicles head back home or proceed to the Riga Motor Museum. 19:00-00:00 Museum Night activities at the Riga Motor Museum. Tue, 11 May 1999 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/396 The Tartu Creative Economy Centre has submitted an application to the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry for support in organising study trips and a contact seminar in order to boost cooperation in the field of the creative economy. As part of the support granted, a seminar will be held in Tartu on 17 andamp; 18 June which is designed to establish a contact network of companies involved in the creative economy in the Baltic States and Nordic countries. Attendance of the seminar is by invitation only. >> Tartu Creative Economy Centre >> Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and IndustryTue, 15 Jun 1999 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/283Addressing the issues of sustainability with a focus on networking, a Training Programme in Cultural Network Management, including a Meeting for Art and Renewable Energy Network will take place in Riga, December 3-6, 2009. The event will be implemented by RIXC (Latvia) together with partners from Baltic and Nordic countries: Lithuania (KCCC), Norway (Piksel, iolab), Iceland (Lorna), Finland (Piknik Frequency, Marin Association), Sweden (Kultivator, Mejan Labs, Interactive institute) as well as from the Netherlands (Baltan Laboratories) and by involving new partners from Caucasus region: Armenia (ACCEA/NPAK) and Georgia (Center for Contemporary Art - Tbilisi, GeoAir), and others. The event will feature also Latvian organizations such as Interdisciplinary art group SERDE, The New Theatre Institute of Latvia, and other NGO members. Location: RIXC Media Space, 11. Novembra krastmala 35, Riga, Latvia. More information: http://rixc.lv/calendar/index.php?m=12andamp;y=2009 Sat, 27 Nov 1999 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/41EUROPEAN IDENTITY IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS IN DENMARK AND THE EU On Thursday, the 23 of February, 2006 at 18:00 a panel discussion about European Identity in the Light of Recent Events in Denmark and the EU takes place at the premises of the Danish Cultural Institute, Riga, Marijas iela 13/3 (Berga Bazars). Three scholars - Daniel Tarschys, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg , currently - Professor of the Stockholm University (Sweden), Lykke Friis, former chief for Danish Industry in European Politics, expert in international politics and economics, recently elected Pro-rector, University of Copenhagen (Denmark) and Zaneta Ozolina, Professor of the Political Science Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Latvia (Latvia) will look into recent events in Europe and try to find the answer to the question: Is there a common European identity, and can it encompass all the residents of the union? The recent referendums in the Netherlands and France and the trouble caused by the Danish cartoons have raised questions such as: Does European Solidarity exist, or is the union existing only as long as there are common interests? Is there such a thing as "European Core Values"? The EU motto is "United in diversity" - does it work in the real world? How do we deal with the many people, religions, and cultures within the union? Panel discussion is to be held in English and Latvian with synchronous interpretation. All interested persons are asked to sign up by phone 7289994 and attend the discussion in time, since the number of seats is limited. The panel discussion is jointly organised by the Danish Cultural Institute, Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and Latvian European Movement. A NEW PROJECT andquot;Re.Searchingandquot; INVITES ARTISTS, ACADEMICS, SCHOLARS TO PARTICIPATE IN SEMINAR / WORKSHOPS From April 20-25, 2006 leading Nordic and European performing artists and academics will meet at a Nordic symposium andquot;Re.Searchingandquot; (Malmö, Sweden) to discuss and present methods, possibilities and new approaches within artistic practice and research. More than 50 artists, academics and scholars from the Nordic and Baltic countries are invited to participate in 4 parallel workshops and a seminar during 6 intensive days in Malmö. andquot;Re.Searchingandquot; presents leading Nordic artists/researchers and international keynote speakers as workshop leader and keynote speakers: Barbro Smeds (SE), Kjell Yngve Petersen (DK/UK), Pil Hansen (DK/CAN), Cecilia Lagerström (SE), Ritseart ten Cate (NL), Dr. Heidi Gildpin (USA) and Baz Kershaw (UK). andquot;Re.Searchingandquot; encourages performing arts professionals to attack, develop and share new knowledge about artistic methods, expressions and traditions. andquot;Re.Searchingandquot; is about producing and articulating new knowledge about the practice of theatre, dance and performance: knowledge and experience to be used for individual and collaborative work, production and creativity. Application Artists from the field of performing arts in the Nordic and Baltic countries are invited to apply for the workshops. Artists, academics and scholars are invited to apply for the seminar. Final application date: February 24, 2006 More information: www.nordscen.org/researching NORDIC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OPENS OFFICE IN KALININGRAD An agreement to open a new Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Kaliningrad was signed in Moscow on 22 December by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Russian Federation. The Nordic Council of Ministers has had offices in the Baltic capitals since 1991 and in St. Petersburg since 1995. Co-operation with North-West Russia will now be taken a step further by greater involvement in Kaliningrad. In collaboration with local bodies, the office will co-ordinate and implement the Council of Ministers' Russia Programme in Kaliningrad - in particular in relation to the Nordic Council of Ministers' new guidelines and programme for co-operation with North-West Russia. The Nordic Council of Ministers' exchange and networking programme for civil servants, researchers, artists, politicians and business will be open to citizens of Kaliningrad. Co-operation projects will be launched involving local parties in Kaliningrad and partners in the Nordic Region. The Council of Ministers also envisages closer political co-operation with the local administration in Kaliningrad. The Nordic Council of Ministers has made co-operation with North-West Russia and the Baltic countries one of its top priorities, a move reflected in the fact that it earmarks approximately 20% of the total annual budget for work in the area. The latest initiatives involve co-operation with Belarus as well, e.g. the cross-border regional project Baltic Euro-Regional Network, which also includes border areas in Belarus, and a new project to fund the Belarusian University, European Humanities University (EHU), which was closed by the authorities in Minsk in July 2004 and has now moved to Vilnius in Lithuania. BACKING FOR BELARUSIAN EXILE UNIVERSITY The Nordic Council of Ministers and the EU Commission have signed an agreement at the very end of year 2005 to run a project to provide backing for the Belarusian university, European Humanities University (EHU). The last independent university in Belarus, EHU was closed by the authorities in Minsk in July 2004 and is now based in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Per Unckel, the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, emphasized that backing for the university represents support for democracy and human rights in Belarus. Support for EHU is also part of a broader Nordic commitment to Belarus. Another example is the cross-border regional project Baltic Euro-Regional Network, which also covers border areas in Belarus. Both projects are close partnerships between the EU and the Nordic Council of Ministers. The new funding for EHU will allow 350 students from Belarus to study a number of subjects and gain recognized European qualifications. The funding from the EU Commission is being channelled through its program European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. The new three-year project has a budget of approximately DKK 20 million. As well as the EU and the Nordic Council of Ministers, Finland and Sweden are also providing bilateral aid to the project. Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/42NORDIC SPRING HAS COME! For the second year in a row the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in close cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of Sweden, the Royal Danish Embassy and the Danish Culture Institute is presenting a Nordic cultural events’ programme "Nordic Spring". This year the "Nordic Spring" takes place from March to June. Last year the "Nordic Spring" began with a Scandinavian Design exhibition. Scandinavian design as a term appeared as an excellent example for cooperation, when 5 Nordic countries mutually cooperating (instead of competition) brought to the global art a new design concept. The idea of the "Nordic Spring" appeared in a similar way - each Nordic country contributes with their cultural events developing a common cultural program. Thus we can consider "Nordic Spring" being a tradition already. There are 6 themes in the programme this year: Visual Arts, Cinema, Literature, Music, Performing Arts, Identity. Altogether 46 events are planned in the programme - concerts, exhibitions, films, literary evenings, seminars, conferences and other events. The "Nordic Spring" has unlimited target audience - each age group can find something interesting. One of the aims of the "Nordic Spring" is to maintain interest about Nordic countries alive, offer new impressions and information that could serve as a base for new cooperation ideas. Already starting from March 6, the "Nordic Spring" will be seen on the streets in Riga attracting with its rich green colour and the first white spring flowers. Posters with the programme of the "Nordic Spring" will be placed at bus stops and on advertisement stands, as well as at the various places of the events. Information flyers will be distributed through "Narvessen" press kiosks, "Statoil" petrol station shops and locations of the included cultural events, various cultural exhibitions and other public locations. DESIGN EXHIBITION andquot;NEW SHOOTSandquot; BY THE STUDENTS OF LATVIAN ACADEMY OF ARTS On Friday, March 3 at 18.00 a design exhibition andquot;New Shootsandquot; will be open at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (Skārņu iela 10/20, Riga). The exhibition features design works made by the Latvian Academy of Arts students' that have been supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. Works exhibited are made by young, talented designers for participation at the International Design competition andquot;INDEX 2005 andamp; Cumulusandquot; in Copenhagen, Stockholm Furniture exhibition andquot;Greenhouseandquot; and within the project andquot;Nordic Design Workshopsandquot;. The exhibition is prolonged until March 26, 2006. The exhibition is organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia in cooperation with Latvian Academy of Arts. Our gratitude to the supporters: Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, Copy General, farm andquot;Galiņiandquot;, Radio NABA. The exhibition is one of the andquot;Nordic Springandquot; events. THE NORDIC COOPERATION CELEBRATES 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN LATVIA! In January 1990 when the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) decided to work out initiatives to support development in the Baltic Area, it was first time ever that NCM was the operator of something else than intra-Nordic activities. The aim was clear: Political support for the Baltic Republics and their struggle for freedom. After negotiations in Moscow the Soviet authorities accepted that Nordic offices were established as information and cultural centres in the three Baltic Soviet Republics. The official launching of the Nordic Information Office i Riga took place on the 1st of April 1991. The office was one of the very first foreign representations in Latvia at that time. Times have changed, and so has the situation in Latvia. The last 15 years have shown that development of society is constantly generating new needs and new aspects in the relations of co-operation. The EU membership of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in 2004 marked a new era of cooperation. After one decade of cooperation, which might first of all be characterized as aid to development, time had come to aim at a more equally based cooperation between authorities. The key areas of cooperation have changed and the role of the NCM office in Latvia is far from being "only an information office". EXHIBITION "BRIDGE ROUTER" BY PATRICIJA BREKTE On Tuesday, the 7th of February a painting and graphics exhibition andquot;Bridge Router" by Patricija Brekte is presented at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. Patricija Brekte is a young artist who works in black and white and has chosen unusual theme. The exhibition is dedicated to the art space of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, where Patricija Brekte repeatedly turns to the theme of urban landscape. A theme of a bridge and its surroundings is put in the spotlight of the exhibition. "There is a necessity to create something that can be easily perceived, because there is a lack of visually understandable art", thinks the author. Inspiration for the paintings P.Brekte has gained in Sweden, when she participated in the creative Nordic graphics workshop. This was possible thanks to the grant received from the Nordic Council of Ministers within the program "Baltic Sleipnir". The exhibition is open until March 15, 2006. Address: The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, Riga, Marijas 13/3. "ENERGY++" CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED The contest for Energy students from universities in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia within the project "Energy++" of the Nordic Council of Ministers has concluded. The contest was carried out through the homepage www.moreenergyfun.com from November 15, 2005 until December 5, 2005 and was devoted to energy efficiency, energy policy and energy demand management in households in order to draw attention of future energy specialists to issues which are declared the priority of EU energy policy. Award ceremony was held in January 20, 2006 in Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Latvia. The winners are: 1st place - A.Kamenders (RTU, Latvia), 2nd place - I.Bankauskas (VTU, Lithuania), 3rd place - L.Bušmane (RTU, Latvia), consolation prize - G.Žogla (RTU, Latvia). The webpage created by the "Energy++" project was intended as one of tools available to achieve aims of energy policy using international cooperation, exchange of best experience and information about developments of energy policy. Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/43NORDIC INNOVATION CENTER PRESENTS SIX PROJECTS ON CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AT FUTURE FORMATS FORUM You are invited to participate in a Future Formats Forum 19-20 April 2006 in Karlshamn, Sweden. Future Formats is a two day creative industry forum with a specific focus on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and its implication on future formats; be it technology, business development, education, regional development or research across Nordic and Baltic Region. Read more here: http://www.nordicinnovation.net/article.cfm?id=1-853-445. 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENTS! In the beginning of April, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia celebrates its 15 year anniversary. Two events are organized in connection with the jubilee. On April 3 a concert followed by a reception is arranged for all cooperation partners and friends in "Grivas Mebeles". On April 4 a Nordic - Latvian dialogue conference "Welfare and Growth in Northern Europe - Foundation for Global Competitiveness of the Region" takes place at the premises of the Museum of Riga History and Navigation. In this dialogue conference we invite everyone to take part in the discussion and try to find answers on the following questions: Is economic growth and welfare each others precondition (the hen and the egg paradox)? Is the Baltic Sea Region globally competitive? Competitiveness, innovations and sustainable development in the Nordic and in the Baltic countries - is it possible to define common ambitions, formulate common strategy and action plan? How is the Nordic-Baltic region prepared for the challenges and changes brought by globalisation? What role does the welfare model have in the global competitiveness of the Nordic region? The leading Latvian and Nordic policy makers, economists, academics, researchers, as well as culture and business professionals are invited to take part in the conference. A short press conference prior the conference is arranged on subject andquot;The Potential of the Nordic - Baltic Region. How Competitive can We be?andquot; on April 4 at 9:00-9:30. SUPPORT TO BELARUSIAN UNIVERSITY IN EXILE WITH € 2.78 MILLION On Friday the 24th, the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) will sign an agreement with the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius in support of this Belarusian university in exile. This agreement worth € 2.78 million will enable 350 students from Belarus to study at the EHU for three years in various degree programs. The European Commission is the biggest donor with € 2.2 million. The signing ceremony will take place on 24th March, at 10.00 am at the Mykolas Romeris University campus, Valakupiu 5. The agreement between NCM and EHU will be signed by Mr Per Unckel, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers and by Mr Anatoli Mikhailov, the Rector of the European Humanities University. After the signing there will be an opportunity for the media to ask questions. Mr Unckel will also meet with President Valdas Adamkus and Minister of Education and Science Remigijus Motuzas during his one-day visit to Vilnius. Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers Per Unckel says: "Higher education is crucial in both human and societal development as it enhances critical thinking, active citizenship and ethical values. Good and solid education of the younger generation is a cornerstone in building the future of any society. Our backing for the university represents long-term support for democracy through offering academic education based on values common for universities all over the world." In the signing ceremony a message from European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy will be delivered. After the forced closing of the EHU by the authorities in Minsk in 2004, it now operates as a recognized university in Vilnius. The joint Nordic-EU project has a budget of approximately EUR 2,78 million. The EU contribution is funded through the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. In addition to the Nordic Council of Ministers, Finland and Sweden contribute bilaterally to the project. Support for EHU is also part of a broader Nordic commitment to Belarus. Another example is the cross-border regional project Baltic Euroregional Network, which also covers border areas in Belarus. Both projects are close partnerships between the EU and the Nordic Council of Ministers. GLASS AND PAINTING EXHIBITION andquot;BEHIND THE POLAR CIRCLEandquot; From March 17 until April 30 a glass and painting exhibition "Behind the Polar Circle" is open at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia within the Nordic Spring program. The exhibition "Behind the Polar Circle" includes works by Barbala Gulbe (glass), Madara Gulbis (paintings) and Madara Liepa (glass) inspired by Lapland. Lapland - a country which inspires with its clean and untouched nature, a country with mixed cultures - Lapps, Finns, Swedes, Norwegians and Russians. Who actually lives behind the polar circle? And what kind of life is possible so far away in the North? These questions served as the main motivation for three Latvian artists to go on a creative trip to the North of Finland within the Nordic Council of Ministers‘ grant program "Baltic Sleipnir". With this exhibition the authors want to express their love and respect towards the rough Nordic nature and fearless people who live in balance and harmony behind the Polar circle. "The message of our exhibition is the idea that piece and harmony can be embodied in any soul anywhere in the world" - say the young artists. Nordic nature and animals / wildlife can be admired by their ability to bear cold and frost, amazing is their ability to enjoy the short summer and the Sun. The exhibition includes paintings of relatively abstract landscape (Madara Gulbis); mosaics influenced by ethnography of ancient Samish culture (Madara Liepa) and glass in plastic arts inspired by the Nordic nature (Barbala Gulbe). Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/44EXHIBITION andquot;NORDIC SAGA IN GLASS AND PORCELAIN. DENMARK. SWEDEN. 19-21 CENTURYandquot; An exhibition "Nordic Saga in Glass and Porcelain. Denmark. Sweden. 19th-21st century" is open at the Museum of Foreign Arts (Pils laukums 3) in Riga until May 7, 2006. The exhibition features applied arts’ pieces made in Denmark and Sweden during centuries 19-21, and includes exhibits from several well recognized Nordic factories: Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory and Bing andamp; Grendal Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen, Clair Factory, Factory Aluminia, Factory P. Ibsen’s Widow, Holmegard Glass Factory, Procelain and Faience Factory in Rärstrand and Gustavsberg, as well as Orrefors Glass Factory. Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory, Holmegaard’s Glass Factory (Denmark), Porcelain and Faience Factory in Rärstrand, as well as Orrefors Glass Factory in Sweden have sent their newest articles specially for this exhibition. A part of the exhibition is created from collections of the Museum of Foreign Arts, Rundale Palace Museum and the Museum of Riga History and Navigation. A special attention can be drawn to the collection of the Museum of Foreign Arts including pieces from exhibitions that were arranged in Riga during 20th century thirties. A part of the exhibits was bought by the museum, others were received as gifts at that time. However, the greatest part of exhibition consists of pieces from Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory and Bing andamp; Grendal Porcelain Factory in Denmark. These porcelain exhibits are in soft bluish / greyish / greenish colours and this kind of porcelain was popular in Europe at the beginning of 20th century. The exhibition offers an exclusive opportunity to see a set of The Nobel Dinner Table, which was made by leading Swedish designers in 1991 for the 90th anniversary of Nobel’s Prize; a gift given by Her Majesty Queen Margrete II to Riga City Council in 1992 and two Swedish glass pieces, that were given as a present to Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Latvia. The exhibition is like a saga about Danish and Swedish porcelain and glass design development during several centuries. This exhibition is a cooperation project between the Museum of Foreign Arts, Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and Royal Embassy of Sweden, and it is also one of the events of the cultural program "Nordic Spring". Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/45THE NORDIC SPRING CLOSING EVENT The spring has been very long and cold this year… The organizers of the Nordic Spring want to welcome the summer by saying farewell to the Spring. The closing event of the Nordic Spring takes place on June 16 on the floating gallery "Noass" in Riga. Still in June the Nordic Spring offers the Finnish Days in Jurmala (13.-20.06.), Ibsen film screenings at the cinema "K.Suns" (10.-11.06.) and the photo exhibition "Northward" by Oskars Lekuns at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Latvia. Altogether 46 Nordic events were included in the Nordic Spring program under titles Visual Arts, Cinema, Literature, Music, Performing Arts, and Identity. The Nordic Spring was organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in close cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of Sweden, the Royal Danish Embassy and the Danish Culture Institute. PHOTO EXHIBITION andquot;NORTHWARDandquot; BY OSKARS LEKUNS From May 10 until June 30 a photo exhibition andquot;Northwardandquot; by Oskars Lekuns is exhibited at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. A trip from Jugla to the North Sea done by Ieva Sturmane and Oskars Lekuns in 2004 has served as a motive for this exhibition. The inspiration for the trip was Finland, Scandinavian nature, polar day, the people and culture. The way of travelling was chosen the closest to nature and those few people living there as possible. The photos are supplemented with extracts from the travel diary. NORDIC POPULAR MUSIC COLLECTION From now on a Nordic popular music collection is available at the library of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. The collection includes 30 discs with such well know groups as Röyksopp, Kings of Convenience, Madrugada, Jaga Jazzist from Norway, The Concretes, Jose Gonzales, Dungen, Radio Dept, The Concretes, The Hives, Knife, The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, Nicolai Dunger, Caesars from Sweden, Emiliana Torrini, Sigur Ros, Mum, Eberg from Iceland and Mew from Denmark. Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/46andquot;CHANGE OF GUARDandquot; AT THE NORDIC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' OFFICE IN LATVIA Hanne Petersen Refslund is terminating her duty as director ad interim of the NCM Office in Latvia at the end of June. Starting from July 1, the director of the office will be Imants Gross. I.Gross was born and raised up in Sweden, but having Latvian parents has been connected with Latvia both personally and professionally through out many years. Imants Gross has more than 20 years experience in international affairs, business relations and development, management and leadership, diplomacy and politics in Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea Region, EU and Africa. He has also experience of state enterprise restructuring and privatization, regional management and development, international marketing and branding, project management including real estate project development. I.Gross has been working as a Head of the Representative Office in Sweden of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (2003-2005), Team Leader / Marketing Director of the EU Phare programme of the Latvian Privatization Agency (1995-1997). From 1991-1996 he has been assigned Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Kingdom of Sweden and Accredited Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway. Late employments include SIA "REALBALTIC" and SIA "LETEL" where he has fulfilled a position as Chairman of the Board. Educational background of I.Gross includes a Master degree in International Law at the University of Brussels. His native languages are Latvian and Swedish, besides he is fluent in English and German.Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/47EXHIBITION "WAVES" In 2006 The andquot;Art + Communicationandquot; festival, organised by the RIXC in Riga, celebrates its 10th anniversary and the 8th edition. For the first time the festival is conceived as a large-scale exhibition - andquot;WAVESandquot; that looks at electromagnetic waves as material and medium of art. The WAVES exhibition brings together about 40 international works of (media) art by 70 artists from 18 different countries, in which electromagnetic waves are seen not just as carriers of information, but as the material and/or theme of the artwork. The exhibition is complemented by a festival programme, consisting of a conference, open presentations, workshops, a performance programme and film screenings of classic and contemporary experimental movies. Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/48BOOK AND LIBRARY FAIR IN GOTHENBURG, SEPTEMBER 21 - 24 Gothenburg Book Fair is the biggest meeting place for the book trade and for the people with interest in literature of the Nordic countries. This is the perfect place to meet and get in contact with the established authors and learn about the new writers from the region. In 2006, the 22nd Gothenburg Book Fair will take place from 21st September to the 24th September and Freedom of Expression will be in focus at this time. Many writers, publishers, politicians and other intellectuals will be invited to the Gothenburg to discuss how to protect the freedom to write and to publish. More information: http://www.bok-bibliotek.se STIPEND FOR PRACTITIONERS WITHIN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SPATIAL PLANNING Nordregio (www.nordregio.se), a research and evaluation institute under the Nordic Council of Ministers, are offering a number of stipends to enable practitioners within regional development and spatial planning from the Baltic region (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus and the Russian Federation) to join their European and Nordic neighbours in a number of courses that Nordregio is arranging. The stipend is partly sponsored by the EU Interreg programme IIIB Baltic Sea Region, and covers course fee and most of travel and hotel expenses. The next course takes place in Oslo 8-10 November, 2006 and is called "Successful cities: Strategies for management". The deadline for the stipend for this course is 12th September. More information about the course and the stipend: www.nordregio.se/coursenov06.htm. PRESENTATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTED EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC COLLECTION A year ago the Nordic experimental music collection was created at the library of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. The collection includes records from Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. In cooperation with Viestarts Gailitis, organizer of the International Adventurous Music Festival "Skanu Mezs" (Sound Forest) the collection has been supplemented with new items of Nordic performers. In connection with that a presentation of the supplemented experimental music collection is organized on September 7 at 20:00 at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia. The presentation is led by Viestarts Gailitis with participation of a special guest BJ Nilsen from Sweden. Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/49NEW CALL: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES - UNLOCKING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL Norden - the Creative powerhouse The Nordic Innovation Centre is launching a second call for proposal within the field of Creative Industries, investing NOK 10 millions (1,2 million Euros) in Nordic projects developing concrete actions and innovative policies for the Nordic Creative Industries. Take the opportunity to unlock the potentials of the Nordic Creative Industries! The Nordic Innovation Centre invites Nordic and Baltic actors from industry and industry federations, innovation institutes, research institutions and other relevant organisations to submit project proposals within the following four measures: Financing the Creative Industries Improve access to capital Strengthening the Creative Clusters Intellectual Property Rights Utilizing IPRs for value creation Good practice of business models and IPR Design - a Nordic competitive advantage Nordic-Baltic cooperation, a high potential interaction Strategic actions for enhancing design in the industry Digital Interactive Industry Cross-disciplinary initiatives on emerging markets Governmental strategies for growth of the games industry Baltic stakeholders are particular invited to be part of projects within measure 3 of the call: Design - Nordic competitive advantage, but all measures are of course open for interesting Nordic-Baltic cooperations as long as the project consortium encompass the minimum of three Nordic countries. Projects are expected to develop concrete actions for the industry and specific recommendations for new policy measures. Closing date: October 16, 2006 INVITATION TO A PRESS CONFERENCE - PRESENTATION ABOUT THE NEW NGO GRANT PROGRAM OF THE NORDIC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS On Friday, 6th of October, 2006 all media representatives are invited to attend a press conference - presentation about the new spacious grant program of the Nordic Council of Ministers that is intended for cross-border cooperation of NGOs and development of civil society. Venue: The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3, Riga Time: 10:00 - 10:45 o’clock Speaker: Per Unckel, Secretary General, Nordic Council of Ministers Agenda: 10:00-10:30 NGO Program - possibility for NGOs to promote pluralistic contacts across the borders and prosperity and democracy in the Baltic Sea region 10:30-10:45 Questions Language: English with translation to Latvian Contact person: Ieva Arnte, Information Adviser, Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, ieva.arnte@norden.lv, ph. 7820051. PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK andquot;THE PASTORandquot; BY HANNE ØRSTAVIK The book "The Pastor" by Norwegian writer Hanne Ørstavik (b. 1969) will be launched in October 3, at 6 p.m. at the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia in the presence of the author himself. The event is being organized by the publishing house "Atēna" and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia. The book "The Pastor" is the first book by Hanne Ørstavik translated to Latvian. The book "The Pastor" in 2004 got the Brage Prize for Best Norwegian Novel. Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/50ANNUAL NORDIC LIBRARY WEEK From November 13-19 the common Nordic Library week is being organised in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The Nordic Library weeks have taken place in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia since 1998, but the Nordic countries celebrate its 10 year anniversary this year. Each year a fragment of a certain literary work of a Nordic author is chosen and read in schools, libraries and other cultural institutions in various parts of the Nordic countries. This year's theme is andquot;Murder in the Northandquot; with the focus on contemporary detectives and exciting stories. The featured authors are all multiple prize- winners of international repute: detective writer Arnaldur Indriðason (Iceland), children's author Gunilla Bergström (Sweden) and Ole Lund Kirkegaard (Denmark). The annual poster has been designed by the Swedish graphic artist Karin Mårtensson/Emmylou. The great attendance of the events shows a growing interest, gathering more and more participants each year. Last year’s Nordic Library Week was dedicated to the outstanding Swedish Writer Selma Lagerlöf’s popular book "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson" A chapter "Two Towns" of this book was read in many places at the same time following the trip across the Nordic Countries… ANNUAL NORDIC COUNCIL'S SESSION The Nordic Council is meeting for its annual Session from October 29 until November 2 in Copenhagen this year. The Session of the Nordic Council is held once a year and it is the biggest event in the Nordic co-operation calendar. New president of the Nordic Council, as well as members of the Council’s Presidium and committees is elected during the Session. The next presiding country in the Nordic Council of Ministers is Finland in 2007 taking over from Norway. Finland has prepared a program "Norden with opportunities - close to you". A special focus has been laid on the closer Nordic - Baltic co-operation during next year. A hundred parliamentarians from the five Nordic countries and three autonomous territories participate in the Session. A large number of guests from the Baltic countries, Russia, Poland, and Germany etc. have also been invited to attend. As a tradition also this year's prizes of the Nordic Council will be awarded during a stylish ceremony to be held one evening during the Session. NORDIC COUNCIL FILM PRIZE 2006 TO SWEDISH andquot;ZOZOandquot; The winner of the Nordic Council Film Prize 2006 is the Swedish film "Zozo". The prize of 350,000 DKK (approx. LVL 33 000) will be shared between Josef Fares, Director and Scriptwriter, and Anna Anthony, Producer. The prize will be awarded at a ceremony during the Nordic Council’s annual Session in Copenhagen on Wednesday 1 October. Josef Fares (1977) moved to Sweden as a 10-year old boy in 1987. Being the author of many short video productions at the age of 21, he became the youngest student ever to be admitted into the Film Directors’ program of the Drama Institute, Sweden. Josef Fares is known for hilarious comedies like "Jalla Jalla!" and "Kopps". All films by Josef Fares have been screened in Latvia - within the International Cinema Forum "Arsenals" and the Nordic Film Days. The Library of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3, Berga Bazars, Riga welcomes everyone and offers possibility to watch all movies by Josef Fares - "Jalla Jalla!" (2000), "Kopps" (2003) and "Zozo" (2005) at any time. More information: Ieva Hermansone, ieva@norden.lv, 7820088. NEW GRANT PROGRAMS FOR NGOs IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION The Nordic Council of Ministers launched a new funding programme for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Baltic Sea Region. The purpose of the programme is to provide a boost to civic society and stimulate active co-operation in the region. The NGO Programme for the Baltic Sea Region is based on tripartite co-operation with at least one partner from the Nordic countries, one partner from the Baltic countries or Poland, and at least one partner from North-West Russia or Belarus. This programme reiterates the view that the Nordic governments hold of NGOs and the key role they play in promoting democracy. The Nordic Council of Ministers is entitled to take the initiative to launch new partnerships under the programme. An annual budget of approximately DKK 5 million (ca 0,67 million Euro) has been earmarked for the programme. Grants of up to DKK 500,000 (67,000 Euro) may be paid out. The deadline for applications is November 01, 2006. A new deadline will be announced in early 2007.Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/51THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "THE OMBUDSMAN IN THE DEMOCRATIC STATE GOVERNED BY THE RULE OF LAW" The international conference "The Ombudsman in the democratic state governed by the rule of law" is organized by the Latvian National Human Rights Office with the support of the Nordic Council of Minister’s Office in Latvia and will take place on 4 December, 2006, a.m.10.00-17.40 p.m., in the "Reval Hotel Latvija", hall "Beta", Riga, Elizabetes street 55. On 6 April, 2006 the Latvian Parliament (the Saeima) adopted new law On Ombudsman. The law provides that the new ombudsman institution will be established on the basis of the Latvian National Human Rights Office starting from 1 January, 2007. The aims of the conference "The Ombudsman in the democratic state governed by the rule of law" are to discuss about the role and functions of Ombudsman institution in Latvia and other countries, to analyze different aspects of activities of this institution, as well as to aggregate and sharing the best practice and opinions about the problems of protection of rights of a person with similar institutions in other countries. More information: The Latvian National Human Rights Office’s, project manager Sabīne Viļumsone, sabinev@vcb.lv, ph. +371 7686782, +371 29620284. Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Latvia, Kārlis Valters, Karlis@norden.lv, ph. +371 7820089 PHOTO EXHIBITION andquot;I WOULD LIKE TO BE...andquot; BY IEVA JEROHINA A photo exhibition andquot;I would like to be...andquot; by Ieva Jerohina is open from September 14 until November 30 at the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. The opening of the exhibition takes place on September 14 at 17:30. Icelandic youngsters and environment is reflected in these photos by Ieva Jerohina. Portraits of young people have been taken in their own surroundings - their private rooms. In addition to the photos, there are comments from these teenagers about the topics - what they want to become, what is the base for their happiness, what future dreams they have and what they most love about their country. Together with the photos one can learn also about the values and ideals of nowadays Icelandic youngsters. The photos are taken in Iceland in spring this year, when the artist Ieva Jerohina spent two months at the artist residence of Hafnarborg. Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/52November 14 will mark the 100th anniversary of Astrid Lindgren, a highly renowned author of the Nordic children’s and adolescent literature. Owing to many of her characters, entire generations have turned into avid readers. The series of events on November 12-23 will target the children’s audience. The two weeks will feature an interactive exhibition, public readings of A. Lindgren’s works, different contests, as well as meeting with Finnish book ilustrators and partcipating in their workshops. 1st-4th graders and kindergarten children are invited to participate in the drawing contest How are Astrid Lindgren’s characters doing today? The required format is A4 or A3 pages which should be handed in by November 16. The pictures can be brought along to the Nordic Library Week readings. The school students of 5th-9th grades can take part in a competition of essays with the same title: How are Astrid Lindgren’s characters doing today? The required length: up to 3 pages. Deadline: November 9. All works aiming for the contest must be submitted to the Centre of Children Literature of the National Library. Address: Tērbatas Str. 75, Riga, LV-1001, phone 7312792, berni@lnb.lv. A wonderful trip to the famous Swedish Junibacken museum for children awaits the winner of the essay contest, a gift from the SAS Airlines and the Swedish Embassy. The authors of the best drawings will receive surprise awards. On November 22-23, the K.Suns cinema will be screening Swedish children films free of charge: The Children of Bullerbyn Village, Sister Darling, Madita, The Husky Kajsa. Group visits should be applied to the K.Suns cinema (kino@dtc.lv, Elizabetes Str. 83/85) by November 16. For more information call 7229030. The events are organised and financially supported by the Swedish Embassy, the Finnish Embassy, the Swedish Institute, the Finnish Institute, the Latvian National Library, the Latvian Children and Youth Literature Council, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, Zvaigzne ABC publishing house, the SAS Airlines, the State Culture Capital Foundation, the K.Suns cinema. Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/53Times and morals change, time modifies people’s beliefs too, and about many things they judge diferently. But people’s hearts never change. Those are the words of the outstanding Norwegian writer Sigrid Undset, who in the Latvian audience is better recognised by the historic trilogy Kristin Lavransdatter, for which she received a Nobel Prize in literature. Apart from the acclaimed trilogy, Sigrid Undset had written 33 books and several hundreds of publications. The peculiar and influential personality of the writer has been portrayed in her life-story Human Hearts recently published by the Daugava publishers. Tordis Ørjasæter was the original author of the book, whereas its Latvian translation was done by Aija Eimane. The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia will host the opening of the book on November 13 at 18:00. The discussion will evolve around the all-time popular Norwegian writer Sigrid Undset, the women’s role in literature, the challenges and advantages experienced by the female authors. The Latvian writer Laima Muktupavela and translator Aija Eimane will take part in the event. The discussion will be moderated by Linda Levane from the Norwegian Embassy in Riga. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/54BYR the candlelight, at the same moment of the same day a preliminary chosen text is read out loud in the libraries of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, as well as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Aland Islands. The simultaneous reading creates the feeling of unity, which is the principal idea behind the Nordic Library Week. The readers in Latvia will be gathered for the 10th year in a row to get acquainted with the literature of the neighbouring countries. Each year a particular theme is chosen that runs through the literary works being read and is depicted on the postcards made especially for the Nordic Library Week. Traditionally, the postcards illustrate a window symbolising the gateway to the mysterious and picturesque realm of books. The Nordic Library Week 2007 will take place on November 12-18, this time concentrating on Women in the Nordic Countries. The literature of two famous Nordic female authors will be distinguished: the Swedish Astrid Lindgren with her Pippi Longstocking and Ronja the Robber’s Daughter aimed at the younger readership, whereas the novel Kristin Lavrans Daughter by the Norwegian author Sigrid Undset will be more appealing to the grownups. Latvian libraries participated in the Nordic Library Week first in 1998. The theme of the week was Humour in the Nordic Countries and excerpts from The Red Dragon by the Swedish author G. Bengtsson were read. Nordic Legends and Myths was the leading motif of 1999, offering a glimpse of the Finnish epic Kalevala. In 2000 the Nordic Library Week focused on Children in the Nordic Countries. For the common reading hours fragments from Emil from Lonneberg by Astrid Lindgren were chosen, narrating a story of a mischievous boy who at the bottom of his heart is curious, brave and affectionate. The Nordic Library Week of 2001 under the title Words and Sounds in the Nordic Countries drew attention to the Nordic languages. The works of Bellman, Andersen and Oegner were offered to the appreciation of readers and listeners. 2002 continued on the theme of the previous year and was dubbed The Word in the Nordic Countries. The readers were introduced to the literary work Laterna magica written by V. Heinesen, the receiver of the Nordic Council award in literature, as well as The Invisible Child, a book by Tove Jansson. The Nordic Library Week of 2003 was dedicated to the marine - Sea in the Nordic Countries. Excerpts were taken from Garman and Vorse by the Norwegian author Aleksander Hjelland and Angangujuks, a story from Greenland. Once Upon a Time in the Nordic Countries was the unifying theme in 2004, centred around the grand Danish fairy-tale master Hans Christian Andersen, whose 200th anniversary was celebrated in 2005. In 2005 the focus was shifted to Travelling Around the Nordic Countries, paying special attention to the literary heritage of the distinguished Swedish writer Selma Lagerlof and The Wonderful Adventures of Nils in particular. Last year the partcipants of the Nordic Library Week were overwhelmed by The Breathtaking North, analysing the contemporary detective literature and adventure stories. The works of three internationally acclaimed authors had been selected: Silent as in Grave by Arnaldur Indridasson from Iceland and the children books Hurra to Father Aaberg by the Swedish writer Gunilla Bergstrom and Frode and Others by the great Danish author Ole Lund Kirkegaard. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/55Nordplus is the largest and most relevant of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ programs in education and science. Every year the program attracts more than 10 000 Nordic residents to the projects of elementary education and life-long learning. On November 8-9 the Radisson SAS Falkoner Hoteli n Copenhagen will host a presentation conference of the new Nordplus program for 2008-2011 which was designed on the basis of the previous program and now included the Baltic States as equal participants. In Latvia, the Nordplus program will be administered by the Academic Programme Agency (www.apa.lv). More detailed information on NordPlus available on www.apa.lv.Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/73The idea of involving Scandinavian fashion in the Riga Fashion Week turned out under the title Nordic Look. Within the Nordic Look framework, an exhibition of street fashion called HEL LOOKS and the collection of a Danish fashion designer Nikoline Liv Andersen was presented by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and the Danish Cultural Institute in Riga. From December 5 until 21 the new exhibition will be presented at the premises of Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia - photo exhibition Sleeping Beauty- the moments from Riga Fashion Week by Nils Vilnis. Organisers Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and andamp; Baltic Fashion Federation.Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/81Programme for the Swedish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2008 Concentrating Our Strengths: http://norden.org/pub/ovrigt/ovrigt/uk/ANP2007741.pdf The programme is divided into four main themes: Competitiveness, Climate, Creativity and Co-ordination. The headings cover over-arching objectives and activities. The sectoral programmes provide more detailed descriptions of the specific priorities, and outline which of the various ministerial councils have responsibility for them. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/76The theater United Intimacy in cooperation with Nordic Council of Ministers office in Latvia inviting to series of lectures dedicated to different fields of culture in the widest sense of the name. On Tuesday, the 15th of January 18.00 p.m., lecture in the cycle andquot;Culture shockandquot;, at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3 (Berga Bazars). This time lecture about andquot;Environmental Protection. Energy use in everyday lifeandquot;. Discussion with the professor Dagnija Blumberga from Riga Technical University. More information: - 26578940, www.unitedintimacy.lvTue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/16 NGO co-operation? Apply now! Apply for project funding under the Nordic Council of Ministers' NGO programme by 23 March 2010. One of the stipulations is that at least three NGOs must be involved: at least one from a Nordic country, one from Russia or Belarus and one from Poland or the Baltic states. Proposals must be relevant to Russia or Belarus, but the programme does not set detailed regulations about the types of project that are eligible for funding. Nor is there any definitive framework for amounts but last year many of the successful applicants received contributions of DKK 4-500,000 from the Council of Ministers. Funding is available for voluntary non-profit voluntary organisations with a democratic constitution. The projects must improve the capacity of the NGO, particularly in North-West Russia and Belarus. >> See detailed requirements of the program >> The Nordic Council of Ministers originally launched the NGO programme in 2006 in order to promote partnerships between Nordic, Baltic, Polish, Belarussian and Russian NGOs. Since then, more than 30 projects have received more than DKK 12 million towards projects dealing with the environment, care of children and vulnerable groups and promoting democracy. NGOs play a prominent role in the Council of Ministers' co-operation with the Baltic states and North-West Russia in a number of priority areas such as promoting democracy and the environment. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:27:42 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/17The Nordic - Baltic NGO program The Nordic-Baltic NGO program aims at fostering cooperation between Nordic and Baltic NGOs, strengthening the civic society and providing support for new sustainable initiatives. Priority areas in 2009: Climate Environment Energy Eligible applicants: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Baltic and Nordic countries. Each project must have partners from 3 or more countries in the Nordic-Baltic region (including the applicant), of whom at least one partner must represent the Nordic Region and at least one another partner must come from Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania. Financial framework: The maximum grant per project is LVL 9000. Co-funding must constitute at least 25% of the total budget of the project. Funding is meant for launching new initiatives that will continue even after the specific project has come to an end. Funding may not be used for the financing of regular activities and administration, hardware acquisition, e.g. for purchasing IT equipment or covering construction costs. Preparation and assessment of applications: The submitted project applications will undergo two stages of evaluation: - Project partners devise a joint idea of the project and submit it electronically to the NCM Office in Latvia (daina@norden.lv ) by May 15, 2009. The project idea is then described on the application form, stating the objectives, the planned activities and the expected outcome. - After the initial assessment of the projects, the NCM Office reserves the rights to call on the selected project applicants to devise their ideas further and submit a full description of the project (including budget details, timetable, and written confirmations from the project partners). The evaluation of project ideas will be carried out until June 1, 2009. The NCM Office will notify each applicant of its final decision. Deadline for submission of project ideas May 15, 2009. Contact person Daina Mežecka, e-mail: daina@norden.lv; ph +371 29394399, +371 67211506 Guidelines Application form Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:39:11 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/89The 4th Swedish Paper Workshop is arranged by the Artistic Hand-Made Paper Workshop Association and will take place at Iggesund Paperboard mill in Sweden from 17 till 26 April, 2008. Iggesund Paperboard, with 1000 employees, makes carbon and belongs to Holmen Group in Sweden. The Artistic Hand-Made Paper Workshop Association invites 10 artists, architects or designers - 5 from the Baltic States and 5 from Sweden - to participate in 10 days workshop together with Swedish paper artist Inger Drougge-Carlberg. The workshop will end with 3 weeks exhibition in gallery andquot;316 kubikandquot; in Hudiksvall. If you would like to participate, please send five (5) digital photography or slides of you art works together with CV in English before February 29, 2008 to Artistic Hand-Made Paper Workshop Association, Inger Drougge-Carlsberg, Långgatan 17, 82452 Hudiksvall, Sweden or by e-mail drougge-carlberg@telia.com. More information www.drougge-carlberg.se Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/94Finnish touring glass exhibition New Finnish Glass Art 2000-2005 by the Finnish Glass Museum presented at the Museum of Decorative Art and Design in Riga, 1 February to 2 March. New Finnish Glass Art 2000-2005 by the Finnish Glass Museum Finnish glass design is as well-known as it was during the 1950s when such designers as Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva and Tapio Wirkkala first established their position among world-famous artists. The influence of the golden age of Finnish design in the 1950s is still firmly evident in the background of Finnish glass design and art. Inspired by nature, Finnish design has pursued its own culture. Designers and glassmakers have realized that the elementary power of glass corresponds to the beauty of the environment, adding basic geometric patterns, proportions and dimensions to it. The Finns have only recently become more widely conscious of glass as a form of art. Owing the country's strong design tradition and prevailing economic circumstances, this field of art is deeply linked with and dependent on design. Whether working as designers for glassworks, in looser collaboration with an industry or as self-employed artists in their own studios, glass artists' production comprises batch production, art glass, glass art, installations and works of sculpture. Scandinavian glass design has been internationally recognized throughout the 20th century. The purest forms of functionalist design appear in Scandinavian utility glassware and unique, one-off objects of an abstract character. Cooperation between designers and glass manufacturers has even shaped cultural history in that design glassware in everyday use was considered to prove that the public had embraced what was viewed as good taste. The touring exhibition andquot; New Finnish Glass - 2000-2005andquot; by the Finnish Glass Museum started in Nancy, France, and has now travelled here Riga via the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey. Finnish Glass Museum Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/95Alternative Furniture designed by Art Academy of Latvia will be presented on 2008 Greenhouse at Stockholm Furniture Fair from February 6 until 10. The village will be the theme at the 2008 Greenhouse, Stockholm Furniture Fair's exhibition hall for independent designers and design schools. This year's Greenhouse will take on the form of a stylised little town or village, with houses, streets and squares. The villagers will be the exhibitors themselves. A stand of Art Academy of Latvia is based on idea about alternative furniture. The exhibited project is a student's bachelor work of the design department Rolands Vegners, superior Holgers Elers. The project under the name Karinat (Hanged) is a prototype of a hammock - tent. This design is a piece of untraditional furniture, which offers new possibilities of using both the inner and outdoor space. Concept of the stand, described by Rolands: "Imitation of the urbanized environment - venture to make out a synthetic nature? The dominating colour in the stand is red - contrary of a green nature. Posts - urbanized trees - are trying to reach the sky. The ground, imaginary squares, are mountains. We have concluded a convention that green is green. An urbanisation has deformed human thinking. It is needed to come back to the nature. A synthetic nature orders to find the real, because we know for sure - NO for synthetics! " The stand is developed by the group of students and teaching staff of Art Academy of Latvia. Students: Rolands Vegners - design of the product, Baiba Lindane, Ugis Gailis - design of the stand, Matiss Murovskis - graphic design, Elina Busmane - coordinator.Tutors: Holgers Elers - stand concept, Gita Straustina, Ervins Pastors. Support: State Culture Capital Foundation, Latvian Investment and Development Agency, Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, H2E, Map, Stora Enso, Altreks, Magnum NT. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/91The cultural initiative e-text+textiles is organizing event series Body andamp; Space in Riga during the February and March 2008. These events consist of an exhibition Body andamp; Space showcasing the newest developments within the field of smart textiles by the Swedish School of Textiles in Boras, a seminar The Challenge of Smart Textiles addressing and discussing the issues highlighted by the exhibition as well as a practical workshop EduWear giving a specialist insight into the construction and design of e-textiles. EXHIBITION Body andamp; Space will take place in LNMM exhibition hall Arsenals from 15th of February till 9th of March 2008. The exhibition Body and Space will highlight the newest developments within the field of smart textiles by the Swedish School of Textiles in Boras - their staff and research students. SEMINAR The Challenge of Smart Textiles will take place in Riga Technical University on 15th of February, 2008. Specialists forecast that in a not too distant future the design and the production of textiles and clothes may become as complex a process as automotive design. This will demand a design approach much more like that of engineering. The intention of the seminar is to address and reveal the contemporary issues regarding textile technology and design in all their complexity and to illuminate the theoretical and practical issues actualized by the Body andamp; Space exhibition in order to critically engage the local specialists and other interested people in the current discourse surrounding the research, production and dissemination of smart textiles within the contemporary design context. WORKSHOP EduWear will take place in Riga Technical University from 4th of March till 7th of March, 2008. During this hands-on workshop students will learn how to develop and program e-textiles. EduWear aims at contributing to the reduction of inhibiting factors by employing an approach rooted both in education and in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) development.Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/98The International Polar Year (IPY) was launched on March 1. 2007 and spans over a two-year period. During this time research resources and funding from over 60 countries will be coordinated in an extraordinary initiative to increase our knowledge about the Arctic and the Antarctic. The International Polar Year 2007-2008 is likely to be the largest, international research collaboration ever undertaken. Read more about the International Polar Year: http://www.ipy.org/; http://www.polaryear.no/seksjoner/english The exhibition The Arctic - Our Crystal World is directly connected with the International Polar Year and illustrates the abundance of unique natural and cultural heritage of the Arctic Region. The exhibition is Latvia’s contribution to educate the society about the impact left by the climate change on nature and humans as well as to stimulate public interest in the issue. Nowadays the region has turned into a vivid reflection of the climate change, which affects both its nature and inhabitants. The changes in climate patterns offer new possibilities for economy, at the same time presenting new challenges in politics and ecology. Latvia as a North European country cannot remain indifferent to the changes in Arctic climate. On February 29 at 17.30, the Nordic Council of Ministers` Office in Latvia in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the Embassy of Canada, the Embassy of Denmark and the Danish Cultural Institute invite you to a discussion called The Life in the Arctic. Participants of the event will include organizers of the photo exhibition Artic - our crystal world: photographers of Latvian origin Fred Bruemmer (Canada) and Ivars Sīlis (Denmark), as well as photographer Gunars Janaitis who had prepared the photos by Andris Slapins specifically for the exhibition. The widow of Andris Slapins, Natalija Dyushen, and their daughter Anna Slapina will also take part in the arrangement. Valdis Abols, the scenarist and producer of Vides Filmu studija, was chosen to host the evening. The exhibition comprises 96 pictures taken by three internationally acclaimed photographers of Latvian origin: Fred Bruemmer (Canada), Andris Slapiņš (Latvia) and Ivars Sīlis (Denmark). All the three authors had lived and worked in the Arctic. Their portrayal of the life and nature of the region is a combination of documentary and artistic visions. Apart from the purely aesthetic value of the pictures, they also illustrate the ample climate change during the last 40 years which had left significant impact on the lifestyle of the Nordic peoples. The opening in Riga is scheduled for February 29, with its closing date set a month later. Afterwards the exhibition will travel to Russia, Canada, the USA, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The a photo exhibition is initiated by the Latvian Embassy in Denmark in cooperation with photographer Ivars Silis residing on Greenland, as well as the Embassy of Canada in Denmark, the Fotocentrs Ltd. and photographer Gunars Janaitis. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/101At 18:00 on February 28, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in collaboration with the publishing house Valters un Rapa will host a literary event featuring the writer Halgrim Helgasson himself as a guest. Halgrim Helgasson from Iceland is the author of the novel Reykjavik 101.The book has been translated into Latvian by Dens Dimiņš and published by the Valters un Rapa. 101 Reykjavik is Hallgrimur’s best known novel. It was nominated to the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 1999. It has been published in 14 languages. The book served as the basis for a film by Baltasar Kormakur based on the book and bearing the very same title. Film was premiered in 2000. At its publication in Iceland in 1996, 101 Reykjavik was rejected by most of the critics ("an intellectual wasteland") and didn’t do very well in the shops. For four years the book lay in a coma, until the film was released in the year 2000, and started picking up prizes at various international film festivals. Soon after, foreign publishers got interested and it became Hallgrimur’s first book to be translated. www.hallgrimur.is February 28 - March 2, 2008 the 11th Baltic Book Fair will be taking place at the International Exhibition Centre in Kipsala and Halgrim Helgasson planned to attend the event.Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/105The Danish author Naja Marie Aidt has won the Nordic Council’s Literature Prize 2008 for her short stories ‘Bavian’ (‘Baboon’). andquot;The Nordic Council Literature 2008 goes to the Danish author Naja Marie Aidt for her collection of short stories ‘Bavian’ (‘Baboon’) from 2007. The 15 short stories in Bavian (Baboon) are based in a world that appears indistinguishable from everyday life. Naja Marie Aidt writes with a graceful and ominous realism that draws out undertones of reality so that the reader becomes aware that everyday life is resting on a mycelium of potential disastersandquot;, wrote the Adjudication Committee. What binds Naja Marie Aidt’s short stories together is their outlook on life or on the outside world. But perhaps also something that could be called their global darkness of life. A current, a pulse, which is both gracefully light yet ominously gloomy, runs throughout the entire work. Complete music, such as can exist in a poetry collection or a poetry suite. Yet this is despite the dissimilarity that also characterises the stories - a clear, recognisable and dramatic voice and a cultural diversity, a wealth in expression itself. Naja Marie Aidt was born in 1963 and made her debut in 1991 with the poetry collection ‘Så længe jeg er ung’ (‘As Long as I am Young’). She has written 8 poetry collections, 3 collections of short stories, a feature film and several plays. She occupies a very prominent position in her generation of Danish writers. Sorrow and happiness, pain, fear and trust, shine through Naja Marie Aidt’s short stories in a way that has a classic touch but is surprisingly innovative and multi-faceted. And they imply something as rare as genuine life wisdom. The Literature Prize, worth DKK 350,000, will be awarded to Naja Marie Aidt at the end of October 2008 during the Nordic Council Session in Helsinki. The Nordic Council Literature Prize has been awarded since 1962.Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/111Fashion as a part of culture tends to overstep its conventional borders, often becoming a representational element of its country of origin on global stage. Within the Riga Fashion Week, such representative events offer an insight into the fashion industries of other countries. Imants Gross, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, underlines the possibilities offered by the fashion industry in the modern era of globalisation where regional cooperation plays a crucial role. Globalisation has turned from a threat into an opportunity to exploit the competitiveness of a particular region on a global scale. Serving as yet another boost for such cooperation, the Nordic Look project under the auspices of the Riga Fashion Week (March 26-30) will show Rigans a clothing collection by the Swedish brand Odeur, designed by an author-duo Anna Lindström and Petter Hollström. Behind the Odeur collection lies the following idea - design is not necessarily a visible matter while fashion is more than just appearance. The invisible communication probably contains a lot more excitement than the visual whereas the complete spectrum of emotions bears greater significance than each of its components taken separately. Odeur is a fashion brand uniting several faculties of physical perception - the vision, the smell and the touch. Fashion is a complex process based on a whole set of emotions. Not confining themselves to visual communication alone, the Odeur have incorporated the particular scent or the "soul" of the brand into their garments. The scent creates an emotional link between the Odeur brand and its consumers. The selection of the particular Odeur fragrance was based on a number of visual aspects; the distinct contours of clothes match the shape of an almost androgenous stranger. The fragrance is pure and unusual. It does not target either of the genders in particular, and the aroma is fresh, pure and contemporary. The outlines of the Odeur collection are playful. Its main attractions are the "non-visual" philosophy and the effect of camouflage, as the contrasts used in the Odeur clothes are characteristic of the camouflage attire. Even the wheels of a car are constructed with caution, deceiving our eyes on purpose. It is called the high resolution or the "descriptive" camouflage. Odeur was created in accordance with a non-visual concept, following comparatively vague guidelines. The incongruous proportions of clothes -big versus small - and the contrasts in colours distort the conventionally "natural" silhouette. The first collection of clothes under the Odeur brand was launched in 2006. This spring their latest collection New Space will go on sale in Sweden and Japan. The collection is far from impressive in size, though each and every piece of clothing is saturated with the Odeur perfume - so androgenous, pure and light. The Odeur is seeking ways to challenge the firmly rooted stereotypes about the everyday garments. Come and judge for yourself whether the Odeur designers have succeeded so far - a representing installation will be put up on March 28 during the Riga Fashion Week. www.odeur.seFri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/114The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and the society Latvian Women in Science invite to the seminar andquot;Women in Science in the Nordic and Baltic Countries. Challenges and Opportunitiesandquot; held on March 31 at 13:00 in the Small Hall of the University of Latvia, Raina Blvd. 19. The aim of the seminar is to launch an extensive public discussion on how to activate women’s involvement in science, their participation in the decision-making process and on the implementation of integrated approach towards gender equality. The Nordic and Baltic experiences in the field will be shared and offered for further discussion. "Due to the turbulent events at the beginning of the 1990s many Latvian scientists considered changing their occupation. I was facing the same choice too, but my passion for science got the upper hand," admitted Sandra Edīte Bērziņa, board member of the society Latvian Women in Science. She emphasised the comparatively dense representation of women among Latvian scientists, which currently amounts to 52 percent and appears to be one of the highest in the EU. "Our women scientists are highly qualified", Sandra Edīte Bērziņa proudly comments. Although the new EU member states contain larger proportion of female population than the older members of the EU, a deeper economic analysis revealed that, on the whole, women scientists were a more frequent phenomenon in those countries where the overall number of researchers was the smallest. According to the experts from the European Commission’s initiative ENWISE (Enlarge Women In Science to East), there women had traditionally comprised the majority of the highly qualified workforce, which provided more opportunities for their involvement in science-related spheres. Gender balance in different sectors of Randamp;D varies, although women tend to be poorly represented in the particularly competitive and well-financed spheres. The female part of human resources is mostly occupied in financially neglected spheres which are constantly fighting for survival. Likewise, women remain underrepresented at the top posts in science academies and universities. Despite constituing a majority among the pedagogic staff (54%), their academic positions are of much lower hierarchy than men’s. Although the gender ratio of the university personnel is divided equally between both sexes, men tend to accede the leading academic posts three times more often than women. The ENWISE survey on the status of women scientists in Central and Eastern Europe concluded that the main obstacle to the integrated implementation of gender equality in the region was the lack of unified data on gender ratio in every layer of scientific hierarchy. On the national level, systematic compilation of statistics on gender representation must be provided. The situation of women in science must be constantly assessed to promote gender equality in both private and state institutions of scientific research. What has to be done to activate the involvement of women in science? What measures must be taken to ensure an integrated approach to gender equality in Latvian science? These and similar questions will be raised at the discussion Challenges and Opportunities. Women in Science in the Nordic and Baltic Countries. The event will be organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in collaboration with the society Latvian Women in Science and the Latvian Researchers’ Mobility Centre. Participants of the discussion will include Solveig Bergman, Director of the Nordic Gender Equality Institute NIKK, Eva Skærbæk from the Norwegian National Committee Women in Science, Kadri Aavik from the Estonian Centre of Women Research and Resources, the researcher of the Gender Studies Centre at the University of Latvia Irina Novikova, Head of the UNESCO Latvian National Commission for Science, Youth and Associated Schools projects Inga Pučure, a profesor from the University of Latvia Erna Karule-Gailīte, the Deputy State Secretary on Structural Funds and EU Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Scien- ce Lauma Sīka, project manager at the Latvian Researchers’ Mobility Centre Arnis Kokorevičs, board member of the Latvian Society of Young Scientists Jānis Jaško and Head of the Riga Stradins University Jānis Vētra. "The scientific objectives of national importance can be attained through diversity in human resources and by observing justice", briefly concludes Sandra Edīte Bērziņa and invites the public to take part in the discussion. The discussion will be held in English. Additional information via ph. 7820088 or e-mail: ieva@norden.lv. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/116The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in cooperation with the publishing house Atēna and the Norwegian Embassy in Latvia kindly invite you to attend the presentation of the book Knut Hamsun. The Dreamer and the Conqueror taking place at 18:00, April 8 in the Office premises. The author himself, Ingar Sletten Kolloen, will appear as the special guest of the evening. The book by Ingar Sletten Kolloen is based on a wide array of previously unknown sources, including an archive of Hamsun’s letters and documents earlier considered lost as well as his psychoanalysis therapy records. Such unique materials provided a completely new fundament for the literary and human portrayal of Knut Hamsun. Hamsun was a peasant boy whose literary works got worldwide acclaim and influenced many generations of European and American writers. He was the author of the new, modern novel. Hamsun’s life contained everything that any writer could dream of: an intense family drama, an extensive political turmoil and the dramatic fate he was doomed to suffer in his homeland. Hamsun was overwhelmed by the idea of writing in a totally innovative way, such as had never been tried before. His endeavours bore fruit in the novels Hunger, Mysteries and Pan. His later novels were an assault on the spirit of contemporary times, which in 1920 led to the Nobel Prize award for his epic Growth of the Soil. The newly translated Knut Hamsun. The Dreamer and the Conqueror is a story of Knut Hamsun’s fall when the writer turned from the most worshipped in Norway into a despised outcast. The same misfortune struck his wife Maria Hamsun and their children. When the great writer’s hand was too feeble to write in the 1930s, it hailed Adolf Hitler instead and pinned the Nobel Prize medal to Joseph Goebbel’s chest. Hamsun had tumbled from the hights of literature into the pitfall of the world drama. Knut Hamsun. The Dreamer and the Conqueror was translated into Latvian by Dace Deniņa and published by the publishing house Atēna.Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/117In line with Nordic-Baltic cooperation, positions as visiting scientist in the field of dental biomaterials research are established at the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials, NIOM, close to Oslo in Norway. Positions are available for 2009, and for a period of 2-6 months. Persons with a documented research experience in the field of biomaterials should apply. The institute’s research activities are focused on biological, chemical, physical and clinical questions related to biomaterials. More information about NIOM is available at www.niom.no The salary is based on personal qualifications, from PhD-students to professor. The visiting scientist has to pay for personal living costs, but non-Norwegians will receive an extra of 5 200 NOK/month. The applicant should include a personal C.V. and a research plan with the headings (a) Aim of the project, (b) Material and methods to be used and (c) budget for the project. The application in English, including information above, and copies of relevant publications, certificates and more, should be sent no later than May 26, 2008 to, NIOM P.O. Box 70 NO-1305 Haslum Norway Welcome with your application! Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/121-Nordic co-operation can derive great benefit from the challenges and opportunities inherent in the globalization process, Halldór Ásgrímsson, the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers said in his opening address to the Nordic Globalization Forum in the northern Swedish town of Riksgränsen on Tuesday. -The dynamics of globalization require that the individual Nordic countries, as well as the Region as a whole, dare to break with custom and practice and break new ground, the Secretary General said. In his speech, Ásgrímsson held up this first Nordic ‘Davos meeting’ as a tangible example of Nordic globalization work, on a par with the prioritization of a strong Nordic knowledge and innovation area, particularly in the energy, climate and environment sectors. He also identified cutting-edge research as an area in which working together makes the individual countries even more competitive. The forum in Riksgränsen is the first in what is planned as an annual Nordic event. Sweden holds the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2008. Next year it will be the turn of Iceland. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/122The theater United Intimacy in cooperation with Nordic Council of Ministers office in Latvia inviting to series of lectures dedicated to different fields of culture in the widest sense of the name. On Tuesday, March15, 18.00 p.m., lecture in the cycle andquot;Culture shockandquot;, at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3 (Berga Bazars). This time lecture about andquot;Human rights abuses in Chinaandquot;. Discussion with the Anhelita Kamenska, researcher from Latvian Centre for Human Rights. More information by phone 26578940, www.unitedintimacy.lvFri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/124On April 18-19 at VMU, Public Communications Department at Vytautas Magnus University in collaboration with Baltic Association for Media Research (BAMR) and "Nordplus Neighbour" program projects "InterLinks10.Net: Nordplus Neighbour Network of Journalism Schools" and "Developing Nordic-Baltic-Russian Network in New Media Journalism Training" organized the workshop "Setting Comparative Baltic-Nordic Media Research Agenda". Issues discussed in the workshop address a wide range of media matters such as the relationship between the size of news market and proclaimed media policies, technological diffusion and changes in political communication as well as media performance. Important questions was addressed during the workshop: How global developments are reflected in the media of small countries? What is the impact of market-led reforms (liberal regulation, weak state) on media performance in a small country? Has the presence of the Scandinavian capital in the Baltic media had any impact on how journalists perform their jobs? Do the Scandinavian models of media self-regulation when applied in the Baltics help the media there to achieve consolidation? On June 26 - July 5, 2008, Vytautas Magnus University and Representation of European Commission in Lithuania invites to the European Summer Academy "Reporting Europe from Home". The Academy brings together journalism students and media professionals to a transnational setting in order to learn, analyze and report on European affairs. The lectures and workshops question whether a wide availability of online news sources (Internet media, online data-bases, blogs) offering different (alternative, critical, independent) views on EU policy-making could become useful means in overcoming national and cultural barriers in reporting about European affairs. Deadline for registration for the Summer Academy is April 30, 2008. For more information visit: www.vdu.ltMon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/126The theater United Intimacy in cooperation with Nordic Council of Ministers office in Latvia inviting to series of lectures dedicated to different fields of culture in the widest sense of the name. On Tuesday, May 13, 18.00 p.m., lecture in the cycle andquot;Culture shockandquot;, at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3 (Berga Bazars). This time lecture about andquot;The Butterfly Effectandquot;. Discussion with the Dr. phys. Janis Harja. More information by phone 26578940, www.unitedintimacy.lvTue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/128Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in cooperation with Comparative Studies Institute of Daugavpils University at 18:00 on May 20, invites to the presentation of the collection "Comparative Studies. Communication as ‘translatio’: Nordic - Baltic - Russian cultural dialogues" and meeting with its authors in the premises of Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3. The dynamic contemporary culture processes and their investigation reveal two significant tendencies. One of them is manifested as unification, overlapping, or globalization of culture rhythms. It may be accounted for by the ‘openness’ of the world, diversification and intensification of communication. Another is more coloured, detailed, and specific, as it is related to the investigation of national and regional cultures and their particularity. Comparative approach is one of the means of characterizing national culture phenomena that opens an opportunity of addressing the characteristics of a particular national culture in the context of the processes of other cultures. This kind of perspective provides for marking the regularities, similarities, influences, and borrowings of the compared cultures, their kinds or historical processes, as well as revealing in a more manifold way the specificity of ‘one’s own’ culture among ‘other’ cultures. In order to take up the studies of the specific character of culture regions in a comparative aspect, in 2005 Nordic - Baltic - Russian Network in Comparative Cultural Studies was formed in the framework of the programme "Nordplus Neighbour" founded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Its activities are coordinated by the Comparative Studies Institute of Daugavpils University. Up to now the network has united more than 30 researchers from Norway, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, and Russia who are engaged in Baltic and Nordic comparative culture studies (initially the research topics covered also the area of north-western Russia). The first research conference of the network participants "Communication as Translatio: Nordic - Baltic - Russian Cultural Dialogues" took place in Daugavpils, May 9 - 11, 2006. Its work was organized in two thematic sections. One of them was dealing with Nordic, Baltic, and Russian culture contacts regarding the specific character of the cultural phenomena of these spaces in a synchronic or diachronic aspect. Another was dedicated to the centenary of the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s death. The present collection entails research papers that were presented at the conference. It is the first issue in the research publication series "Comparative Studies", one of the branches of which will be dedicated to publishing the materials of research conferences, seminars, discussions of the Nordic - Baltic Network in Comparative Cultural Studies. The publications of the present collection are structured in three chapters. Chapter 1 "Comparative research of Nordic - Baltic - Russian Cultural Phenomena" includes articles on the historically and phenomenologically diverse modes of communication of Lithuanian - Danish, Norwegian - Lithuanian, Latvian - Estonian, Latvian - Swedish, Nordic - German and other culture spaces, e.g. the idea of Balto-Scandia, the image of Riga, masculinities, etc. Chapter 2 "Linguistic Discourse of Comparative Cultural studies" entails articles referring to the linguistic discourse of comparative cultural studies that regard paremiography and compound formation as the way of indicating cultural differences and the significance of translation in the processes of culture communication. Chapter 3 "Ibsen Studies in the Context of Comparative Cultural Processes" includes articles that in the context of cultural and literary processes regard the system of ideas of the Norwegian playwright’s works, discuss the iconic aspect of Henrik Ibsen’s writing - its reception in diverse national cultures and individual writers’ work. On the whole, the authors of the articles of the present collection have created a poly-segmental, manifold, and rich notion of the specific character of the communication processes of Nordic, Baltic, and Russian culture spaces in different time periods that provides the basis for conclusions on general regularities of these processes and peculiarities of individual phenomena. The editors of the collection hope that each reader will find something of interest, the author whose ideas will seem appealing and inspiring; we invite researchers to contact the coordinators of Nordic - Baltic Network in Comparative Cultural Studies in order to get involved in the network activities and become coauthors of the following collection of research papers. Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/13526-27 April 2007 the Vidzeme University College and the Valmiera Museum of Regional Studies hosted an international conference Vidzeme. Church. Society. The conference was organized by the lnternational Network of Baltic Church Historiandnot;ans (INBCH) with lecturers from the Baltic countries, Finland, Sweden and Germany. The organizing and actively participating parties were, in addition to INBCH network, the Department of Church History at the University of Helsinki, the Vidzeme University College, the Museum of Valmiera, Valmiera city, the Lutheran congregation of Valmiera and the Moravian Mission of Latvia. The event consisted of several presentations, reviews of research themes by young researchers. Resume Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/139The theater United Intimacy in cooperation with Nordic Council of Ministers office in Latvia inviting to series of lectures dedicated to different fields of culture in the widest sense of the name. On Thursday, the 12th of June 18.00 p.m., lecture in the cycle andquot;Culture shockandquot;, at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3 (Berga Bazars). This time lecture about andquot;Music and numbersandquot;. Discussion with the professor Boriss Avramecs. More information: - 26578940, www.unitedintimacy.lvThu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/142A series of broadcasts about the Nordic countries called Nordic Style (Ziemeļu stils) will appear on the Latvian State TV Channel 1 in autumn, set up by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in cooperation with the documentary film production company Vides Filmu Studija (Environmental Film Studio). A tentative pilot broadcast will appear on the screen on June 20, 19.30 on the Latvian State TV Channel 1. Other themes featuring in the pilot program include the phenomenon of the Nordic music industry and the specifically "Swedish sound" of the worldwide famous hard-metal music. The impact of global warming on polar bears and the daily lives of Nordic population will be scrutinized, and a journey taken to explore the latest technologies of Volvo. A weekly half-an-hour TV broadcast hosted by Dace and Gustavs will be following people, events and discoveries on either side of the Baltic Sea. Over the centuries, the Baltic Sea has been a part of people’s regional identity, though the history of political and economic development in the Nordic countries abounds in differences. Does the Baltic Sea unify or separate its coastal areas? What do Latvians know about Norwegians, Finns, Danes, Icelanders and Swedes? What is the key to Nordic wealth and achievements? Are we really as different as we seem or have we managed to preserve historical links since the encounter of the North German, Scandinavian and Baltic people on the Baltic Sea and on its shores? Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/144Baltic people have an outstanding tradition of collective singing, which becomes most prominent during Song Festivals held in the Baltic States for more than 135 years. In 2008, the singing tradition is about to be celebrated not only in Latvia but the entire Baltic and Nordic region as well. Along with XXVII Latvian Nationwide Song Celebration taking place in Riga on July 5-12, V Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival will be held in Tartu (Estonia) on August 5-10. The latter has already attracted the interest of more than 10 choirs from Latvia. Thirteen years ago, in July 1995, I Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival was organised in Riga at a joint initiative of the choir conductor and professor Imants Kokars and Secretary General of the Finnish Choir Federation Olav Storgård. The event gathered 167 choirs and 14 orchestras, totalling in 7000 participants from all the three Baltic States, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Three years later, in 1997, the venue was shifted to the Swedish island of Gotland. In 2000, III Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival was hosted by Skien in Norway, welcoming as many as 4000 participants. The fourth festival was arranged in Klaipeda (Lithuania) in 2002. In summer 2008 everyone is invited to Tartu - the second largest Estonian city and an important centre of culture and education in the Baltics. This year it welcomes Nordic and Baltic singers to V Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival. More information about the event available at www.kooriyhing.eeThu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/147The Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia together with governmental and non-governmental institutions has drafted a new Law on Disability providing for gradual introduction of additional social services for persons with disabilities. The significance of the newly devised law lies within free-of-charge Personal Assistance Services offered to persons with functional impairments. The task of a personal assistant is to compensate for various functional disadvantages, such as limited mobility, the loss of eyesight or hearing and mental retardation. Due to the lack of sufficient experience pertaining to the Personal Assistance Service, the Parliamentarian Committee for Social and Labour Issues in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers and the organization of people with disabilities and their friends Apeirons is due to arrange an international conference titled Personal Assistant. The conference will be taking place on August 19-20 in the Latvian Parliament (Saeima). The conference will focus on discussing the role of Personal Assistant and the assessment of both foreign and local experiences prior to adopting the Personal Assistance Service in Latvia. The Nordic countries will be represented by Ole Petter Askheim from the University College of Lillehammer and Vibeke Marøy Melstrøm form ULOBA-Cooperative on Personal Assistance, Norway, Søren Hagen from the Aarhus municipality and Viben Kræmmer from the Svendborg municipality, Denmark, Cecilia Blank from the JAG Association, Sweden, Amu Urhonen from Kynnys - The Threshold Association, Finland. Some local speakers from Latvia will be taking part as well. The conference will bring together parliamentarians, civil servants from the ministries in charge, representatives from the largest municipalities of Latvia, social field professionals and representatives from non-governmental organizations.Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/149The Parliamentarian Committee for Social and Labour Issues in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers and the organization of people with disabilities and their friends Apeirons arranged an international conference titled Personal Assistant. The conference was taking place on August 19-20 in the Latvian Parliament (Saeima). The conference was focusing on discussing the role of Personal Assistant and the assessment of both foreign and local experiences prior to adopting the Personal Assistance Service in Latvia. The Nordic countries was represented by Ole Petter Askheim from the University College of Lillehammer and Vibeke Marøy Melstrøm form ULOBA-Cooperative on Personal Assistance, Norway, Søren Hagen from the Aarhus municipality and Viben Kræmmer from the Svendborg municipality, Denmark, Cecilia Blank from the JAG Association, Sweden, Amu Urhonen from Kynnys - The Threshold Association, Finland. Some local speakers from Latvia was also participating - Agrita Sniķere and Elita Bernāte from Cēsis primary school No.2, Dita Rituma and Māris Sirmulis from Association "St.John’s Help" ("Sv.Jāņa palīdzība") in Riga, Liāna Velka from NGO Velku foundation and Laine Zālīte from Cēsis municipality agency "Social services and social assistance agency" about Pilot project "Personal assistants in Cēsis municipality". The conference brought together parliamentarians, civil servants from the ministries in charge, representatives from the largest municipalities of Latvia, social field professionals and representatives from non-governmental organizations.Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/150The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia in conjunction with SA Pärnumaa Tourism and Tartu University Pärnu College, announcing a competition to design a web-based game aimed at promoting tourism. The purpose of the tourism game is to introduce and present the Nordic and Baltic countries as a thrilling tourism region, showcasing its variety of wonderful possibilities and attractions. The winning entrant’s model will be promoted as a practical tool for both tourists and students in tourism studies from all over the world. The UN World Tourism Organisation has predicted the Baltic Sea region will find itself positioned between the two most vibrant tourist regions in Europe until 2020. Northern and Central/Eastern are Europe’s top tourist havens and the Baltic Sea region is set to continue to benefit from their popularity. In Estonia the tourism sector accounts for 8% of the country’s GDP. Acknowledging the relevant share of tourism sector in economy we have announced the competition for constructing the Baltic Sea region tourism study-game web portal. The call is open for everyone and proposals (in English or Estonian) must be submitted before October 20th, 2008 by e-mail: tartu@norden.ee The idea stemmed from the preparation of the Nordic Forum seminar Creative Tourism. Innovative Networks and Clusters in Tourism Development in the Baltic Sea Region in May, 2008 in Pärnu. Event was arranged in cooperation between the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia, Tartu University, SA Pärnumaa Tourism and Pärnu County Government and Nordic Innovation Centre. Prizes and more details on the competition's web page: http://guide.norden.ee/en.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/154On October 2 at 5.30 p.m., a paper art exhibition Layer by Layer by the Swedish paper workshop Around the Baltic Sea was opened at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office. Three Latvian artists - Antra Augustinoviča (textiles), Iveta Laure (various media), and Eva Vēvere (painting) - will exhibit their works that were created in the 4th Paper Creative Workshop in the Iggesund Paperboard Factory (Sweden) on April 17 - 26. According to the artists themselves, the Iggesund Paperboard Factory is special. Exclusive paperboard is manufactured there (not thick paper, but material consisting of many layers) later used in polygraphy and packaging design. For instance, the famous French perfume Chanel No.5 is packaged only in boxes made of Iggesund paperboard. The product is expensive and only chosen by those manufacturers who require constant high quality guarantee. It was a pleasant surprise indeed that this sterile, perfect factory was opened for unpredictable artistic activities. Artist Inger Drougge-Carlberg works there and she has an excellently equipped paper casting workshop. Natural materials customarily used in hand- cast paper techniques, such as cotton, flax, or exotic tree barks, were available to the artists. The same applied to several specific devices: hollanders, a vacuumtable, tubs, presses and a drying table. For the 10 vacancies announced for the workshop 100 applications had been received. The outcome lived up to expectations - the exhibition Around the Baltic Sea was available for public view in the gallery 317 KUBIK of the art centre of the nearby city Hudiksvall until the end of May. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/157NORDIC LOOK Riga 2008 takes place during Riga Fashion Week on the 4th and 5th of November 2008. A number of activities have been planned for NORDIC LOOK, including five fashion shows showcasing 32 leading Nordic designers and brands. Along with the shows the exhibition by well-known Swedish designer of jewellery Efva Attling will be presented. NORDIC LOOK conference and workshops will be held for the design, fashion and textile industries in the Nordic and Baltic countries and in north-west Russia to discuses ethical and sustainable fashion and production. NORDIC LOOK programme www.nordiclook.lv Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/158In the end of September in this year the city of Gothenburg (Sweden) the famous Gothenburg Book Fair where taking place. Latvia this year was taking up a particular role to play. Let us open a window to Latvia, and let us have a look at ourselves in the mirror - sad poet and translator Juris Kronbergs about Latvia’s guest position at this year’s book fair. More than 40 Latvian writers and translators took part in the Gothenburg Fair. The Nordic Council of Ministers office in Latvia and Latvian Literature Center in cooperation with the International House of Writers and Translators in Ventspils invite to join the literary evening Words and steps, which will take place on October 30, 5 p.m. at the Nordic Council of Ministers office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3, Riga. Jānis Oga will lead the conversations with Knuts Skujenieks, Juris Kronbergs, Sandra Kalniete and Laima Muktupavela about Latvian literature translations to Swedish, their reflections and future visions.Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/162The annual summit meeting will take place in the Finnish Parliament in Helsinki from the 27 - 29 October. The theme for the Nordic Council's Session 2008 is globalisation, the financial crisis and the Nordic welfare model. An appropriate theme at a time when co-operation between countries is necessary to solve these challenges. This year's theme for the debate will be the Nordic welfare model - a success seen in an international perspective. It has created a secure society with a feeling of solidarity. The welfare model is one of the main explanations for the fact that the Nordic countries are among the best in the world in the comparison of international competitiveness and sustainable development. The financial crisis has shaken our society and put many under great strain with long-term consequences. In Helsinki the prime ministers will discuss how the financial crisis will affect our Nordic welfare society. All five Nordic Prime Ministers, leaders of the autonomous territories and the opposition from the entire Nordic Region will take part in the debate. In addition there will be debate on child abuse, on a common Nordic immigration policy and a Nordic initiative for a common transport policy as well as co-operation concerning the Arctic climate. In September this year the Nordic Council of Ministers co-hosted with the EU a conference on the affect of climate change in the Arctic and the importance of international co-operation in this area. Globalisation is and will continue to be an area of priority in Nordic co-operation. Many of the challenges brought about by globalisation cannot be solved by one individual country. An even more integrated and in-depth co-operation between the Nordic countries must be given the highest priority, according to the Nordic prime ministers, who will also extend an invitation to a globalisation forum next year - this time in Iceland. The Nordic Council's Session is the great meeting place for important Nordic questions - all the way up to prime minister level. In addition to their own meeting, the Nordic Prime Ministers will also meet with their colleagues from the Baltic States. The Nordic ministers for foreign affairs, defence, the environment, finance and culture will also hold meetings during the Session days. The Iceland Prime Minister will present the next Icelandic Programme for the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Iceland holds the Presidency in 2009 and will have plans for exactly globalisation, the climate and Nordic solidarity during the year. The Session gathers hundreds of Nordic politicians and a huge number of government members from all the Nordic countries and the autonomous territories. In addition, a large number of guests from the Baltic States, Russia and other parts of the world will attend. Helsinki will be a huge meeting place where the future of Nordic policies will be shaped. A young Danish writer, an Icelandic inventor who is improving the climate, an innovative opera and a film which touches the extreme depths of existence will be awarded the Nordic Council prizes. As usual, there will be a prize giving ceremony for the winners of the Nordic Council prizes for nature and the environment, music, literature and film. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/163Forum for a Comparative Dialogue the Promotion of Social Policies - An Investment in the Future Konferences mājas lapa Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/166From November 10 started the 12th Nordic Library Week, this time carried out under the slogan Love for the Nordic Countries. On November 10 - 16, it will serve as a uniting theme for Nordic and Baltic libraries, schools and different societies. Last year, 2 600 institutions from five Nordic countries and the three Baltic States were active contributors of the Nordic Library Week. This year more than 350 Latvian school and public libraries have registered for participation in the Nordic Library week project in Latvia. The joint readings commonly known as the "twilight hour" are scheduled for November 10: 9.00 a.m. for children and 7.00 p.m. for adults, when certain fiction excerpts will be read simultaneously in all the libraries involved. The grown-up auditorium will be addressed with the original text by the Finnish author Eeva Kilpi that has been written for this event in particular (translated into Latvian by Aija Eimane). Children will be reading excerpts from the Icelandic author’s Guðrún Helgadóttir "Sagan om Flumbra" while teenagers can choose among the authors of their own country or region. The suggested authors are: Manu Sareen (Denmark), Klaus Hagerup (Norway), Virpi Saarinen (Finland), Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (Iceland), Ann-Helén Laestadius (Sweden), Ólavur Michelsen (Faroe Islands), Johanne Platous (Greenland), and Risten Sokki (the Saami areas). With the help of literature, Love for the Nordic Countries aims at highlighting the sentiments of common Nordic residents and the attitudes of the global community towards the Nordic countries. Several tens of thousands of Nordic and Baltic inhabitants will take part in various events connected with the Nordic Library Week that will be organised in schools and libraries. This year’s poster was created by Aka Høegh, a Greenland artist already familiar to the Latvian public. In Latvia, the Nordic Library Week is coordinated by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in cooperation with the Norden society in Latvia and the Centre of Children Literature at the Latvian National Library.Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/168 www.lv90.lv 14.00 p.m. Parade by NAF Units 19.00 p.m. Formal event and address of the President of Latvia at the Freedom Monument 21.00. p.m. Lighting show on the banks of the Daugava dedicated to the 90 Year Jubilee of Latvia Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/170At 12:00 on December 4, the Soros Auditorium of the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, will host a discussion on the potential of wind energy in Latvia, offering the presentations of Nordic expertise and opinions on the issue. Representatives from the ministries of economy and environment, as well as from the energy sector and media are welcome to attend the hearing. The discussion is organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and the Embassy of Denmark in Riga.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/172In 2009, Sweden is due to pass on the rotating presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers to Iceland. At the Nordic Council Session, the Prime Minister of Iceland, Geir H. Haarde, presented the new presidency program called The Nordic Road Map. Iceland gives priority to cooperation in research and innovation, particularly emphasising energy issues, climate change and environment. The four pinnacles of the program are: the Nordic Driving Force, the Nordic Strength, the Nordic Climate Challenge and a Globalised Region. According to the Icelandic Minister for Nordic Cooperation, Björgvin Sigurdsson, the above-mentioned priorities manifest the greatness of Nordic co-operation ambitions in the wake of the Nordic prime ministers’ new globalisation policy. One of the currently most crucial tasks for the Nordic countries is to jointly discern the ways how environmental technologies and renewable resources might reduce the undermining effects of climate change. www.norden2009.is Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/174Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/179From the January 16 until February 25 latvian artists Ieva Bluma ten years jubilee solo exhibition of oil paintings and black/white photography is held at the Nordic Council of Ministers Gallery in Copenhagen, St. Strandstræde 18, Denmark. The Exibition is daily open Monday - Thursday 9.00 - 16.00. Friday 9.00 - 15.00. It is possible to meet the artist Ieva Bluma in the gallery Tuesday and Thursday from 14.00 to 16.00 www.ievabluma.net Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/176Nordic style - Ziemelu puse is the new TV serial on Sundays on LTV1 about the Nordic countries, it’s people, events, myths, mysteries and life style in general. Nordic style - Ziemelu puse will now also be the code word for informal evenings with networking, discussions and socialising in a true Nordic/Baltic atmosphere at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Riga on last Thursday every month. Invited are all and everyone, students, diplomats, house wives/men, politicians, business people, civil servants, actors, journalists and anyone who has an interest in anything Nordic - no frames, no musts, no limits, pure curiosity or wish to socialise is absolutely enough to join in. NCM provides for free coffee, wine, soft drinks and snacks - you bring yourself and friends. From time to time we might also invite an interesting personality with a Nordic connection to tell, show or maybe discuss something special. Together we’ll create a good and joyful atmosphere. We start next Thursday 29 January at 17.30 o’clock, Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, Berga bazars, Riga. Special guests first evening: The people behind the Nordic Style - Ziemelu puse TV serial, Marta and Gustavs, Ugis Olte and Aija Berzina who will tell a bit about the idea and making of the program. Welcome! Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/42Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia invite to lecture of professor Viktors Freibergs Rational mystic Lars von Trier, Wednesday, January 28, 6 p.m. at the premises of Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, Marijas iela 13/3, Riga.Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:34:10 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/32Mobility funding is open for professionals from all fields of art and culture residing in one of the Nordic or Baltic countries, who wish to apply for a grant to visit another Nordic or Baltic country. The application time runs until 4 March 2009. For more information about the criteria please have a look at: http://kknord.org/?pageID=17andamp;lang=eng Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:11:07 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/43Nordic Statistical Yearbook 2008 is published for the 46th time. It is a reference book containing comprehensive and easily accessible statistics of various aspects of social life in the five Nordic countries. Additional tables can be found free of charge on our homepage www.norden.org.Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:48:18 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/181The new enlarged Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture opens a joint forum for artists and culture practitioners in the region. The former Nordic mobility programme is now opened up for participants from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, on an equal footing with the Nordic countries and the autonomous territories. The programme will be run and financed jointly by the Nordic and Baltic countries. The enlarged programme will be launched on the first week of February 2009. "This starts a new era for the professionals in the Nordic-Baltic culture cooperation. The programme gives artists and culture practitioners a forum for working together and for learning from each other. It certainly strengthens culture in our region, and underlines the importance of cooperation in the times of globalisation", says Bergljót Jónsdóttir, Director of the Nordic Culture Point. Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture is open for professional artists and culture practitioners from all fields of art and culture. The programme supports long- and short-term network building, artists’ residencies and mobility for professional art and culture practitioners in all artistic fields. Some €1,5 million (DKK 11 million) have been allocated to the programme for 2009. It runs from 2009 until 2011 and is administered by the Nordic Culture Point, located in Finland. Nordic Culture Point cooperates with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ offices in the Baltic countries in providing information and advice in local languages. Media welcome to attend the launch event, which take place at Riga Art Space, 3 Kungu street, Riga, at 5 Februay from 14.00 until 17.00 p.m. Please note that the working language of the presentation will be English. For more information, please contact: Ministry of Culture in Latvia, Director of the Department of Cultural Policy Planning Dace Vilsone, ph. 67078135, Nordic Council of Ministers’ office in Latvia, Culture Advisor Ginta Tropa, ph. 67820055, Nordic Culture Point, advisor Mira Banerjee, ph. +358 45 139 4046 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/182Joint Nordic-Baltic mobility programmes in the fields of public administration, business and culture for the period 2009-2013 are now being launched by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. An annual budget of approximately DKK 15 million (corresponding to EUR 2 million) has been allocated to the programmes, which are open to Baltic and Nordic participants. The launch of the three programmes will take place at the beginning of 2009. "With the new joint Nordic-Baltic mobility programmes, co-operation between Nordic and Baltic countries has entered into a new phase. The programmes will underpin the political co-operation between the eight countries and contribute to the deepening and strengthening of our relations", says Vygaudas Ušackas, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, which will hold the Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2009. "Nordic-Baltic co-operation will help promote a strong Baltic Sea Region, ‘Top of Europe’, that is attractive to citizens, companies, investors and labour. Together these areas can positively affect growth, welfare and competiveness in the region", says Halldór Ásgrímsson, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration gives financial support to civil servants and other staff in the public sector to carry out study visits, internships, training or network activities. It aims to facilitate the harmonisation of more efficient working methods for the public sector. Some DKK 2 million have been allocated to the programme for 2009. It runs from 2009 until 2013 and is administered by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia, www.norden.ee. The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry gives financial support to different stakeholders in the fields of business and industry to carry out study visits, internships, training or network activities. It aims to strengthen co-operation and to promote economic co-operation, entrepreneurship, regional cluster co-operation and innovation opportunities. Some DKK 2 million have been allocated to the programme for 2009. It runs from 2009 until 2013 and is administered by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, www.norden.lv. The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme in the field of Culture The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme in the field of Culture support long- and short-term network building, artists’ residencies and mobility for professional art and culture practitioners in all artistic fields. The artistic goal is to create a platform for an innovative, dynamic Nordic-Baltic art and culture life. Some DKK 11 million have been allocated to the programme for 2009. It runs from 2009 until 2011 and is administered by the Nordic Culture Point in Finland, www.kknord.org. The new joint programmes build on the experience from the already existing Nordic-Baltic programmes on education NordPlus (http://www.nordplusonline.org/) that were launched in 2007, as well as experiences from previous Nordic-Baltic exchange and mobility programmes. The programmes are financed by the Nordic and Baltic countries on an equal footing based on the relative size of the economies of the countries. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/35Another application round is open for artists’ residencies located in the Baltic countries. The residences can apply for a one-year grant to cover the costs for visiting artists from the Baltic or Nordic countries. The deadline for applications is on 6 March 2009. The next application round for residences will be opened in 2010, and will then be open both for Nordic and Baltic residences. For more information about the criteria please have a look at: http://kknord.org/?pageID=17andamp;lang=eng Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:32:10 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/184The exhibition Spitsbergen—the Arctic Adventure, will take place from 19 February until 31 May at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, Marijas 13/3. Photo exhibition Spitsbergen—the Arctic Adventure is the photographer’s Elīna Banga reminder of the magically savage nature of Spitsbergen and an invitation on a visual journey into the Arctic. The pictures were taken in the summer of 2008. "Working as a photographer on a cruise ship provided an opportunity to visit the island of Spitsbergen, which I consider a very unique and peculiar place on earth. I always used to document my trips in pictures, thus combining a photographer’s job with travelling was a logical outcome," said Elīna Banga. Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago situated in the Arctic Ocean between Norway, the North Pole and Greenland. It is Norway’s share of the Arctic territory with a special international status. 99% of the Spitsbergen area is uninhabited. In 2007, the number of Spitsbergen population amounted to only a couple of thousands—2321 persons. The exhibition will reveal a beautiful slideshow of wondrous observations, where time stands still while nature and man communicate in silence. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/189The last Thursday of February is very close and every one is welcome to an informal discussion and socialising event Nordic style held in a genuinely Nordic mood at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia on February 26, 17.30 p.m. This time our special guests will be the Jazz musician Deniss Paskevics with friends, telling about project Balticness, for which Deniss received the certificate of commendation for significant contribution to strengthening of Latvia’s image in the Baltic Sea Region awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. Nordic style - Ziemelu puse is the new TV serial on Sundays on LTV1 about the Nordic countries, its people, events, myths, mysteries and life style in general. Nordic style - Ziemelu puse is now also be the code word for informal evenings with networking, discussions and socialising in a true Nordic atmosphere at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Riga on last Thursday every month. Invited are all and everyone, students, diplomats, house wives/men, politicians, business people, civil servants, actors, journalists and anyone who has an interest in anything Nordic - no frames, no musts, no limits, pure curiosity or wish to socialise is absolutely enough to join in. NCM will provide coffee, wine, soft drinks and snacks - you bring yourself and friends. From time to time we might also invite an interesting personality with a Nordic connection to tell, show or maybe discuss something special. Together we’ll create a good and joyful atmosphere. Welcome Thursday 26 February at 5:30 at Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, Marijas street 13/3, Berga bazars, Riga. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/36 The Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry is established for the period 2009-2013 to promote and strengthen economic cooperation, entrepreneurship and innovation development in the NB8 countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. >> Who can apply? Individuals and groups representing: small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), including one-man businesses, with special focus on creative and innovative industries business incubators at universities, colleges, institutions etc. government officials in public authorities working on business framework conditions business organisations. NB! Activities supported by the programme require participation of minimum three NB8 countries, of these at least one Nordic and one Baltic. The programme covers up to 70% of the costs related to travel, accommodation and network activities. >> Eligible forms of activity Network and cluster facilitating activities, such as seminars and workshops with the aim to strengthen cooperation within the priority areas of the programme Study visits Internships On the job-training >> Requirements for mobility to more than one country Mobility activity should involve at least three NB8 countries (including the autonomous regions of Greenland, Faroe Islands, Åland) and fit one of the following descriptions: Nordic-Baltic mobility to at least two countries. Example: Nordic delegations visit min. two Baltic countries or Baltic delegations visit min. two Nordic countries, as appropriate. Inter-Nordic or inter-Baltic mobility is not eligible for funding. Network mobility to one country for at least three parties, i.e minimum participation of 2 different Nordic and 1 Baltic countries or, alternatively, 1 Nordic and 2 different Baltic countries (NB 2+1 or 1+2). >> Programme objectives promotion of regional business development and cluster cooperation promotion of networking cooperation on innovative projects experience exchange on best practices in respect of business practice, business culture and business ethics as well as harmonisation of rules and standards, particularly in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) coordination of joint Nordic-Baltic utilisation of different EU funds and project financing technology transfer for mutual benefit support of long term activities. >> Application forms application form for Individual applicants. Please enclose the following documents (scanned): - a letter of recommendation from the employer - a confirmation regarding co-financing - a letter of confirmation from each host enterprise/organisation. application form for Group applications + each participant of the group should additionally fill out Annex to group application. Please enclose the following documents (scanned): - a letter of recommendation from the employer - a confirmation regarding co-financing - a letter of confirmation from each host enterprise/organisation. NB! All documents must be submitted in English by 31 March 2010. Completed application forms and all the supporting documents (scanned) must be e-mailed as attached files (preferably to a single message) to business.industry@norden.lv. Report form (after the completion of the project) >> More information FAQ see Guidelines of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry 2009-2013 projects supported in 2009: first call and second call >> Contact us The Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry is administered by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia. Contact person: Kārlis Valters, ph. +371 67213231 , business.industry@norden.lv >> Looking for cooperation partners? Join our Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry group on LinkedIn, expand your contact network, and stay informed about the latest developments in the programme.. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:56:41 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/46In the library are now available new interesting music records from Nordic countries: Eivør Pálsdóttir, Sigur Ros, Hjalmar, Mugison, Ragnheiður Gröndal from Iceland, Thomas Dybdahl and Bjørn Torskes from Norway, "Little Dragon" and "Hellsongs" from Sweden and "Jazz from Finland 2008". Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:29:21 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/39The joint Nordic-Baltic mobility programme for public administration underpins the development of Nordic-Baltic cooperation between ministries, regional and local authorities. The programme gives financial support to civil servants and other staff in the public sector to carry out study visits, internships, training or network activities. The aim of the programme is to facilitate the harmonisation of more efficient working methods for the public sector and to promote and strengthen cooperation, exchange of knowledge and networks between public administration structures on all administrative levels in the NB8 countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden). More information on the call for applications can be found on the website of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia See a list of projects supported in 2009! All documents must be submitted in English. Deadline for applications: 30 March 2010Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:31:30 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/191The Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Electronic Government Affairs of Republic of Latvia becomes as the partner to the NordForsk (Nordic research board operating under the Nordic Council of Ministers for Education and Research) project The Citizens‘ Services - Turning public-private outside-in. The aim of the project is to design a joint Nordic/Baltic research program that meets the citizen’s needs resulting in the clients’ "ideal research program". This aim is pursued by the active involvement of public and private service organisations in specific workshops, where both clients and stakeholders share their best practices and previous research results. The project coordinator is the Swedish Innovation funding VINNOVA. Other partners in the project are University of Iceland, Research Council of Norway, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication and Information Society Committee under the Government of Republic of Lithuania. Today the majority of services, public or private, are developed by the service provider organisation as the dominating perspective, not the citizen. The so called "user centered design" has so far mostly affected the surface of the service, not so much the design of the service itself. In particular there is a lack of integration between services that are meaningful and useful to the citizens. All partners included in the project will organize the seminar in Riga, March 18, 2009, to design a joint Nordic/Baltic research program that meets the citizen’s needs. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/40 The Nordic-Baltic NGO program aims at fostering cooperation between Nordic and Baltic NGOs, strengthening the civic society and providing support to new sustainable initiatives. >> Priority areas in 2010: - ENVIRONMENT andamp; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Innovative and sustainable project applications in other fields will be considered as well. >> Who can apply? - Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the Baltic and Nordic countries. NB! Each project must have partners from at least three countries in the Nordic-Baltic region (including the applicant), of which at least one partner must represent the Nordic Region and at least one another partner must come from Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania. >> Financial framework: maximum grant per project is LVL 9000 although co-financing will be regarded favourably, the relevance of the project’s content and the qualitative explanation of its idea will be decisive the programme's funding may be used to finance experince exchange, training, societal education, research the programme's funding is designed to launch new initiatives that will continue even after the specific project has come to an end the programme's funding may NOT be used to finance regular activities and administration, hardware acquisition, e.g. for purchasing IT equipment or covering construction costs. >> Application form Please enclose the following documents: letters from partner organisations (scanned) confirming their participation in the project a detailed budget of the project NB! The project must be submitted in English. Applicaiton deadline: 15 March, 2010 Contact person: Daina Mežecka, e-mail: daina@norden.lv; ph. +371 29394399, +371 67211506 >> Useful information: - Guidelines for the Nordic Council of Minister's cooperation with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania 2009-2013 - Danish Presidency Program for the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2010 - Nordic Environmental Action Plan 2009-2012 - Nordic Strategy for Sustainable Development 2009-2012 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:32:28 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/196 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in cooperation with the University of Latvia, together with the Representation of the European Commission and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Riga, is organizing a conference on "Global Governance of Science" that will take place on 16 March 2009 in Riga. Among the participants there will be representatives of the European Commission, authors of the report, experts, as well as two members of the Reflection Group on the Future of the European Union 2020-2030 - Professor Lykke Friis (Denmark) and Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, former President of the Republic of Latvia and Deputy Chairperson of the Reflection group. Conference will take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kr. Valdemara Street 3, Riga. The working language of the event is English. Please confirm your participation at the conference by March 13 by e-mail to the following e-mail address: linda.kaleja@mfa.gov.lv A research on the global governance of science was conducted by an international group of eight experts. The scope of interest consisted of the global aspects of European research area, such as competitiveness, the mobility of researchers, science ethics, international differences in the ethical aspects of science and technologies, and the role of ethical standards against the backdrop of market globalisation. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/193The joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry promotes economic cooperation, innovation and entrepreneurship to strengthen the global competitive power of the Nordic-Baltic region. The programme gives financial support to different stakeholders in the fields of business and industry to carry out study visits, internships, training or network activities. It is now open for applications with the deadline 30 April 2009. More information on the call for applications can be found on the website of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia (http://www.norden.lv/en/grants/36). The aim of the programme is to strengthen and promote economic co-operation, entrepreneurship, regional cluster co-operation and innovation opportunities between the NB8 countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden). The annual budget of the programme is some 2 million DKK, which is financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Activities supported by the programme require participation of minimum three countries, of these minimum one Nordic and one Baltic. The programme covers up to 70% of the costs related to travel, accommodation and network activities. The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry was launched together with the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration www.norden.ee and the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture www.kknord.org. The joint mobility and network programmes are important instruments for developing the cooperation between the Nordic Council of Ministers and the governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the coming years. The cooperation was initiated in 1991 and has in recent years developed into a political cooperation in areas of joint priorities and on an equal footing. Information on the new guidelines for the Nordic Council of Ministers cooperation with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania 2009-2013 can be found on the website of the Nordic Council of Ministers www.norden.org/internationellt/uk/riktl.asp?lang=andamp;p_id=677. Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/19826 March - last Thursday of the month with Nordic Walking! Welcome again to the Nordic Style socialising evening to meet people in a genuinely Nordic mood at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, this time at 18.30 p.m. Our special guests tonight will be a professional team of Nordic Walking instructors from the Hawaii Express sports store chain. They will demonstrate how to walk with walking poles and explain why it is good for you and where in Riga you can start practising. Poles will be available for everyone who would like to test the Nordic walking on the spot. Nordic Style - Ziemelu puse is the new TV serial broadcasted on Sundays on LTV1 about the Nordic countries, its people, events, myths, mysteries and the Nordic lifestyle in general. Nordic Style - Ziemelu puse is now also a code word for informal evenings with networking, discussions and socialising in a true Nordic atmosphere at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Riga on the last Thursday of every month. Invited are all and everyone, students, diplomats, housewives/-men, politicians, business people, civil servants, actors, journalists and anyone who has an interest in anything Nordic - no frames, no musts, no limits, pure curiosity or wish to socialise is absolutely enough to join in. NCM will provide coffee, wine, soft drinks and snacks - you bring yourself and friends. From time to time we might also invite an interesting personality with some Nordic connection to tell their story, make a presentation or maybe discuss something in particular. Together we’ll create a good and joyful atmosphere. Welcome on Thursday, 26 March at 6:30 to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, Marijas street 13/3, (Berga Bazaars), Riga. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/49On 25 March at 18:00 professor Viktors Freibergs will analyz the cinematic art of Roy Andersson, a Swedish director and a master of the "deep focus". Andersson directed a few full-length feature films between 1970 and 2007. The last one, You the Living, received the Nordic Council’s film award. It should also be noted that Roy Andersson is one of the most successful advertisment copywriters in Europe, making ad videos for such popular companies as Air France and Volvo. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:17:57 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/201Cinema Riga, "ACME Film", the Swedish Embassy in Riga and Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Latvia invite to premier of the film "Arn - the Knight Templar" on 2 April, 2009, 18:00 in the Cinema Riga big hall. Film is about Arn and Cecilia set in Sweden as well as the Middle East, and offers a rich gallery of brave knights, powerful queens and treacherous kings. It is an epic tale of war and intrigue, friendship and betrayal, but also an unforgettable love story. The story combines fiction with historical fact and makes references to real events and people.Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/50At the 26 and 27 of February 2009, the second Nordic Globalization Forum will take place in Iceland. The Forum this year will focus on climate, energy and innovation. The Nordic Innovation Monitor will be presented for the first time ever at the Globalization Forum 2009. The Nordic Innovation Monitor gives an in depth analysis of the innovation performance of the Nordic countries compared with leading countries in the world and the framework conditions that exist in the individual countries. This allows for a fact based policy, and for learning from those countries in the world that shape the best conditions for innovation. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:55:59 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/203The spring holidays for all those, who love cinema, fairy tales and dogs should be a busy time. The friendly pug dog Berimor will bring the best new films from all over the Europe and will show them in cinema "Riga" and "Parex Plaza" during the VIII Riga International Children's Film Festival "Berimor's Cinema" from the 4th untill 12th april 2009. More information about Film Festival www.arsenals.lv Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/41 Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme in the field of Culture supports long- and short-term network building, artists’ residencies and mobility of professional art and culture practitioners in all artistic fields. The main goal is to create a platform for an innovative, dynamic Nordic-Baltic art and culture life. Currently the programme is open for the following applications: mobility support for individuals Application deadline: 1 September 2010 All applications must be filled out online on the Nordic Culture Point website: www.kknord.org >> Contact person in Latvia: Ginta Tropa, +371 67820055, ginta@norden.lv Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:33:13 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/53The candidates for the Nordic Council Music Prize 2009 have been announced. A digital presentation offers a closer look at each of the 12 nominees. The winner of the Nordic Council Music Prize will be announced on June 2, and the prize will be awarded at the Nordic Council Session in Stockholm at the end of October. The following nominees have been selected: Denmark: Thunderstrucks, Alpha Finland: Pekka Kuusisto andamp; The Luomu Players, Kari Kriikku Faroe Islands: Orka Iceland: Voces Thules, Víkingur Heiðar Ólafsson Norway: Arve Henriksen, Paal Nilssen-Love Sweden: Ale Möller Band, Loney Dear Åland: Ulvens Döttrar The chosen theme for the Nordic Council's Music Prize 2009: Individual performers or groups who experiment with new forms of expression across the various genres or are pioneers within their genre with an innovative musical expression. The nominees must have attracted attention on the national, Nordic or international stage during last year (2008). Thu, 07 May 2009 12:54:41 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/209Marking the publication of "The Anatomy of Exile", a poetry compilation by the acclaimed poet and translator Juris Kronbergs, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and the publishing house "Mansards" organise a literary discussion taking place at the Office premises on 13/3 Marijas Str. (Bergs Bazaar) on May 14, 19:00. Juris Kronbergs is renowned for his equally masterful literary contributions to two cultures - the Latvian and the Swedish. Having been publishing his works since the 1960s, he has rightfully become the principal translator of Latvian literature into the Swedish language while his own poetry has been widely recognized as well. The poems selected for "The Anatomy of Exile" were written between 1970 and 1991. Along with the peculiarities of translation and poetry writing, Juris Kronbergs will speak on the role of poetry in exile and the creative challenges arising in a foreign milieu. The discussion on poetry and exile will be moderated by Imants Gross, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ in Latvia. Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/206 From April 27 until June 5, an exhibition ECO CHIC- Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion organised by the Swedish Institute is being held at the Riga Art Space, 3 Kungu Str. The exhibition displays the works of Swedish fashion designers who use environmentally friendly and ethical approach. As they still manage to follow the latest fashion trends, the difference between ecological and andquot;commonandquot; clothes is barely visible. The ground principles of eco-fashion are manifested in the quality of textiles and raw materials and in the standards of manufacturing. Ecology and ethics run through the entire production process, from design until ready-made garments. Along with the exhibition itself, a number of seminars and creative workshops will be taking place. On May 15, the Swedish fashion designer Rickard Lindqvist will lead a workshop at the Riga Design and Art School - its results can later be seen at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia. The main idea behind the workshop is to manufacture clothes without any leftovers of the cloth, using the material up to 100%. The seminar will encourage new ideas and creative brainstorming. On May 21, the Riga Art Space will host a public discussion andquot;Latvian fashion design - sustainable development?andquot; where local and foreign experts, designers, entrepreneurs and representatives from the education field will discuss the current situation, share their experience and appraise future possibilities. Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/211 Within the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, financial support of EUR 83 483 has been granted to 60 out of 211 mobility applications submitted from the Nordic and Baltic countries. The mobility grants allotted to 17 Latvian artists and culture practitioners amount to EUR 24 361. Estonia has received 5 mobility grants, Lithuania - 2. All in all, the first round of the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture has yielded EUR 89 646 to its Latvian participants. As reported earlier, the Nordic-Baltic grants for Artist Residencies were received by 2 applicant institutions from Latvia (the Culture and Arts Projects NOASS and the International Writers' and Translators' House in Ventspils) for the total sum of EUR 23 000. Latvian art and culture organisations had also applied for the Arts and Culture Programme, consequently gaining support for 3 projects of EUR 42 485 worth. The new expanded Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture is financed by the Nordic and Baltic countries on an equal footing, taking into account the economic capacity of each country. The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture will last from 2009 to 2011. Its administration body is the Nordic Culture Point located in Finland: http://www.kknord.org/. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/212The Nordic and Baltic countries have a long history of collaboration and sharing of experience in number areas. In violence prevention Norway has taken a leading role in supporting the expansion of good practices, networking, and capacity building in the Baltic region. WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Latvia, the Public Health Agency of Latvia and the Nordic Council of Ministers are jointly organizing the Nordic-Baltic workshop on the prevention of family violence with a focus on the role of health sector in multisectoral response. The workshop is supported by the Norwegian Government. Taking place on 8-9 June at the Radisson SAS Daugava, the workshop will aim to explore the role of the health sector in a multisectoral response to the prevention of family violence, focusing on particular children, women and elderly. It will examine closely the role of alcohol as a risk factor for violence. The workshop will bring together different actors and stakeholders from various sectors, and will include policy makers, professionals, journalists and activists working in the public health sector in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The objectives of the workshop will be to: a) discuss the role of the health sector in a multisectoral response in preventing family violence, b) receive the latest evidence on examples of good-practice, c) exchange experiences on implementing evidence-based programmes for preventing intimate partner violence, child maltreatment and elder abuse, d) consider alcohol misuse as a risk factor for and as a consequence of violence, e) debate strategies for a way forward, f) support the involvement of young journalists from the Nordic and Baltic countries in the public debate on violence. The workshop will consist of plenary sessions with invited international speakers and include experts from the field of violence prevention from Nordic and Baltic countries. In addition there will be breakout sessions to explore examples of best practice of the health sectors engagement in preventing family violence. Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/214The Nordic Council of Ministers has left a very clear imprint on the new EU Baltic Sea Strategy, which the EU Commission presented at a series of events in member countries on Wednesday. The strategy has four main objectives: to improve the marine environment, enhance prosperity, make the region more accessible and attractive and improve safety and security. andquot;We will help implement certain parts of the Baltic Strategy and do our bit to ensure its overall success. The Nordic Council of Ministers has been working with other organizations in the Baltic Region for many years, and we have a unique network covering the Nordic countries, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and North-West Russia,andquot; said the Secretary the Council of Ministers, Halldór Ásgrímsson. Earlier this year, the Nordic Council of Ministers submitted proposals for the content of the strategy and suggested how the Nordic Region can help the EU achieve its objectives. andquot;The Nordic Council of Ministers has exerted considerable influence on the strategy. We consider the Council of Ministers an important partner, especially when it comes to implementing the projects outlined in the strategy,andquot; said Ann-Kerstin Myleus, Deputy Director of the European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy. The Nordic Council of Ministers will have the main responsibility for setting up a fund for innovation and research in the Baltic Sea Region, for example, and is also mentioned in a number of other contexts in the new EU strategy. The Nordic Council of Ministers can also help introduce a more flexible single market around the Baltic Sea by stepping up its efforts to abolish obstacles to cross-border freedom of movement in the Nordic countries. The Baltic Sea Strategy describes such obstacles as an impediment to prosperity in the region. The initiative for the EU Baltic Sea Strategy was taken in 2006. The Baltic will be a top priority for the Swedish Presidency of the EU, which commences in July. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/216 In recent years, the Baltic Sea region has gained importance as an energy bridge between the EU and Russia. At the same time, important changes have taken place in the sphere of energy in the EU and the individual countries of the region. "ENERGY: PULLING THE BALTIC SEA REGION TOGETHER OR APART?" is a book marking the concluding stage of a comprehensive research project implemented by researchers from think tanks and universities located in the Baltic Sea region. The project was coordinated by the Latvian Institute of International Affairs and supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Soros Foundation-Latvia. This new contribution to the growing field of energy research offers analyses by specialists from Germany, Russia, Poland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Together they explore and assess the impact of national energy strategies on regional cooperation not only in the realm of energy but also beyond. Each author assesses his country’s energy policies and offers valuable insights in the wider regional implications of that country’s energy choices. Starting with a discussion of EU energy policy, this volume continues with case studies of nine countries. Each case-study describes the ‘energy mix’ of a particular country, considers the decision-makers and the principal actors influencing the decision-making process, outlines the national energy strategy, and concludes by relating the national energy policy to the regional political and economic environment. The final chapter focuses on energy as a factor of regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. This book is targeted at those interested in the Baltic Sea region and the impact of energy on interstate relations in the region. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/219The leaders of the Nordic governments will turn to the other countries’ of the world with a view to reaching binding agreement for global climate efforts to be given a prominent position on the political agenda in the years to come. The prime ministers will make a particular effort to build commitment at the highest political level in the run up to the UN's climate summit in Copenhagen. andquot;In Copenhagen we must reach agreement on a treaty which will show the way for achieving ambitious goals both in the short and the long term. Our goals must be followed up by concrete actions and policies which will contribute to the transition to green economies and sustainable developmentandquot;, stated the Nordic prime ministers in a declaration as a result of a meeting on 14 and 15 June on Iceland. The prime ministers anticipate opportunities to co-operate in reducing emissions of CO2 from the transport sector through increased energy efficiency and new energy system solutions. In addition, the prime ministers are calling for the prosperous countries to contribute with efforts for climate protection for the poorest and most vulnerable countries. The prime ministers will also strive to ensure that the European emission trading quotas are tied to similar systems in other parts of the world aimed at creating a global market for CO2. Research in six main programme areas is at a premium, including energy efficiency, wind power and other sustainable forms of energy. The Nordic prime ministers’ declaration on climate change UN Climate Conference: http://en.cop15.dk/ Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/62 "ENERGY: PULLING THE BALTIC SEA REGION TOGETHER OR APART?" is a book marking the concluding stage of a comprehensive research project implemented by researchers from think tanks and universities located in the Baltic Sea region. This new contribution to the growing field of energy research offers analyses by specialists from Germany, Russia, Poland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Together they explore and assess the impact of national energy strategies on regional cooperation not only in the realm of energy but also beyond. Each author assesses his country’s energy policies and offers valuable insights in the wider regional implications of that country’s energy choices. The project was coordinated by the Latvian Institute of International Affairs and supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Soros Foundation-Latvia. This book is targeted at those interested in the Baltic Sea region and the impact of energy on interstate relations in the region. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:29:22 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/221 In June the results of the Nordplus Framework Programme 2009 were announced. Latvian education establishments and organisations submitted 22 project applications, receiving support for 16 of them. All in all, Latvian schools, universities, adult learning institutions and organisations are taking part in 72 Nordic-Baltic projects. A total number of 544 applications were received in the 2009 Nordplus Framework Programme application round. Among these, 403 projects have been approved and will share the total sum of approximately 8 million EUR. The total sum applied for was 24 million EUR. Judging from the programme statistics, four of the Nordplus participant countries - Estonia, Iceland, Latvia and Lithuania - have shown fairly similar interest in leading the projects, whereas the most fervent project coordinators came from Finland and Sweden. However, partner institutions attracted to the Nordplus programme by the coordinating institutions are equally important - they can acquire new experience, adopt best practices and novelties and thus strengthen a unified Nordic-Baltic education area. In the Nordplus Junior programme, the winning projects from Latvia had been submitted by Jelgava Secondary School No. 4, Sigulda Primary School No. 3, Ādaži Free Waldorf School, the Education and Sports Department of Valmiera City Council, Riga Zolitude Grammar School and Skujene Primary School. From the Nordplus Higher Education network, the following institutions were supported: Vidzeme University, the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Latvia, the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, the State Border Guard College, and the Latvian Academy of Sports Education. Three Latvian participants were approved by the Nordplus Adult Learning programme: the Association of Latvian Oral History Researchers "Life Story", Rite Folk High School, and Kuldiga Coordination Centre of Cultural Projects. Within the Nordplus Horizontal programme, support was granted to the Bauska Development Primary School as well as to the Riga Education and Informative Methodological Centre. More information on the supported projects and project participants: http://www.nordplusonline.org/eng/framework_programme/nordplus_framework_general_news/granted_nordplus_projects. The Nordplus Framework Programme is the Nordic Council of Ministers' most important programme in the area of lifelong learning. It offers financial support to a variety of educational cooperation within the area of lifelong learning among the eight participating countries in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/grants/44Institutions and organisations willing to devise qualitative projects for the next application call of the Nordplus Junior and Adult programmes can apply for preparatory visits during this year. The aim of preparatory visist is to help the potential project partners (institutions and organisations) to work out joint project plans and prepare written applications for the next year’s application round. The online Application and Reporting System will be open for application submittance in September. For more information, see Nordplus Handbook. Contact person in Latvia: Viktors Kravčenko Programme Coordinator Ph. +371 67244442 nordplus@apa.lv Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:47:02 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/223 In the first application round of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry, participants from Latvia were the most keen to apply. All in all, 27 applications have been supported: 15 from Latvia, 5 from Denmark, 3 from Estonia and Lithuania each, and 1 from Sweden. The total sum of the allotment amounts to DKK 1 140 600. Four of the supported projects are individual study trips while the rest consists of group visits and networking projects. The grantees include business incubators, business associations and companies in the areas of information and communication technologies, electronics and electrical engineering, design, advertising, sustainable fashion, film industry, translation and language teaching, industrial iron and steel casting, renewable energy production and consulting, and sustainable polymer technology. See a full list of the supported projects. A second application round for the Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry will follow soon, with the deadline set for October 15. The programme gives financial support to different stakeholders in the fields of business and industry to carry out study visits, internships, on the job training or network and cluster facilitating activities in Baltic and Nordic countries. Application forms and program requirements available here. The programme is established for the period 2009-2013 to promote and strengthen economic cooperation, entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities in the NB8 countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden) with the aim to increase the global competitive power of the region. The program is administered by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/225 The Symposium for Art and Renewable Technologies will be held on 13-16 August in Aizpute, Latvia. The symposium will gather around 30 artists, activists, technology experts, scientists and researchers primarily from Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as from other European countries. Symposium participants will exchange their ideas and explorations that deal with renewable energy resources, alternative and ecological use of technologies and other sustainability related issues. The symposium will address the following themes: BIO / ECO-SYSTEMS: Environmental science and ecology - - - Ecosystem research - Permaculture and biosystem design - - - Biomass as renewable energy resource - - - Critical and alternative approaches to biotechnology SOLAR ENERGY: Sunlight as constant energy resource - - - Process of photosynthesis - Solar energy technologies OPEN SOURCE: Sustainability using open source / information approaches: in art and grassroots culture, ecology, architecture and environmental design MYTH andamp; LEGENDS: Historical traditions and modern alternative solutions - - - Cultural transformation: energy in nature and in city - - - Future visions of terrestrial energy The symposium will be taking place in the artists’ residency centre SERDE in Aizpute, a small town in Kurzeme region of Latvia. SERDE is located in an old wooden historical building where alternative and ecological approach in developing sustainable systems and renewable energy technologies can be explored and applied. Symposium programme The outcomes of the symposium - new projects, artworks, co-productions - will be presented at the international art and science conference ENERGY during the Art+Communication festival in Riga, October 8 - 10, 2009. (Call for proposals for Energy festival and conference is currently open - deadline August 31, 2009. http://rixc.lv/09) Symposium is organized by the centre for new media culture RIXC with the support of Nordic Culture Fund: http://rixc.lv http://www.nordiskkulturfond.org Symposium blog updates: http://renewable.rixc.lv/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/227Nordic Climate Solutions is Northern Europe’s largest meeting place for stakeholders within transport and energy. On 8-9 September 2009, the Nordic Climate Solutions conference in Copenhagen will gather more than 1000 producers, suppliers, customers and business partandshy;ners as well as politicians and scientists who will focus on market trends, drivers and barriers and framework conditions for transport, energy efficiency, renewable and intelligent energy. Nordic Climate Solutions 2009 provides an opportunity to gain new market insights and give your input to the process leading up to the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen, while engaging with existing and potential clients and partners. Nordic Climate Solutions 2009 offers an international conference program with high-level key-note panels, expert market sessions, focused master classes and workshops as well as a large trade show of climate solutions- all with extensive networking facilitation. For more information look up http://www.nordicclimatesolutions.com Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/66 Over the past three years, the BSR InnoNet project has succeeded in developing and implementing transnational cluster analysis, capacity building activities, cluster linkages and policy frameworks. "Transnational Cooperation for Prosperity in the Baltic Sea Region" is the Nordic Council of Ministers’ publication with the following objectives: • To present a number of perspectives on the overall rationale for 'cooperating for prosperity' and positioning of the Baltic Sea Region; • To present some of the results and tools from the Baltic Sea Region Innovation Network (BSR InnoNet) - which serve as building blocks for continued activities aimed at making the BSR a prosperous place; • To present remaining challenges and visions for the future. The publication is available for free download: Transnational Cooperation for Prosperity in the Baltic Sea Region (pdf) Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:57 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/229Parliamentarians from the whole of the Baltic Sea Region will gather in Nyborg, Denmark, on 31st August - 1st September for the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC). Environment, safety and security will be the main topics on the agenda. "We must not allow the current economic crisis to be used as an excuse for cuts or delays in environmental work in and around the Baltic," in the run-up for the two-day conference says Christina Gestrin, the President of the BSPC, a member of the Presidium of the Nordic Council and a Finnish MP. The BSPC Climate Group will submit a report to the conference containing 25 proposals to the governments around the Baltic. The main recommendations consist of cutting CO2 emissions, increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources and using energy more efficiently. As the safety and security of the people of the Region are of the utmost importance to its development potential, the Nyborg agenda will also include regional co-operation to prevent human trafficking, drug trafficking, internet crime, environmental disasters and pandemics. More about BSCP: http://www.bspc.net/ Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/230 Five Nordic films have been announced for the 2009 Nordic Council Film Prize. The prestigious film award worth DKK 350.000 [€47.000] is shared between the director, the scriptwriter and the producer. The winner of The Nordic Council Film Prize 2009 will be announced on October 21st. The prize is given every year by the Nordic Council who awards a Literature Prize, a Music Prize, a Film Prize and a Nature and Environment Prize. The purpose of the prizes is to raise interest in the literature, language, music and film of the neighboring Nordic countries and abroad. Full list of the award candidates: Denmark Antichrist, director Lars von Trier, scriptwriter Lars von Trier, producer Meta Louise Foldager, production company Zentropa. Finland Sauna, director AJ Annila, scriptwriter Iiro KÜttner, producers Tero Kaukomaa, Jesse Fryckman, production company Bronson Club. Iceland The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela, director Olaf de Fleur Johannesson, scriptwriters Olaf de Fleur Johannesson and Stefan Schaefer, producers Olaf de Fleur Johannesson, Stefan Schaefer, Helgi Sverrisson, Arleen Cuevas, production company Poppoli Pictures. Norway North (Original Title - Nord), director Rune Denstad Langlo, scriptwriter Erlend Loe, producers Sigve Endersen, Brede Hovland, production company Motlys. Sweden Light Year (Original Title - Ljusår), director Mikael Kristersson, scriptwriter Mikael Kristersson, producer Lisbet Gabrielsson, production company Lisbet Gabrielsson Film AB. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/234 Nordic and Baltic entrepreneurs, business organisations and other stakeholders in the field are encouraged to participate in the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Program for Business and Industry. The programme gives financial support to different actors in the fields of business and industry, with a special focus on creative and innovative industries, to carry out study visits, internships, training or network activities. Activities supported by the programme require participation of minimum three countries, of these minimum one Nordic and one Baltic. The programme covers up to 70% of the costs related to travel, accommodation and network activities. Application deadline - 15 October 2009. Application forms and other information available at http://www.norden.lv/en/grants/36 In the first application round earlier in spring, 27 projects received support in the following areas: information and communication technologies, electronics and electrical engineering, design, advertising, sustainable fashion, film industry, translation and language teaching, industrial iron and steel casting, renewable energy production and consulting, and sustainable polymer technology. The aim of the programme is to strengthen and promote economic co-operation, entrepreneurship, regional cluster co-operation and innovation opportunities in the NB8 countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden). Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/236Welcome to the opening of the second season of the Nordic Style Thursdays on 24 September, 18:00, at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office (Bergs Bazaar, 13/3 Marijas Str.). This time round we have invited Juris Ulmanis, who is the first in the Baltic States to have ventured as far as the famous Norwegian Nansen did crossing the vast area of Greenland from west to east. From 8 May to 3 June, Juris Ulmanis and his team of three plodded through 670km in -30 degrees and in constant fear of running into a polar bear, which they actually did... So bring a friend or two and come to hear more about the Greenland Crossing 09. Good company and evening coffee/refreshments guaranteed. Nordic Style - it's a series of events ararnged every last Thursday of the month with the aim of bringing together all fans of the North in an informal, friendly and truly Nordic atmosphere. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/68The 25th annual Gothenburg Book Fair kicks off from the 24th until 27th September 2009. This year the focus has shifted onto Spain and Spanish literature. World-known writers such as Isabel Allende, Bernardo Atxaga, Javier Marías, Rosa Montero and many others will highlight where Spanish and Latin American literature stands today. The Book Fair is a four-day long literary festival. Writers, Nobel Prize winners, publishers and booklovers will meet on the many stages and exhibition stands of the book fair to explore the power of the written word. Read more about the Gothenburg Book Fair 2009 on http://bok-bibliotek.se/sv/ Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:28:09 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/70On 30th September, 18:00, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia invites all fans of Finnish and Nordic literature to a meeting with Mikko Rimminen, author of the novel Park Life, and its Latvian translator Maima Grinberga. The novel Park Life (Pussikaljaromaani) tells about strangely compelling adventures of three young men during one summer day. The scenery is an old working-class suburb of Helsinki called Kallio - probably recognised from Aki Kaurismäki’s films. The three men appear doomed to wander in Kallio forever, though each of them is at least glad to skip the loneliness. In 2004 Park Life was nominated for the prestigious Finlandia award and received the Kalevi Jenti literary prize. The novel has been translated into the Dutch, German, Swedish, Russian and Czech languages. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:55:58 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/72 Gender as one of the determining factors in climate change discussions - a focal theme of the Nordic Gender Institute (NIKK) magazine. Men drive cars and fly more often than women, who rather tend to use public transport. It’s also true that poor women in developing countries are those hit hardest by the climate change. Such issues gain importance with the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen approaching. NIKK magazine available for downloading. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:09:32 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/245On 22nd - 23rd of October 2009, the National Film Centre of Latvia in co-operation with the Danish Cultural Institute in Riga organizes the very first Riga Meetings forum - a special meeting platform for film industry professionals. The forum brings together Baltic and Nordic film institution representatives, policy makers, producers, distributors and filmmakers for establishing new regional network and promoting more efficient usage of regional resources on all levels - from policy making to film production and distribution. Riga Meetings is taking place simultaneously with the X Nordic Film Days. Riga Meetings will present an overview of the film policy landscape in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The best practices, challenges and problems of filmmaking in the region will be discussed and the potential of regional resources will be examined. The opening speech will be delivered by the Latvian Minister of Culture Mr. Ints Dālderis. Among 30 foreign producers and film institution representatives taking part in the forum, one may highlight the following key note speakers: Ms. Noemi Ferrer, a representative of the renowned Danish production company Zentropa, Mr. Christian Have, the managing director of the Scandinavian PR company Have PR andamp; Communication, and Ms. Bronagh Walton representing the European Commission. Riga Meetings forum is financially supported by the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility program for Business and Industry. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/243On 16-24 October, the International Film Centre in cooperation with the Nordea bank and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office organises X Nordic Film Days, which have become a regular feature of the film scene in Latvia since their first appearance at the beginning of the 90s. During the nine days of the festival, the audience will be offered a fresh selection of films made in Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. The films are being evaluted not only by a special jury but by the audience as well. The film catalogue and other useful information available at http://festivali.arsenals.lv/zfd/en Marking the 150th anniversary of the Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun, film expert prof. Viktors Freibergs will talk about Hamsun's biography and creative work as rendered in films. The lecture will be taking place on 20th October at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia. On 22-23 October, Baltic and Nordic film institution representatives, policy makers, producers, distributors and filmmakers will convene for the Riga Meetings Film Industry Forum. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/247The Nordic Council’s 61st Session will be held from 27 - 29 October 2009 in the Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen) in Stockholm. The theme for the summit is the Nordic Region and the EU. On Monday 26 October, before the session gets going in earnest, a meeting of Nordic and Baltic (NB8) prime ministers will be taking place, as well as a high-level Climate Seminar at which, amongst others, Sweden's minister for the environment, Andreas Carlgren, will take part. The summit meeting between all the Nordic prime ministers and the leaders of the major opposition parties will set the tone for the annual session on Tuesday 27 October. Later in the evening, the winners of the Nordic Council prizes for literature, music, film and nature and the environment will be honoured. Participants of the session will debate on tighter co-operation in foreign and defence policies, on the combat of trafficking in human beings, on research, health and other spheres of common interest. During the three days of the Nordic Council Session, the Swedish Parliament will gather lots of prominent guests: PMs, leaders of the opposition parties, as well as a number of ministers and politicians from all over the Nordic Region. More information about the Session: http://www.norden.org/en/nordic-council/moder/sessions/session-2009 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/76Already for the 12th time Latvian libraries prepare for the Nordic Library Week to be held on 9-15 November. More than 350 libraries from all over Latvia are involved in the project. War and Peace in the Nordic Countries was chosen as this year’s theme, in a tribute to the common history of Finland and Sweden. Year 2009 marked 200th anniversary since Finland’s separation from the Swedish rule. From the 13th century up to 1809 Finland was a part of Sweden, but as a result of the war between Sweden and Russia it became independent. In connection with the War and Peace topic, libraries are encouraged to organise events also in association with the Lacplesis Day which is celebrated on 11 November in Latvia. Likewise, general discussions on the theme of war in the modern world are highly welcome. Nordic Library Week’s poster can be downloaded from here. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:43:20 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/253During the academic year 2009/2010 the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga in cooperation with the Embassy of Finland and the Embassy of Sweden intend to offer a series of lectures on various aspects of the "Nordic Model" and its eventual relevance for the Baltic countries. The first lecture in this series focuses on: The Finnish Experience: On the construction of a sovereign state and its welfare system The lecture discusses how Finland has developed as a state, society and culture between the 1910s and the turn of the millennium. How were the international threats handled? How have values and the national identity been formed in a sometimes rapidly changing world, and how this has dictated the construction of the Finnish society? The lecture will be given by Professor Henrik Meinander, University of Helsinki, and Ass. Professor Daunis Auers, University of Latvia will act as discussant. Henrik Meinander has been professor of History at University of Helsinki since 2001. He has studied and done research also in Scandinavia and Scotland. He has earlier functioned as curator of the Mannerheim Museum in Helsinki and director of the Finnish institute in Stockholm. Meinander has published and edited a number of books and articles on Finnish and Nordic history. His most recent monograph Finland 1944 was published in September 2009. For more details, check his web site: http://www.helsinki.fi/historia/staff/meinander.htmlHenrik Daunis Auers is Assistant Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Latvia. He defended his PhD (on political parties and the consolidation of democracy in Latvia) at University College London, having previously gained a Masters degree at the London School of Economics. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley in the academic year 2005-2006. His most recent scholarly research has been published in the Journal of Contemporary European Studies, Electoral Studies, Journal of Communist and Post-Communist Studies, Journal of Baltic Studies and a number of edited volumes. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 16.00 - 18.00 at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Strelnieku iela 4a. Please register for the lecture at: http://www.sseriga.edu.lv/node/681 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/272Already for the 12th time Latvian libraries prepare for the Nordic Library Week to be held on 9-15 November. More than 350 libraries from all over Latvia are involved in the project. War and Peace in the Nordic Countries was chosen as this year’s theme, in a tribute to the common history of Finland and Sweden. Year 2009 marked 200th anniversary since Finland’s separation from the Swedish rule. From the 13th century up to 1809 Finland was a part of Sweden, but as a result of the war between Sweden and Russia it became independent. In connection with the War and Peace topic, libraries are encouraged to organise events also in association with the Lacplesis Day which is celebrated on 11 November in Latvia. Likewise, general discussions on the theme of war in the modern world are highly welcome. Nordic Library Week’s poster can be downloaded from here.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/257 The Swedish EU Presidency and the Nordic Council of Ministers invite to a seminar on the EU Baltic Sea Strategy taking place in Riga on 12 November. The discussion focusing on the competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region in the increasingly globalised society will be held in the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and broadcasted online via http://watch.sseriga.edu/. The list of invited speakers consists of high reprsentatives from the Nordic Council of Ministers, the European Commission, SIDA, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nordic embassies. The seminar will feature a presentation of practical examples of regional cooperation among creative and innovative clusters and a panel discussion with participants from Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian public administration and industry sectors. The EU Baltic Sea Strategy is the first regional strategy of the European Union. It aims to improve the Baltic Sea environment, to boost the prosperity of the Region via trade and innovative enterprises, to reinforce transport connections and electric power links in the Region, as well as to enhance the efficiency of the Region in joint accident management and in the combat of cross-border crime. See a detailed program of the event Read more about the EU Baltic Sea Strategy Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/255"CO2 E-Race Riga" is a series of events to start on November 14. It is designed to increase public awareness in the Baltic States about the global climate crisis and to show possible ways to solve it through the latest technologies. The first part of the "CO2 E-Race Riga" will take place on 14 November when the CO2 Art Map of Riga will be created using the electric cars LYNX and HUMMER. The author of this project, an artist who is known for his creative ways to address problems in society, Jacob Fuglsang Mikkelsen, will also participate in this event by driving one of the electric cars. LYNX is one of the first 100% environmentally friendly sports cars. The HUMMER is the first proportionally correct and only officially licensed custom estate/golf car styled after the original H3 HUMMER. The creation of the CO2 map of Riga will start at 17:00 o’clock with the e-car LYNX. It will be equipped with a GPS tracking system that will show the position of the car live in "CO2 E-Race Riga" official webpage www.co2erace.lv and at viewing points around the city. These viewing points will be located in Stacijas laukums, on the corner of Brīvības and Vairoga street and in Spīķeri, next to Contemporary art museum KIM?. The route of the CO2 map is available on the webpage. Jacob Fuglsang Mikkelsen will show a presentation about the project at 16:00 in the Contemporary art museum KIM?. When the map will be ready, the LYNX and other e-cars will be exhibited next to KIM?, where the exhibition about climate change issues will be open until midnight. The culmination of the "CO2 E-Race Riga" will take place in April of 2010. Then there will be an e-car race in Biķernieku racing track and an e-car parade on the bridges of Riga. Everyone will have a chance to see an e-car demonstration in the centre of Riga. "CO2 E-Race Riga" events are organized in connection with the UN climate change conference COP 15 that will take place in Copenhagen on 7-18 December. The "CO2 E-Race Riga" as well as COP 15 will seek to bring attention to the seriousness of the problems caused by global warming and encourage people to find solutions for them. Latvia is participating in these events by organizing seminars, conferences and electronic car race. For more information about the events on November 14 and other activities organized by "CO2 E-Race Riga", please visit our home page www.co2erace.lv The "CO2 E-Race Riga" is organized by the Danish Cultural Institute in Latvia, in cooperation with the Nordic council of ministers` Office of Latvia, the Royal Danish Embassy in Latvia and the Soros Foundation-Latvia. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/81andquot;100 ways to save the worldandquot; is a book presenting in an attractive and easily-comprehensibly way 100 simple, concrete tips for environmentally friendly living. Small changes in our habits can help save energy, cut pollution and build a more sustainable future for the whole planet. andquot;100 ways to save the worldandquot; is both a useful manual and an enjoyable read!Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:55:27 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/276Welcome to attend the very last Last Thursday of 2009 on 26 November! This time we’ll try to round up the first two seasons of TV series Nordic Style (Ziemeļu puse) where program hosts Gustavs and Marta have been travelling all around the Nordic countries. They went as far as the Faroe Islands and Iceland; they tried whale meat and "surströmming"; they visited eco-houses in Finland and drove e-cars in Oslo; and they met LOTS of sheep on the Faroe Islands… So have they figured out the Nordic "formula of success"? We have invited the Nordic Style team to come and share their conclusions and show some of the selected video material. Everyone with an interest in Nordic countries and/or travelling is invited. Others are welcome as well :) Time: Thursday, 26 November 18:00 Venue: Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, 13/3 Marijas Str (Bergs Bazaar) Nordic Style - it's a series of events ararnged every last Thursday of the month with the aim of bringing together all fans of the North in an informal, friendly and truly Nordic atmosphere. Good company and evening coffee/refreshments guaranteed. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/82The Next Big Thing? Trends Shaping Nordic Innovation is a book about innovation, economic development, globalisation and climate change and their impact on companies and industries in both national and international settings. The book argues that innovation needs to be measured and managed. Innovation needs to be developed as a serious management discipline in order to fulfil the expectations of investors, whether these investors are from private companies or public government agencies. The publication also argues that there is a need to emphasise that research is not the same as innovation, and that we need to distinguish between science and the 'scientific method' in order to develop better innovation policies and innovation management techniques. In the final focus chapter on climate change the book states that the Nordic region has a strong position within some of the new energy and environmental industries. Yet, in order to keep that position and to stay in the global vanguard of clean technologies and climate industries it might be necessary for the Nordic countries to experiment with what the authors call ‘forced innovation’. The book is relevant for industry branch organisations, company managers, policy makers, public policy professionals as well as graduate and undergraduate courses in management, innovation, entrepreneurship, globalisation and climate change. The Next Big Thing? Trends Shaping Nordic Innovation is available at the NCM Office library as well as for downloading. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:42:17 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/271The Nordic Baltic Seminar on Gender and Financial Crisis taking place in Riga on 3-4 December will discuss the current financial crisis from a gender perspective. The seminar will focus on how women and men in the Nordic and Baltic countries have met the ongoing financial crisis. Target groups of the seminar: politicians, civil servants, researchers, CSO:s and NGO:s from both Nordic and Baltic countries. Do women and men face the same problems in the face of recession? Who pays the bills? Have we learned anything from earlier crises? How is the gender equality policy affected by the economic downturn? The aim is to exchange experience and best practices to find solutions to the problems of today. How can we guarantee that gender perspective is integrated into the decision-making processes? The seminar will result in concrete recommendations and proposals for joint future projects. Opening words will be delivered by Ingi Valur Johannsson, Chair of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Executive Committee for Gender Equality. Professor Markus Jäntti from the Stockholm University, Sweden, will talk about gender equality and financial crisis in terms of challenges and possibilities. The seminar is organized in co-operation with: Nordic Council of Ministers Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia Women’s NGO Network of Latvia Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/284The Nordic Council of Ministers and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have raised approximately 2.5 million Danish kroner for the budget of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration for 2010. The deadline for submission of the next round of applications is 30 March 2010. The programme supports study visits, internships and network activities of officials and other public sector workers, thereby contributing to cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries at the level of ministries, regional and local governments. Support is issued to projects which involve partners from at least three Nordic and Baltic countries. The programme covers up to 70% of the travel and accommodation costs of projects. The programme is designed to promote the exchange of knowledge at all levels of public administration in the shared interests of the Nordic and Baltic countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden - thereby contributing to the development of the public sector in the region. "The Mobility Programme for Public Administration is a very important and very useful means of developing and reinforcing cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries," said Liena Muraškina, Adviser with the Communications Department of the State Chancellery in Latvia, who recently headed up a successful project between state agencies in Latvia, Norway and Iceland as part of the programme. "Exchange of experience and ideas is of vital importance to strengthen the public administration in the Baltic Sea region," she added. So far in 2009 the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration has issued support to the value of more than 1.4 million Danish kroner, distributed among 32 projects bringing together the Nordic and Baltic countries. The projects covered such diverse areas as education, maintenance of law and order, forensic studies, nature conservation, employment and agriculture. The Management Body of the programme is the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia. Questions related to the application can be directed to Madis Kanarbik, Adviser, phone: +372 7 423 625, fax: +372 7 441 241, e-mail: public.administration@norden.ee Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/291 On 13 December 2009, a CO2 map of Copenhagen will be created with the use of electric cars. A similar map was already made in Riga on November 14, and now the project is being repeated in Denmark. The CO2 map of Copenhagen will be created using more than 100 electric cars. As in Riga, the progress of the CO2 E-Race will be shown on large monitors in the centre of the city where GPS information from each colour-coded car will be digitally displayed on a map of Copenhagen. In order to memorize and document this unique event, the spectators will be able to photograph the parade of cars and upload their pictures on Google Maps/Earth where they will appear on the map of Copenhagen. You can follow this event live on www.co2-e-race.blogspot.com. The CO2 E-Race events are organized in connection with the UN climate change conference COP 15 taking place in Copenhagen as of 7 December 2009. The CO2 E-Race as well as COP 15 will seek to bring attention to the seriousness of the problems caused by global warming and encourage people to find solutions for them. Latvia is participating in these events by organizing seminars, conferences and electronic car race. The CO2 E-Race is organized by the Danish Cultural Institute in cooperation with the city councils of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, the Confederation of Danish Industry and the GPS supplier TracTrac. The final event of the CO2 E-Race will take place in Riga in April 2010, consisting of an e-car race in the Biķernieku racing track and an e-car parade on the bridges of Riga. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/293The UN climate summit in Copenhagen 7-18 December, COP15, is described as one of the most important international meetings in history. It is expected that the countries of the world will agree on how to curb global warming. The Nordic countries are strongly committed to climate issues as a region, even though the countries are organised in separate groups in the negotiation process (Denmark, Finland and Sweden in the EU, Norway and Iceland outside the EU). Climate co-operation takes place within the framework of the official Nordic governmental co-operation, the Nordic Council of Ministers. Although the Nordic countries are negotiating individually, the Nordic Council of Ministers will contribute indirectly to a successful result in Copenhagen. The council of ministers funds a Nordic group of climate experts from the entire Nordic region, the Nordic COP15 group. The COP15 Group has, for example, produced analyses and reports from the current negotiation issues and organised meetings between international climate negotiators. Nordic Co-operation will be visible in several ways during COP15. In Bella Center, where the actual COP15 is being held, the Nordic Council of Ministers will be working together with other Nordic organisations. During the whole of COP15, Nordic Climate Co-operation will be presented at a joint exhibition stand. The themes will vary from day to day (e.g. the Arctic, research, climate funding, green energy solutions, biodiversity) with films, presentations and other programmes. The Nordic Council of Ministers is organising a fringe event in Bella Center on the theme of Nordic climate solutions and funding another side event on gender and climate change. A similar event, a panel debate under the heading andquot;The Heat is onandquot;, is being arranged in the Council of Ministers' Secretariat in Copenhagen on the effects of climate change on men and women in different geographies. In addition, the council of ministers is financing and exhibiting at the Arctic Venue in the North Atlantic House. As part of this event, which will focus on Arctic research, a grand iceberg installation will cover one of the buildings as a symbol of the current changes in the climate. Another platform where Nordic climate co-operation will be presented is the climate expo the Copenhagen Climate Exchange 2009 in Øksnehallen. The Nordic countries, represented by the Nordic Culture Fund, are taking part in the art exhibition Rethink - Contemporary Art andamp; Climate Change, as part of the official culture programme for COP15. Other COP15 related projects funded by the council of ministers are Arctic related exhibitions and films. The Nordic countries are also part of the accommodation project New Life Copenhagen in which private individuals offer free lodging for COP15 participants. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/295 As of January 2010, Denmark takes over the rotating presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The programme of the presidency is called The Nordic Region pointing the way forward. Its recurring theme is globalisation, viewed both as a challenge and an opportunity. Danish Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, wrote: "The Nordic countries face the same challenges of globalisation, climate change and economic crisis, and the Presidency will seek collective solutions that serve the whole Region well and make the most of our opportunities." The Nordic Region will continue to appear as a green and innovative region, taking a lead in meeting the challenges of climate change and environmental protection. Due to its achievements, the Region will acquire international impact. The Council of Ministers aims to increase the visibility of the whole region through cooperation with other regional organisations, particularly the EU, the Arctic Council, the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the Barents Council. One of the priorities in 2010 includes countering the effects of the economic crisis, securing the future of the Nordic Region and strengthening the basis for its economic progress. The Programme for the Presidency was drawn up in close collaboration between the three regions in the Community of the Realm: the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark, presenting the areas they wish to focus on within Nordic co-operation throughout the year. More information: http://www.norden2010.dk/da Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/309On Friday, January 22, during the meeting of the Baltic Council of Ministers, the prime ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia agreed on closer cooperation in order to foster long-term economic development and strengthen competitiveness of the Baltic region. The Baltic prime ministers emphasised the role of a knowledge-based economy and development of research in sustaining growth of the national economies. The officials reached an agreement on further cooperation in the financial and economic areas by exploiting all the cooperation forms established among the Baltic States. To this end, the respective ministries for finances and/or economics of the three countries will examine the opportunities to establish a working group on economic and financial issues within the framework of the Baltic Council of Ministers. The sides also addressed the opportunities to develop a coordinated taxation system and discussed common Baltic interests concerning the introduction of the euro. The heads of the States stressed that it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in the Baltic region in order to promote the Baltic-Nordic cooperation format, NB8, in the context of global changes. During the meeting the sides acknowledged their successful cooperation regarding the new NATO strategic concept by supporting representation of the Baltic interests in discussion of the NATO countries. The prime ministers agreed that the Committee of Senior Officials of the Baltic Council of Ministers should assess efficiency of the current cooperation formats and future perspectives. The relevant ministries for welfare and health were assigned to present suggestion concerning cooperation of the Baltic Council of Ministers with the Social Affairs Committee of the Baltic Assembly in order to address topical social issues. The Baltic prime ministers also discussed the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic States scheduled for September 23-24, 2010, as well as their involvement in the conference devoted to region’s competitiveness which would be participated by representatives of the Baltic Assembly and Baltic companies. Photos of this meeting are available in the State Chancellery’s Flickr photo album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/sets/72157623135988625/ Latvia organised the meeting of the Baltic prime ministers in relation to its Presidency in the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2010. The Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM) is an institution for facilitating the cooperation between the governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It was formally established in its present structure on 13 June 1994. The main task of the BCM is to ensure continuous cooperation among national executive powers.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/311Restaurant Noma in Copenhagen has been named the best restaurant in the Nordic Region, beating off competition in the final round from Mathias Dahlgren (Sweden), Bagatelle (Norway), Dill (Iceland) and Savoy (Finland). Noma, which is an abbreviation of andquot;Nordic foodandquot; in Danish, has been one of the most succesful restaurants in the world in recent years. Run by its head chef René Redzepi, the restaurant has two Michelin stars and has also been named the third best restaurant in the world. René Redzepi actively promotes Nordic cuisine, both at Noma and in his capacity as an ambassador for the Nordic Council of Ministers' programme New Nordic Food, which promotes Nordic food culture and gastronomy as well as design and tourism associated with food. The programme drew to a close at the end of last year but received a new mandate until 2014. Kaspars Jansons, chef of the Hotel Bergs restaurant in Riga, spent almost a month at Noma as part of his experience exchange within the NordProLink program. Here’s an excerpt from his interview: - It is a chef’s dream restaurant in all respects, be it the manner of work organisation, its performance, or serving. It’s like a perfect clock mechanism where 12 cooks are involved! No external factors are allowed to distort the perfection of the final result. It is ensured by the impeccable daily routine, high standarts of individual responsibility and prestige. - What you get at Noma is rather a whole new concept, where the main emphasis is put on treating Scandinavian food products in an innovative way with the help of the newest technologies. The chefs are trying to highlight all the uniqueness of Scandinavian products and their taste. Ecological produce and local farming are particularly accentuated. The New Nordic Food initiative served as an inspiration for the Latvian Chef’s Club. In autumn 2009 it founded a similar movement called Modern Latvian Cuisine. With the help of specifically selected 10 basic principles, or a so-called manifesto, Latvian chefs are encouraged to use Latvian products. Particular attention should be paid to choosing seasonal, ecologically grown and environmentally friendly high-quality ingredients, as well as to promote Latvian cuisine internationally and to lay foundation for new culinary traditions.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/324 Time: February 9-13, 2010 Venue: Stockholm Furniture Fair, Greenhouse The Faculty of Design of the Art Academy of Latvia (LMA) with the support of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is taking part in the Greenhouse new designers section of the Stockholm Furniture Fair (09.02.-13.02.) for the fifth time, thus becoming a recognizable player among the Nordic and Baltic design schools. This yearandprime;s exhibition is a cooperation project between LMA and Vannu Fabrika PAA bathtub Design Company. Sinks of unique design will be exhibited in Stockholm. The aim of the Facultyandprime;s participation in the fair this year is to establish direct contacts with Nordic companies, gain further experience in industrial design, look for opportunities to train in companies and find new cooperation prospects. LMA exhibition andquot;Welcome to my bathandquot; is displayed in the Greenhouse new designers exhibition hall, stand V01:12. More information: http://lma.lv/eng/index.php?parent=507 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/332 Latvian participants turned out to be fairly active in 2009 when applying for the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture. Mobility grants for trips to Nordic countries have been received by 36 creative professionals, and additional financial support has been granted to two artist residency centres: Culture and Arts Project NOASS, and the International Writers’ and Translators’ House in Ventspils. Six projects were approved for short- and long-term cooperation building, and another three projects supported by the programme feature Latvia as a partnership country. Moreover, three applications submitted from Latvia managed to obtain funding through the Art and Culture Programme, where, unlike the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme, Baltic countries do not contribute with co-financing. In total, Latvia benefited 243 357 EUR from the first year of the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme in the field of Culture. The Mobility Programme will continue throughout the year 2010 as well. At present the following application modules are open: support to artist residencies with the application date 24 February and to short-term network building with the application deadline 10 March. For more information look up http://www.norden.lv/en/grants/41#long_td_41 The joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture is financed by the Nordic and Baltic countries with the aim to create a platform for an innovative, dynamic Nordic-Baltic art and culture life. The programme runs from 2009 until 2011 and is administered by the Nordic Culture Point in Finland: www.kknord.org Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/333 A new web magazine under the title Nordic Stories (Ziemeļu Stāsti) was released on 4 February on www.ziemelustasti.lv Nordic Stories will be issued twice a month every other Thursday, compiling articles written in Latvian by various authors who all share a common interest in Nordic countries. The local audience will be offered stories about their contemporaries who live "up there" in the seemingly faraway North, who enjoy the benefits of a well-established Nordic model, who pay the highest taxes in the world and see themselves as dutiful embodiments of the world's conscience. These are stories about the Nordic life-style which is regarded with a contradictory mixture of emotions: from envy and downright imitation to the criticism of being too predictable and boring. The first issue of the Nordic Stories features an article from the Nordic Council of Ministers’ yearbook Copyright Norden, a brief introduction on the Nordic model by Imants Gross (Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia), and a number of stories covering such themes as telemedicine in Sweden, the parallels between New Nordic Food and Latvian Modern Cuisine, etc. >> Read the introductory story Homo Nordicus, a Paradoxical Figure by Marie-Laure le Foulon (from Copyright Norden) Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/315In case you didn’t manage to see all the films screened during the X Nordic Film Festival in Riga, some of them are now available at the Office library: Roskilde (Denmark), The Man Who Loved Yngve (Norway), Mammoth (Sweden) and Terribly Happy (Denmark). Or you can choose from the movies screened at previous international festivals: Horten, The Bothersome Man (Norway), Jar City (Iceland), Zozo (Sweden), Manslaughter (Denmark), etc. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/83 Fishing in Utopia: Sweden and the Future that Disappeared by Andrew Brown now available at the Office library. In the 1970s Andrew Brown, a misfit young Englishman, moved to Sweden, enticed by the possibiity of a cleaner, kinder, more rational future. He married a Swedish woman, learned to fish, and brought up his young son in their makeshift cottage in the woods. But during the 1980s, his marriage and his country fell apart as the temptations of the outside world forced their way in. The prime minister, Olof Palme, was assassinated. The welfare system crumbled. Brown returned home. Twenty years after Palme’s murder, Brown travelled the length of Sweden in search of the country he had loved, and then hated, and now found he loved again. Reviews of the book: Times Online, The Observer, The Guardian, The Independent, Spectator. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:35:58 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/344The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia hosted the opening event of Creatures of Glass (Varelser av glas), a novel written by the Swedish writer Ulf Eriksson (1958) and translated into Latvian by Juris Kronbergs. During the evening, the book was discussed by its author Ulf Eriksson and translator Juris Kronbergs, as well as invited co-participants: poet and translator Uldis Bērziņš, journalist and translator Ieva Lešinska and poetess Liāna Langa. The postmodern novel Creatures of Glass has been published in Latvian by the Jánis Roze publishing house. It is a story about four sceptically-minded intellectuals, whose life-paths cross due to sheer coincidence. It is a story brimming with memories, references and contemplation amidst the contemporary world of emptiness and insipid consumerism. The book has been published with the financial support from the Swedish Arts Council (Statens Kulturråd). Ulf Eriksson and translator Juris Kronbergs at the book opening: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/341 An installation EXHALE by the Danish artist Troels Sandegård will be exhibited at the gallery SUPERNOVA and its surroundings in Riga’s Old Town as of March 26th. The exhibition is included in the CO2 E-Race Riga series of events with the aim to increase public awareness in the Baltic States about the global climate crisis, exhibiting possible solutions with the help of the latest technologies. The exhibition-installation EXHALE was created by the Danish artist Troels Sandegård. It encourages us to look into the ways how nature and climate issues are dealt with in the language of contemporary art. The artist hopes to ignite a discussion about ecology by depicting the interaction between art and nature, man-made facilities and their natural surroundings, the artificial and the natural, art and the urban space - all of which are extremely hot topics in the times of climate change. The installation consists of a framework of ventilation pipes, a fan transporting air and sound waves within the gallery’s premises as well as outside, "drawing" images out of the airborne fungi on special glass plates located in the premises. Nowadays, when being aware that the global climate crisis is not just an empty phrase, we should ask the following: Is our ventilation equipment used efficiently? Do we unnecessarily open the windows to air the rooms when it is minus 20 degrees outside and let the warm air disappear into nowhere, thus letting the rooms to chill down and then wasting energy to heat them up again? The simplest everyday things, such as ventilations systems, good heating and accurate isolation can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Troel Sandegård’s exhibition EXHALE will be on display at the gallery SUPERNOVA from March 26th until April 25th. The next event of the CO2 E-Race Riga project will take place on May 15th, when electricity-driven cars and other vehicles with a low level of CO2 emission rate will compete at the Bikernieku racing track and then participate in a car parade in the downtown Riga. The CO2 E-Race events in Latvia are organized by the Danish Cultural Institute in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, the Royal Danish Embassy in Riga and the Soros Foundation-Latvia. Additional information on CO2 E-Race: http://www.co2erace.lv/index.php?page=home Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/86The new collection of books in the Office library offers to dive into a variety of themes: politics, sociology, mass media, history, and more... The Nordic States and European Unity Manufacturing Europe: Spaces of Democracy, Diversity and Communication European Union and the Making of a Wider Northern Europe Remaking Europe in the Margins Ethnicity and Nation Building in the Nordic World The Nordic Regions and the European Union Political Institutions in Europe Communicating Politics: Political Communication in the Nordic Countries The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings Russia Lost or Found? African Media, African Children Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:21:12 EEThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/356 A seminar on labour and the financial crisis was held during the Nordic Council's April meetings. In addition to Nordic MPs, the meeting was also attended by representatives from the Baltic States and the Benelux countries. Many diverse experiences of immigrant workers came to light during the seminar. In the wake of the financial crisis many well-educated people have moved from the Baltic States to Scandinavia. This makes it hard for economies in crisis to build a functioning society. In the case of labour migration, Norway has by far the largest majority: 133,000 per annum compared to Sweden's 24,000. Most of these people come from Poland and Lithuania. The immigrant workforce often comes to earn money, and these people often have difficulties with language and integration. One in four do not intend to return to their homeland. Erika Zommere, President of the Baltic Assembly, described how Latvia in particular has been hit hard by the financial crisis. Labour emigration has gone to Scandinavia and the USA in the first place. Wages decreased by 30-40% during the crisis. andquot;We cannot offer good wages, we cannot blame our highly skilled workers for making that choice. If the economy improves, we can offer better wages and can more easily retain the skilled workforce,andquot; said Erika Zommere. Professor Baiba Rivza, Latvian MP, declared her support for Estonia to have the Euro in 2011. This is also supported by the other Baltic countries. andquot;We must have a common Baltic education market and create training centres at a high level in the Baltic States. The Nordplus programme, which is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, is very important for the exchange of students between the Baltic and the Nordic countries,andquot; underlined Baiba Rivza. andquot;The Nordic labour model is important and must be strengthened in the future. There will be a need for more people in work to manage in the future. An open labour market has meant that above all Poland, but also other eastern countries, have contributed to Norway's economic development," said Hanne Bjurstrøm, Minister of Labour in Norway. >> Read the full article Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/360 The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia invites to the Nordic Stories’ monthly Thursday event: andquot;Conceptual architecture. What’s that?andquot; Quoting the main guest of this Thursday’s event, architect Miķelis Putrāms: andquot;Sometimes I get the impression that in Latvia [conceptual architecture] is perceived inadequately. I personally think [in architecture] there is no other way, but maybe the idea of concept is not necessary...?" The issue will be discussed during the Nordic Stories’ Thursday on 29 April at 17:30. Venue remains the same: the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, 13/3 Marijas Str, Bergs bazaar. The main speakers of the event are the co-founder of MADE arhitekti, architect Miķelis Putrāms, and journalist Kristīne Budže. The role of concept in architecture will be visualised and explained with the help of concrete examples - projects implemented by M. Putrāms himself and his architects’ bureau MADE arhitekti. He will also speak about his experience while working for the B.I.G. project - Bjarke Ingels Group incorporating 85 specialists of architecture, design and construction spheres. The event will be held in Latvian. For inspiration, watch Bjarke Ingels's presentation about the andquot;stories behind the architectureandquot;: andgt;andgt; Nordic Stories’ Thursdays is a series of events organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia every last Thursday of the month. It’s a meeting opportunity for all the fans of the North and all readers of the webzine www.ziemelustasti.lv Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/359 Within the framework of Creativity Week taking place on 26-30 April, the Grammar School of Nordic Languages will organise a range of creative workshops on 29 April, in order to promote creative approach in language teaching. 7-12th grade students and teachers are most welcome to attend a workshop hosted by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, where they can test their knowledge about the entire Nordic region and its versatile culture . Other workshops will focus on the following languages: English, Belarussian, Danish, French, Estonian, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Finnish, Spanish, Ukrainian, German, Swedish and Latin. The event is organised by the Ministry of Education and Science in collaboration with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, the British Council in Latvia, the Goethe Institute, the Danish Culture Institute and the Grammar School of Nordic Languages. The Creativity Week aims: to examine and strengthen linkages among creativity, education and sustainable development of the Baltics in the globalising world; to encourage building new creative partnerships for setting down a solid platform of support for creativity and creative talents from the grassroots to the international level; to mark and celebrate the Global Education for All Week in Latvia. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/370The European Film Festival taking place on 7-14 May will feature some of the finest Nordic films made over the last years: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Sweden), The Candidate (Denmark), Forbidden Fruit (Finland) and The East Indiaman - To China and Home Again (Sweden). >> See detailed descriptions of the films and screening schedule. Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/366 The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia will take part in the European Union Garden Festival held on 9 May in Riga. Within the Nordic Stories project, a creative competition will be announced encouragining the readers of www.ziemelustasti.lv to submit their own andquot;Nordic Storyandquot;. The prize-winner will get a one-day trip to Stockholm and all the benefits of the Stockholm Card for a full-fledged exploration of the city. Between 10.30 am and 6 pm, the festival visitors are welcome to Vērmanes Garden where everyone will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the experience, and traditions of the European Union member states, as well as with learning and higher education opportunities. To mark the 60th anniversary of the idea of a united Europe, events dedicated to the European Union are being held all over Latvia during the European Week, from 5 to 9 May. The European Week and the Europe Day in Vērmanes Garden are organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in co-operation with the European Commission Representation in Latvia, the European Parliament Information Office, the Riga City Council and the embassies of the European Union member states in Riga. Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/369 "The Nordic region is a spiritual space covering the areas in which a large proportion of people define themselves as Nordic and feel an affinity with the spiritual Nordic community." This definition was formulated by Norwegian-born Richard Bærug, who has lived in the Baltic states since the late 1980s and was the first head of the Nordic Information Office in Riga (now - Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia). In Richard Bærug’s opinion, a categorical definition of the Nordic countries based on state borders is too narrow and simplistic. According to him, elements like a shared history, nature, religion, humour, and music are at the core of the Nordic identity. This means that the Baltic States, for instance, clearly form a part of the Nordic region, and Bærug thinks they should be accepted as full members of the Nordic Council. A closer Scandinavian-Baltic cooperation would benefit the economy and security of the region, he says. As a former language teacher, Richard Bærug emphasises the importance of language learning in removing misunderstandings and prejudices. This is why it is important to encourage the teaching of all the Nordic and Baltic languages even though English is gaining ground in Nordic cooperation. Richard Bærug, who lives in Latvia, currently works in promoting the Baltic region internationally. He says that Norway and Latvia can learn from each other. For instance, when it comes to gender equality, Latvia is ahead of Norway in the corporate sphere, while Norway leads the statistics in national politics. Read full article (in Norwegian) English summary taken from: Dialog 2009, a magazine published by the Nordic Network for Adult Learning Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/349 A CO2 E-car parade will be taking place in the downtown Riga on May 15, presenting vehicles with a low level of CO2 emissions for a broad public view. The project is designed to increase public awareness in the Baltic States about the global climate crisis and show possible ways to solve it through the latest technologies. More than 20 environmentally friendly vehicles gathered from Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and Denmark will consist of various car models: electric sports car, hybrid vehicles, an electric Pobeda, an electric moped EGO Helio as well as an experimental sample of hydrogen-powered Umo-hymo, an electric Renault Clio and many other fascinating and ecological means of transportation. During the parade the environmentally friendly vehicles will create a CO2 path on the Riga map with the help of GPS tracking system. The path will be screened live on the project’s website www.co2erace.lv See a detailed program of the event. The event will also be attended by Danish artist Jacob Fuglsang Mikkelsen, who is the author of the entire CO2 E-Race project and widely known for his creative ways to address societal issues. The project is designed to increase public awareness in the Baltic States about the global climate crisis and show possible ways to solve it through the latest technologies. The first part of the CO2 E-Race Riga project started last year on November 14th, when electric cars LYNX and HUMMER created the CO2 map of Riga. The CO2 E-Race Riga is organised by the Danish Cultural Institute in Latvia in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers` Office in Latvia, the Embassy of Denmark in Latvia, the Soros Foundation-Latvia, the Latvian Ministry of Environment and the Riga Motor Museum. >> Additional information: www.co2erace.lv Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/368Do you want to have a summer job in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden? The Nordic exchange programme Nordjobb, co-financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers, now offers young people in EU countries a summer job, accommodation and a culture- and leisure program. As of year 2010, Nordjobb offers work opportunities to both Nordic and EU citizens. If you are: a citizen of an EU-country 18-28 y.o. (born between 1 January 1982 and 1 July 1992) fairly fluent in one of the following languages: Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, ...go to Nordjobb homepage www.nordjobb.net and click on "Sök Nordjobb direct"! Nordjobb database currently contains 750 vacancies for seasonal jobs in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden, as well as the autonomous regions of Åland, Faroe Islands and Greenland. The job vacancies are mainly concentrated in the following fields: gardening, agriculture, hospitality service and restaurants, elderly care and childcare. Work experience or professional education are not required. NB!!! Although Nordjobb assists with job seeking and accommodation, applicants must cover travel expenses and pay accommodation rent. Since 1985, when the program was founded, Nordjobb has provided 15 000 youngsters from all the Nordic countries with crucial life experience and indelible memories while working in their neighbouring countries. By expanding the Nordjobb exchange program, the Nordic countries aim to acquire additional visibility and to become more attractive as a region to the future professionals of the global community. >> See also: Education possibilities in Nordic countries Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/377 From 12 May until 5 June the Reykjavik Art Festival is taking place in Iceland, where Latvian photographer Ieva Epnere will be exhibiting her photo series I Would Like to Be… The series of portraits depicting Icelandic youngsters was made in 2006 during Ieva’s residency in Iceland, which was supported through the Nordic Council of Ministers’ grant program. andquot;This portrait series of Icelandic youngsters appealed to me due to its view of the Nordic young generation, which differs from the already familiar masters of European photography (Thomas Hurmery, Rob Hornstra). Ieva’s work contains a particular kind of sensitivity and insightfulness. It reveals the youngsters as a silent social group, as individuals who are destined to eternal anticipation. [Her work] has never been exhibited in Iceland, so the festival is the right moment to do it. Maybe in collaboration with my Latvian colleague Inese Baranovska we will develop this projec furthert, engaging more artists both from Nordic and Baltic countries.andquot; (Æsa Sigurjónsdóttir, curator of the urban environment project Reality Check) For the first time in the history of the Reykjavik Art Festival, the focus of the visual art program lies entirely on photography. During the festival, as many as forty photo exhibitions will be arranged in the museums, exhibition halls, art centres and galleries of Reykjavik. The project will involve artists from different parts of the world. The most acclaimed participant is US photographer Cindy Sherman and her exhibition Untitled Film Stills, held at the National Gallery of Iceland. During the festival, Latvian art historian and art curator Inese Baranovska will deliver a speech on the latest trends in Latvian photography at the National Gallery of Iceland. Her participation in the festival was supported by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture. >> About Reykjavik Art Festival: www.listahatid.is Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/91Didn't manage to watch all the films at the EuroFilmColours 2010? Some of them are available at the Office library: The Candidate (Denmark, 2008) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2010). The Candidate (Denmark, 2008) 94min Jonas Beckmann, a defence attorney, is a man of the system. Until the day he himself is accused of murder. Taking matters into his own hands, he throws himself into the hunt for a group of blackmailers who threaten to expose him as the killer. But nothing is what it appears to be, and the blackmail links back to his father’s death under mysterious circumstances a year and a half earlier. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Sweden, 2010) 152min Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her beloved uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and the tattooed and troubled but resourceful computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) to investigate. When the pair link Harriet's disappearance to a number of grotesque murders from almost forty years ago, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. But the Vanger's are a secretive clan, and Blomkvist and Salander are about to find out just how far they are prepared to go to protect themselves. Author Stieg Larsson, who died suddenly in 2004, left behind three unpublished novels, known as the andquot;Millenniumandquot; trilogy, which have become a global sensation. andquot;The Girl with the Dragon Tattooandquot; is one of the decade's major literary success stories, selling over 8,000,000 copies worldwide and the film adaptation is the highest grossing Swedish film in history. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:10:41 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/385On Saturday, 15 May, several hundreds of Rigans watched a showcase of ecologic cars on the streets of Riga, which was a culmination event of the entire CO2 E-Race Riga project. The project was designed to increase public awareness in the Baltic States about the global climate crisis and show possible ways to solve it through the latest technologies and creative solutions. While the sun interchanged with heavy rainshowers, 11 environmentally friendly cars and 5 electric mopeds from Sweden and Baltic States went off on an unusually silent car parade. The hour-long parade resulted in a CO2 map of Riga, whereas the event visitors could inspect the electric vehicles closer and to have a chat with their owners. Those who took the opportunity to try out riding in some of the e-cars were positively suprised, confirming that the vehicles were very silent and that their design and technical equipment was indeed different than in petrol-driven vehicles. The ecologic vehicles sparked equally great amount of interest among the residents of Riga and the visitors from abroad. A great deal of public attention was captured by the silver andquot;Pobeda", which had undergone a remake and was now equipped with an electric engine, as well as a two-seat e-mobile andquot;ZEV SEVEN", which was the only sample of an open automobile. No less noteworthy was the hydrogen-powered andquot;Umo-Hymo" - a joint technological creation by the researchers and students of the Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia and the Riga Technical University. Addressing the audience at the Congress Hall, Head of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office, Imants Gross, spoke about sustainable transportation as an increasingly important field in which the Nordic region was striving to become a key global player. The CO2 E-Race Riga was organised by the Danish Cultural Institute in Latvia in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers` Office in Latvia, the Embassy of Denmark in Latvia, the Soros Foundation-Latvia, the Latvian Ministry of Environment and the Riga Motor Museum. For more information: www.co2erace.lv Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/383On 27 May, 18:00 the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office will host Juris Kronbergs' conversations with Nordic authors II. The title of Thursday's discussion is ICELAND - FROM ASHES TO LITERATURE Many of us have recently felt terrorised by Icelandic volcanoes. To what extent is the ancient literature of Iceland responsible for today’s ash clouds? Is its contemporary literature volcanic too? Is it just as hazardous to the literature of other countries as volcanic eruptions to the international air traffic? And what can we expect in the future? Writer and translator Juris Kronbergs will talk to Icelandic poet and translator Hrafn Andrés Harðarson seeking answers to these and other questions of relevance. Hrafn Andrés Harðarson is a librarian, poet and translator who at the moment resides at the International Writers' and Translators' House in Ventspils, supported via the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture. H.Harðarson has retained interest in the Latvian literature and history through many years, as testify his many translations of renowned Latvian authors into Icelandic. The event will be held in English. Free entrance. Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/384 The Nordic Culture Point has announced the first results of the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture in 2010. Mobility grants for trips to Nordic countries have been received by 7 creative professionals from Latvia: Inese Baranovska, Antra Augustinoviča, Linda Vēbere, Krists Pudzēns, Alīse Nīgale, Margita Zālīte, Inta Balode. Within the residency support program, financial support was obtained by the International Writers' and Translators' House in Ventspils. It is intended to cover travel and living expenses of Nordic writers and translators. The short-term networking program has granted funding to 3 projects from Latvia: the New Theatre Institute of Latvia, the International Summer School of Photography, and the Music and Art Support Fund. Moreover, four applications submitted from Latvia - by the Museum of Literature and Music, Eastern Park Studio, the electronic art and media centre RIXC and the contemporary art project kim? - managed to obtain funding also through the Culture abd Art Programme, where, unlike the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme, Baltic countries do not contribute with co-financing. In total, Latvian benefit from the joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture in 2010 has so far amounted to 115 467,-EUR. The joint Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture is financed by the Nordic and Baltic countries with the aim to create a platform for an innovative, dynamic Nordic-Baltic art and culture life. The programme runs from 2009 until 2011 and is administered by the Nordic Culture Point in Finland, www.kknord.org Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/387 Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aivis Ronis, and Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lene Espersen, have issued a common statement: andquot;Since the beginning of 1990s, when the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) cooperation framework was established, the outlook of the Baltic Sea region as well as the international geopolitical situation has significantly changed. The EU and NATO have been enlarged and numerous regional institutions and initiatives have been established. It is essential to adjust the Nordic-Baltic cooperation to the changing international and global environment. In the capacities of the presidencies of the Baltic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Foreign Policy Cooperation, Latvia and Denmark have decided to nominate former Latvian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr Valdis Birkavs (representing the Baltic countries) and former Danish Minister of Defence Mr Søren Gade (representing the Nordic countries) to provide a comprehensive analysis and recommendation on how to advance the Nordic-Baltic cooperation in order to strengthen relations and address common regional and international challenges more efficiently. The intention is to have a report with the initial recommendations ready for the NB8 Ministerial meeting on August 26-27 in Latvia.andquot; Background: The Nordic and the Baltic foreign ministers have decided to establish a Nordic-Baltic andquot;wise-menandquot; group to look into ways to strengthen the Nordic-Baltic cooperation. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/389 The international Baltic/Nordic Performance art project Friend_Ship will take place on 10-20 June, with 12 artists from 6 Baltic Sea Region countries making performances in 6 harbours. Artists from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden and Denmark will be travelling between the ports, participating in creative labs, making presentations and improvised performances. Destinations are the following: 10 June in Riga, 12 June in Tallinn, 13 June in Helsinki, 15 June in Stockholm, 18 June in Copenhagen and 20 June in Klaipeda. Project involves such artists as Kriss Zilgalvis (LV) and Kaspars Grosevs (LV), Andrus Joonas (EE) and Mari Kartau aka Siram (EE), Henrik Vestergaard (DK) and Christine Fentz (DK), Tara Pattenden (FIN) and Christina Georgiou (FIN), Iris Smeds (SE) and Linnea Sjoberg (SE), Benas Šarka (LT) and Evaldas Jansas (LT). Improvisation will be taking place in the kitchen as well. With the participation of artists, a cook from the restaurant Bergs, Karlis Mugins, will create the best examples of the Latvian kitchen. Along with the Friend_ship artists, the ship will be boarded by the Vides Filmu Studija (Environmental Film Studio) and the Latvian TV series Ziemeļu puse/ Nordic Style, who will gather material for their next TV season. Firend_ship will also contain Baltic Water laboratory, featuring sound-space experiments and other performances. With the support of the Nordic Culture Point, project is organised by Performance Art Union of Latvia. More info: www.friendship.lv Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/390 A video art exhibition [EN]CLOSURE will be taking place on floating art galleries BETANOVUSS and NOASS on 12.06. - 27.06. The authors of the exhibition are Eva Olsson and Jonas Nilsson - a Swedish artist couple who work with contemporary art, moving image and animation in particular. From time to time they collaborate to create new video works. Eva’s work consists of philosophical reflections on everyday life and social issues of the modern Western world. She is reconstructing familiar situations to create new insights to become short animations. Jonas is currently interested in the issues related to the high and stressful tempo of the western way of life and increasing amounts of time and money spent by individuals on becoming successful, and the consequences of such achievements. Last year Eva and Jonas were chosen to participate in the NOASS residency, supported by the Nordic Culture Point. The exhibition is a logical follow-up after their time spent in Riga. >> About the exhibition Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/395Valmiera Business Incubator, a recipient of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business Industry grant, has recently completed study trips to 7 business incubators in Norway, Sweden and Estonia. The skills and ideas obtained during the study visits and the expanded contact network have been greatly appreciated. The whole experience is expected to provide a significant boost for the entrepreneurial milieu in Valmiera and its nearby districts. The first study trip took place in October 2009 in Norway, where the administration and four enterprises of the Valmiera Business Incubator visited Oppland County municipality and 5 business incubators (Lillehammer Science Park, Kapp Incubator, Raufoss Industrial Park, Gjøvik Science Park and the creative incubator Fabrikken). While the administrative personnel of the Valmiera Business Incubator met with the heads of Norwegian incubators and discussed the principles of incubation, work organisation and potential for joint future projects, the "incubated" enterprises themselves talked with their Norwegian counterparts about business specifics and possibilities for future collaboration. Later on in November, the Latvian delegation visited the municipality of Valmiera’s fellow city Solna in Sweden and Borlänge science park Stiftelsen Teknikdalen, whereas in Estonia their destination was Tartu Science Park. As a result, contacts were forged both on administrative and entrepreneurial levels. Of particular notice were the incubation principles learned at the science park Stiftelsen Teknikdalen in Sweden. The same pattern of incubation management will gradually be implemented in Valmiera, thus ensuring yet higher quality standards and more professional incubation services in the region of Northern Latvia. Upon the completion of the Mobility Programme, a number of tangible results have been achieved. In partnership with Norwegian, Swedish and Estonian incubators, applications for 3 international projects have been submitted. Likewise, applications have been sent within the Interreg IVB Baltic Sea Region Programme and the Central Baltic Interreg IVA Programme. Yet another project within the Estonian-Latvian-Russian cross-border programme is currently being prepared in cooperation with Nordic and Estonian partners. The study trips have been organised with the support of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/398 On 14 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Aivis Ronis, attended the EU Foreign Affairs and General Affairs Council sessions in Luxembourg. Minister Aivis Ronis expressed his support to the opening of EU accession talks with Iceland and to the anticipated endorsement of Estonia’s eorozone membership. Prior to the EU council sessions, Minister Aivis Ronis also participated in the traditional meeting of Baltic and Nordic ministers of foreign affairs, where opinions were exchanged on the most pressing EU issues. >> News source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia (in Latvian) Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/399 Iceland - from ashes to literature from Ziemeļu Stāsti on Vimeo. On 27 May, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia hosted literary event Juris Kronbergs' conversations with Nordic authors II. This time, Latvian poet and translator Juris Kronbergs talked to Hrafn Andrés Harðarson - librarian, poet and translator, who in May resided in the International Writers' and Translators' House in Ventspils, as part of the artists’ residency program supported via the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture. The conversation between the two poets turned out into a lively, humorous and inspiring experience. >> Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture in 2009 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/403If Baltic and Nordic countries agreed on a common position in the most crucial issues, the Baltic Sea Region would have a high chance of becoming the leading player in the EU. Such is the belief of Latvia’s former prime minister and foreign affairs minister Valdis Birkavs, who has joined forces with the Danish ex-minister of defence, Søren Gade, to devise a plan on the possible future development of Nordic-Baltic cooperation. An analysis of the previous cooperation and suggestions for its future advancement will be submitted prior to the meeting of NB8 foreign ministers on 26-27 August in Latvia. Valdis Birkavs disagrees that the Baltic States are allegedly keener on the Nordic-Baltic cooperation than the Nordic countries. He believes that the latter are just as interested in preserving the internal stability of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The Baltic countries, on the other hand, are willing to attain the living standard of their Nordic neighbours. «Close cooperation with Nordic countries is much more likely to raise the quality of life in the Baltics than the EU membership alone,>> elaborated the Latvian ex-PM. At the moment, the experts are still touring around the region and meeting the ministers of foreign affairs, entrepreneurs, various experts and officials in order to gather comprehensive information about the Nordic-Baltic collaboration so far. The evaluation in its more concrete form and the devising of proposals for the future will commence in July. Valdis Birkavs thinks that the report should be ready by the beginning of August so that the ministers of foreign affairs can get acquainted with it in due time. «The era of romanticism is over, it is time we appraised the situation anew and revised our goals,>> says Birkavs. Although it is still premature to talk about any specific recommendations yet, Birkavs conceded that to merge some of the organizations operating in the region could be one of the possible suggestions. «Establishing an organization is easier than closing it down. Organizations can be self-exterminating - if they lack financing or lose their goals. The process must happen naturally,>> commented Birkavs on the possible liquidation of some organizations. Baltic cooperation is bolstered by such institutions as the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers whereas Nordic-Baltic cooperation is conducted via the NB8 («Nordic-Baltic Eight>>) framework which, apart from the three Baltic States, includes Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden. As reported previously, at the end of May 2010 Latvian and Danish foreign ministers delegated Valdis Birkavs and Søren Gade to provide a comprehensive analysis and recommendations on how to advance the Nordic-Baltic cooperation in order to strengthen relations and address common regional and international challenges more efficiently. >> Read more: Latvian and Danish Foreign Ministers launch the revision process of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/405 NCM Office in Latvia: A new music festival underway in Riga from Ziemeļu Stāsti on Vimeo. "I have fallen in love with Riga - music here has managed to preserve something that elsewhere has been lost during the 1970s," says trombone virtuoso, world-renowned musician and composer Christian Lindberg, who is now involved in a working group striving to arrange an international classical music festival in Riga in 2012. The initial title "Riga Resonance" has been replaced by the working name "NB8 Classical Music Festival" in order to underline the regional scope of the event - the Nordic and Baltic countries. The principal idea of the festival is to strengthen cultural ties among the region’s countries and to provide possibilities for the nurturing of young talents. The young performers will be given the opportunity to display their skills not only by the way of competing among themselves but also by playing alongside some of the leading world musicians. The working group of the festival is comprised of musician Christian Lindberg, Head of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia Imants Gross, conductor and art director of the State Chamber Orchestra "Sinfonietta Rīga" Normunds Šnē and marketing and PR expert Per-Anders Jämtnäs. To discuss the festival’s idea and goals, conductor Normunds Šnē and Head of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia Imants Gross met with Christian Lindberg at Spikeri Concert Hall. It turned out that Christian’s voice is as strong as the instrument he plays, hence the occasional malfunctions of the microphone... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/408Will you be the Young Wildlife Photographer of 2010? Turn your wildlife experiences into photographs and take part in the biggest Baltic wildlife photography competition! The competition Young Wildlife Photographer 2010 is an incentive to explore nature, develop oneself as a photographer, learn about the Baltic Sea and promote solidarity among partner countries! The competition will take place all nine countries surrounding the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The competition is open and free for all 15 to 18-year-olds. It opens already on July 15, 2010 and closes on 1 September 2010 at 3 pm. The major prize is a Nikon SLR camera package (valued at 3,500 €). More information about the competition can be found on its website: www.ywp2010.com Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/410The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in cooperation with the International Summer School of Photography (ISSP) invited to presentation UNDISCOVERED TRUTH by the Finnish photographer Ville Lenkkeri on 10 August, 19.00 at the premises of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, 13/3 Marijas Str. (Bergs bazaar), Riga. Ville Lenkkeri, one of the most renowned photographers of the new generation, presented his creative projects Reality in the Making (2006) and The Place of No Roads (2009). The conversation hosted the ISSP artistic director Baiba Tetere. http://vimeo.com/14268264 Ville Lenkkeri represents the Helsinki School of photography, which has succeeded in turning contemporary Finnish photography into an outstanding cultural export. The photographer’s refined way of playing with reality and fiction continually leads the viewer onto thin ice. His works have been exhibited internationally in such venues as the Gallery Taik (Berlin, Germany); the Kulturhuset (Stockholm, Sweden); the Point of View Gallery (New York, USA) etc. More information: www.villelenkkeri.com. Ville Lenkeri participated as a teacher in one of the ISSP workshops on 31 July - 8 August 2010 in Ludza. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/412Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme in the field of Culture supports long- and short-term network building, artists’ residencies and mobility of professional art and culture practitioners in all artistic fields. The main goal is to create a platform for an innovative, dynamic Nordic-Baltic art and culture life. Currently the programme is open for mobility support for individuals. Application deadline: 1 September 2010. All applications must be filled out online on the Nordic Culture Point website: www.kknord.org Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/414The Nordic countries have come out on top of the Newsweek ranking of the best places in the world to live. Finland claimed top spot, followed by Sweden in third, Norway in sixth and Denmark in tenth. Iceland did not feature in the comparative survey of one hundred countries. The factors studied were health, education, quality of life, economy and politics. It is the first time that Newsweek has published a ranking of this nature.Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/416 The fairy-tale "King’s New Clothes" by the great Danish story-teller Hans Christian Andersen has been turned into an unusual project by the sculptor Egons Peršēvics. Come to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office on 26 August at 19:00 and witness the making of "So he bore himself even more proudly than before, and the chamberlains went on carrying the train that wasn't there at all". Venue: 13/3 Marijas Str., Bergs bazaar. There are plenty of absurdities in the world which we accept for the fear of acknowledging our own ignorance. Like the king’s chamberlains, we are ready to marvel at the beauty of an unusual garment which in reality does not even exist, lest we should be forced to admit how foolish and incompetent we sometimes are. The aim of Egons Peršēvics’ work is to remind us of the fairy-tale which so humorously illuminates such fears and their consequences. Although the fairy-tale was written century and a half ago, its significance has not diminished in the least - we live at the time when anything could be subjected to question while, instead, virtually everything is agreed with. The audience is encouraged to participate in the discussion - by posing questions or/and opposing the point of view of the lecturer. andgt;andgt; Nordic Stories’ Thursdays is a series of events organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia every last Thursday of the month. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/library/library_news/93An exciting story in DVD format about Roald Amundsen's expedition to the South Pole and well-known Norwegian polar explorer Borge Outland's book "The Great Polar journey - In the Footsteps of Nansen", published in 2009, will be great readings for arctic explorers. "In Hamsun's footsteps" is a richly illustrated book with historical and contemporary images of places and landscapes Knut Hamsun visited in Russia, the Caucasus, Turkey, America and Germany. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:13:03 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/421 Ville Lenkkeri Pyramiden stories from Ziemeļu Stāsti on Vimeo.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EESThttp://norden.lv/en/news/news2/425Marking the Latvian book publication of "Roots and Footprints" by the Norwegian professor of social anthropology Thomas Hylland Eriksen, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia invites to a discussion afternoon taking place on 14 September at 18:00 in the office premises (13/3 Marijas Street, Bergs Bazaar). The discussion will be hosted by social anthropologist Klāvs Sedlenieks from Riga Stradins University. Language of the event - English. "Roots and Footprints: The Search for Identity in a Changing Era" delves into the development processes of human identity and looks into the issues of freedom and security - their mutual interaction in contemporary society. The author explores what happens to identity when it becomes a political showcase and highlights the importance of understanding how religion is used for political purposes. Translation from Norwegian into Latvian done by Ilze Kačevska; book publisher - "Zvaigzne ABC". Thomas Hylland Eriksen’s visit to Latvia is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in cooperation with the Norwegian Royal Embassy, publishing house "Zvaigzne ABC", Riga Stradins’ University and the Latvian Association of Anthropologists. Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EEST