The Latvian Embassy has a vital interest in promoting cultural cooperation of all kinds between Latvia and the United Kingdom. We are interested in cooperating with the different regions of the UK, including Scotland and Wales.

In this process of mutual cultural exchange the Embassy is working together with the British Council, Visiting Arts, Arts World and other institutions. In April 2003 the British Minister for Arts, the Rt Hon Baroness Blackstone visited Latvia. This year also marks the tenth Anniversary of the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Union of the Latvian Architects and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The Latvian Embassy supports and encourages Latvian artists and their work in Great Britain, as well as helping them to make contacts with British institutions. The Embassy disseminates information about the most important events of Latvian culture and gives information about concerts, art exhibitions and other events where Latvian artists are involved.

Main cultural events in 2002

In 2002 five young Latvian painters exhibited their works at Sunderland University and subsequently at the Embassy.

In the spring the British Foreign Ministry organized "Europe Day" for the EU candidate countries with a tourist exhibition, dances, film festival, a photo exhibition and a football game.

Early in the year Radio 3 in cooperation with the Embassy broadcasted a week long wide ranging cultural programme on the Baltic States.

The year ended with an unforgettable performance of the ballet "The Nutcracker" by the Latvian National Ballet.

Events planned for 2003

The year started with performances by the Latvian National Ballet of "Swan Lake" in London, Glasgow and Belfast. Cooperation continues with the British Foreign Ministry in familiarising the British public with the EU candidate countries. Planned events include a film festival, photo exhibition, literature festival and architecture exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Embassy is preparing to celebrate 85 years of Latvian independence on 18 November with a church service, a concert in the Royal Academy of Music and a reception.

Other events being planned are a literary evening, a reception to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Latvian born American artist Mark Rothko, a Eurovision evening, a reception for the Alūksne/Gulbene narrow gauge railway which celebrates its 100^th anniversary this year as well as student concerts at the Embassy.