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Ints Dālderis
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Dear friends,
Before the World War II, as well as now – in the restored Republic of Latvia – culture has proved to be one of the principal values that Latvia can and should be proud of. We cannot boast to have rich nature resources or breathtaking landscapes. However, our system of music and arts primary and secondary schools is comprehensive and so rich in traditions that also countries that are better off than us, could envy it. These schools are a prerequisite for a successful further education of our talented youth and later for their great professional achievements in music, theater and visual arts that will be recognized far beyond the borders of Latvia. We are proud of success of our performers on opera stages and in the best concert halls worldwide. Kremerata Baltica, Elīna Garanča, Maija Kovaļevska, Aleksandrs Antoņenko, Vestards Šimkus, Latvian National Opera and Ballet, and choir „Kamēr“ – just to name a few, are Latvia’s musical talents that have been acclaimed by the whole world.
In the course of the years, we have not only managed to retain, but also to develop our national arts, crafts and folklore movements. The Song and Dance Festival, which has been included in the UNESCO Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity list, has proved itself in a new quality. International success of the Riga New Theater Company earns respect and recognition. Latvian artists successfully participate in international exhibitions more and more often.
The best museums of Latvia feel increasingly more confident in the global context, and not only on the International Museum Day. Museums are one of the principal attractions dragging European culture tourists to visit Latvia. And it is not just the unique Rundāle Castle Museum alone here in consideration.
It is often heard that culture as a “non-industry sector” can be viewed as an auxiliary sector politically and economically. I would like to make a statement that it is not exactly so. There is a number of achievements that have been made over the few last years – remuneration for people working in culture sector has been systemized, prestige of numerous culture-related professions has been restored, there is an increasingly better understanding about creative industries and culture economics, focus has been brought back on the need to develop large-scale premises for culture events – all of this rather proves the exact opposite.
In the current situation, when we are facing economic difficulties both on national and global level, I would like to encourage you: let us not lose brave heartedness, and, to the extent of our capacity, let us preserve, maintain and develop everything that makes the culture of Latvia unique, appreciated by the world and vitally necessary for ourselves. How to do it? Simply – with perseverance, patience and work, with loyalty, respect and love towards one another.
Ints Dālderis
Minister of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
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