As part of the Survival Kit 14 festival organized by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art, two exhibitions titled Long-distance Friendships and Artist is Present took place at Vidzeme Market, the oldest indoor market hall in Riga. Through captivating performances, installations, and interactive workshops, the festival aimed to celebrate the convergence of historical heritage and modernity, transforming the market and its adjoining kiosks into a nocturnal conference space. This event drew its name from the African and Asian writers' conferences that originated in 1958 in Tashkent. These conferences were initiated as a response to the challenges confronted by marginalized communities, striving to promote cultural exchange, solidarity, and societal transformation. Featuring performances by international artists, thought-provoking workshops, and a platform for exchange, the Night Conference was designed to cultivate an atmosphere that nurtures empathy, comprehension, and dialogue, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate global community.
Programme:
Artistic Assembly
18:00-19:30 Artists and representatives from various communities engaged in discussions about activism and research pertaining to social segregation.
Participants: Anna Ehrenstein together with Shaunak Mahbubani and Rebecca Pokua Korang
19:30-21:00 Writing workshop - "Speculative Protests". This workshop delved into the advancement facilitated by protests, contemplating time and space through a non-linear lens.
Participants: Anna Ehrenstein together with Shaunak Mahbubani and Rebecca Pokua Korang
Workshops
20:00 kuš! Comics workshop for young people and adults (Duration: 1.5 hours)
22:00 kuš! Comics workshop for young people and adults (Duration: 1.5 hours)
Performance
22:00 Musical performance "8381 km to Here" by Vija Anna Moore
Outside the pavilion, in the windows of the market stalls, you were able to see Māra Brašmane's photographs - visual stories of the history and characters of the market.
The Night Conference programme was supported by Riga City Council. All White Night events can be found on the website baltanakts.lv.