Meeting Latvia’s Minister for Culture
Last week, Culture Commons Director Trevor MacFarlane FRSA was hosted in Riga by Latvia’s Minister for Culture, Agnese Lāce.
Image: Latvian National Museum of Art, Riga - Culture Commons 2025
The discussion explored the power of cultural data, the role of devolution in shaping policy, the importance of inter-cultural dialogue, and the future of cultural relations between the UK and the Baltic states at a time of global uncertainty.
While in Riga, Trevor also visited the Latvian National Museum of Art, where he experienced the centenary exhibition of works by Latvian modernist icon Džemma Skulme. Her art, a vivid expression of resilience and identity, served as a powerful reminder of how culture connects people across borders and reinforces shared values.
Image: Ministry of Culture in Riga, Latvia - Culture Commons 2025
“The British Council’s contribution across this region is clearly significant - a real demonstration of solidarity and partnership with the people of Latvia and far beyond. To build on this, I think the UK Government should seriously consider rejoining the refreshed Creative Europe programme. Doing so would unlock new opportunities for collaboration, deepen cultural partnerships, and amplify our shared impact for the future.”
Image: Art works by Džemma Skulme in the Latvian Museum of Art, Riga - Culture Commons, 2025
