CONFERENCEThe Institute of Latvian History of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia has received financial support from the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) for the organization of the international summer school “Living Traditions: Latvia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The summer school will take place from June 28 to July 7, 2026, in Riga, Daugavpils, and Subate. The organizer of the event is the Institute of Latvian History of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Latvia, with cooperation partners Daugavpils University, the association “Partnership ‘Kaimiņi’,” and the community cooperation network “Selijas salas.”
The main objective of the summer school is to promote research into and the popularization of Latvia’s historical and intangible cultural heritage, with a particular focus on the traditions of Latgale and Selija, as well as to ensure the creation of a sustainable platform for cooperation among researchers and students from Latvia, Europe, and the wider world.
Intangible cultural heritage is a source of cultural belonging, identity, and self-awareness. It includes customs, games, and forms of oral expression, knowledge and skills, as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces associated with them, which communities, groups, and in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. In 2026, it will mark 10 years since the adoption of the Law on Intangible Cultural Heritage in Latvia. This served as the basis for selecting the theme of the summer school, as this anniversary year provides an opportunity to critically evaluate experience to date, highlight the importance of traditions in contemporary society, and develop a new understanding of heritage as a resource for development, creativity, and community cohesion.
To apply for participation in the summer school and for a scholarship, applicants between February 1 and April 1, 2026 must complete:
List of countries whose students and academic staff are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
Contact information: tatjana.bogdanovica@lu.lv
