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CURRENT AND IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS
Kultūra – līdzdalība – nākotne: Latviešu Kultūras centra Birmingemā ceļš uz stiprāku diasporas kopienu.
Latviešu Kultūras centrs Birmingemā uzsācis jaunu iniciatīvu – projektu “Kultūra – līdzdalība – nākotne”, kura galvenais mērķis ir stiprināt centra kapacitāti un ilgtermiņā veicināt Lielbritānijas latviešu diasporas saikni ar Latviju. Projekts ir nozīmīgs solis ceļā uz nacionālās identitātes saglabāšanu un diasporas aktīvāku iesaisti pilsoniskās līdzdalības procesos.
Projekts aptver plašu mērķauditoriju – latviešus visā Apvienotajā Karalistē, tostarp dažāda vecuma un interešu grupas. Tas vērsts ne tikai uz tiem, kas jau ir aktīvi kopienas dzīvē, bet arī uz tiem, kuri vēlas no jauna atklāt savu piederību Latvijai caur valodu, kultūru un kopīgām vērtībām. Aktivitātēs aicināts piedalīties ikviens interesents – gan pastāvīgie kultūras pasākumu apmeklētāji, gan tie, kuri tikai sper pirmos soļus pretim iesaistei latviešu sabiedriskajā dzīvē Lielbritānijā.
Projekta ietvaros tiks īstenotas vairākas nozīmīgas aktivitātes:
Dzejas dienu pasākums, kas ļaus iepazīt mūsdienu un klasisko latviešu dzeju, stiprinot latviešu valodas klātbūtni un emocionālo saikni ar Latviju;
Ikmēneša Novusa kluba sacensības, kas veicina saliedētību, regulāru tikšanos iespējas un kopības sajūtu, īpaši vīriešu auditorijai un ģimenēm;
Politiskās diskusijas, kurās tiks sniegta aktuāla informācija par 2025. gada Latvijas pašvaldību vēlēšanām, tādējādi veicinot pilsonisko līdzdalību un izpratni par diasporas balsstiesībām.
Projekts ir nozīmīgs ieguldījums diasporas pašorganizēšanās veicināšanā un kopienas saliedētībā. Sagaidāms, ka šīs aktivitātes rosinās lielāku kopienas iesaisti, veicinās dialogu starp diasporu un Latviju, kā arī palīdzēs saglabāt latvisko identitāti jaunajām paaudzēm.
Projekta aktivitātes notiks Birmingemā un citās piemērotās vietās visā Apvienotajā Karalistē, paplašinot kultūras un līdzdalības iespējas arī ārpus lielajām pilsētām. Šis projekts tiek īstenots ar Latvijas valsts budžeta finansētās programmas “Pilsoniskās līdzdalības veicināšanas programma diasporas NVO darbības atbalstam” atbalstu, kas vēlreiz apliecina valsts ieinteresētību stiprināt saikni ar tautiešiem ārpus Latvijas.
Projektu finansiāli atbalsta Sabiedrības integrācijas fonds no Kultūras ministrijas piešķirtajiem Latvijas valsts budžeta līdzekļiem. Publikācija ir sagatavota ar Sabiedrības integrācijas fonda finansiālu atbalstu no Latvijas valsts budžeta līdzekļiem. Par publikācijas saturu atbild Latviešu Kultūras centrs.
Theatre Without Borders
2025 -ongoing
On April 4th and 5th, an event called "Theatre Without Borders" will take place, offering two performances each day at the very heart of London at The Courtyard Theatre, Bowling Green Walk, 40 Pitfield Street, N1 6EU.
1. PERFORMANCE – "MOTHERS"
Latvian Theatre Italy "Momento" presents an emotional performance that explores the destinies of Latvian women in Italy. The full title of the performance is “The Latvian Woman in Italy (only) Introduces Herself. Part 2. Mothers,” and it was created based on Regnārs Vaivars’ text and the motifs of the performance “The Latvian Woman in Italy (only) Introduces Herself.” Regnārs Vaivars was inspired by the stories of Latvian women living in Italy and developed the foundational texts for the show.
Directed by: Lāsma Pintere in collaboration with Regnārs Vaivars
Cast: Lāsma Pintere, Anna Kosareva, Dace Fridrihsone, Dana Ābele, Džuljeta Frolova, Sandra Bondarevska (from Latvian Theatre in Ireland “Sliedes”), Lilita Thomsen (from the Latvian–Danish Association Theatre “Pūpols”)
Vocal performance by: Marta Krūzkopa
Visual stage design and costume selection: Lāsma Pintere
Video editing: Jurģis Tūbelis
More info: facebook.com/momentoteatris
2. PERFORMANCE – "NO EXIT"
London Theatre "Trepes" and Birmingham Little Theatre invite you to watch a performance inspired by the motifs found in the works of French philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre. This show offers deep reflections on existence and the individual choices of every person.
Directors: Hardy Gru and Ingmārs Čaklais
Cast: Inga Raudiņa, Elza Umure, Inguss Priede, Matthew Roze
Concept, scenography, and costumes: Hardy Gru
Sound: Hardy Gru and Matthew Roze
Movement: Selīna Briežkalna
More about the theatres: www.trepes.uk and www.teatris.uk
The performances will be presented in Latvian; however, the event organizers will provide simultaneous English translation (headphones).
Tickets: £10 + commission.
For reservations: +447914784603 or teatristrepes@gmail.com. (Limited seating available!)
Tickets can also be purchased in advance by visiting The Courtyard Theatre website: https://thecourtyard.org.uk/whats-on/ or online through the ticket sales platform: www.seetickets.com/tour/theatre-without-borders-no-exit-mothers, searching for the title “Theatre without Borders” or “No Exit/Mothers”.
A bar will be open during the event (from 18:15 to 23:00).
Hashtags:
#LatvianTheatres #DiasporaTheatres #BirminghamLittleTheatre #LondonTheatreTrepes #LatvianTheatreItalyMomento #LatvianTheatreIrelandSliedes #LatvianDanishAssociationTheatrePupols #LatvianCultureCenterBirmingham #LatvianTheatreWeekendLondon
Theater festival "5 ISLANDS"
2021 - turpinās
DIASPORA THEATER FESTIVAL “5 ISLANDS” ANNOUNCEMENTS ITS 2024 PROGRAMME!
For the third year in a row, the Latvian Theater Festival "Between 5 Islands" returns to Birmingham! Running from November 21 to 24, this beloved festival, organized by the Latvian Cultural Center in Birmingham, brings together Latvian diaspora theater groups from across Europe to celebrate Latvian culture and amateur theatre.
Nearly five years ago, the close friendship between two European Latvian diaspora theaters—Latvian Theater in Ireland “Sliedes” and Birmingham Little Theater—sparked what would eventually grow into the "2 Islands" festival. Over time, the festival expanded to include other diaspora theater groups, gaining its current name and attracting diverse participants. Today, it stands as one of the diaspora's most cherished amateur arts events.
This year's festival showcases eight critically acclaimed productions by renowned Latvian diaspora groups, including London Theater "Trepes," Birmingham Little Theatre, Theater Studio "Saime" (Peterborough), and Latvian Theater in Ireland "Sliedes" (Dublin). These performances have garnered high praise from Latvian theater professionals. Special guest performers, Latvia's VEF Theater and Jelgava Student Theatre, are among the leading theaters in Latvia's amateur theater movement, bringing an extra level of prestige to the event.
Organizers invite not only Latvians but also any creative individuals living in the UK or worldwide to join this celebration of Latvian theater in Birmingham. The festival team is confident that the participants' creativity, enthusiasm for new friendships, and openness to opportunities will expand perspectives and help promote Latvian culture globally.
While the performances will primarily be in Latvian, several shows will feature live English translation, allowing a wider audience to experience the beauty of Latvian theatre.
Festival Venues:
•November 22 & 23: The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
•November 24: Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH
ADMISSION FREE!
For further information, please contact: Email: latvianculturalcentre@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +447914784603
This event is financially supported by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Latvian diaspora support program.
#LKC #LatvianCulturalCentreBirmingham
NOVUSA SVĒTKI APVIENOTAJĀ KARALISTĒ
2019 - turpinās
Apvienotās Karalistes latvieši jau tradicionāli novembrī rīko Novusa svētkus, kad Birmingemā tiek uzņemts Pasaules kausa Novusā posms, tiek noskaidroti Lielbritānijas un Ziemeļīrijas Apvienotās Karalistes Novusa čempioni un svinēti Latvijas svētki.
Novusa svētku tradīcija Birmingemā aizsākās 2019.gadā ar Novusa čempionātu "Lāčplēsis" un bez pārtraukuma turpinās aizvien.
Novusa sacensības norisināsies divas dienas, kur pirmajā dienā notiks individuālās sacensības vīru un sievu disciplīnās, savukārt, otrajā dienā norisināsies pāru spēles vīru pāru un jaukto pāru disciplīnās.
Vairāk par NOVUSA SVĒTKIEM 2024 lasi ŠEIT.
DZEJAS DIENAS BIRMINGEMĀ
2018 - turpinās
Septembrī tradicionāli Anglijas vidienē Birmingemā latvieši sanāk kopā, lai svinētu Dzejas Dienas. Katru gadu tām tiek dots nosaukums citējot kādu no attiecīgā gada jubilāriem - zināmiem latviešu dzejniekiem.
Šajās svinībās piedalās diasporas pašdarbības kolektīvi, teātri, mūziķi un arī literāti.
Dzejas dienu tradīcija Birmingemā aizsākās 2018.gadā ar pasākumu "Metam dzeju aiz borta" un bez pārtraukuma turpinās aizvien.
Vairāk par Dzejas dienām 2024 lašīt ŠEIT
LATVIANS IN THE WORLD. BRIDGE.
2021 - ongoing
Latvians from 12 cities across 5 continents are coming together for the "Latvians in the World. Bridges' project initiated by the Latvian Cultural Centre in Birmingham. Since the start of summer, we've been inviting Latvians worldwide to create video clips showcasing their cities—where they live, work, unwind, and celebrate—highlighting local traditions and their connection to Latvian culture. We've received responses from 12 cities spanning Dublin (Ireland), Tbilisi (Georgia), Odense (Denmark), San Francisco (USA), Sydney (Australia), Stockholm (Sweden), Reykjavik (Iceland), Siena (Italy), Bergen (Norway), Nova Odessa (Brazil), Cape Town (South Africa), and our own Birmingham (Great Britain).
BETWEEN TWO ISLANDS WITH A VIEW ON LATVIA
2021-ongoing
A collaborative project has been initiated between the Latvian Cultural Centre in Birmingham (LKCB) and the Latvian Cultural Foundation in Ireland (LKFĪ). The project explores the role and significance of amateur theatres within the broader spectrum of artistic initiatives in the diaspora, as well as their impact on major cultural events in Latvia and diaspora countries.
Under this initiative, both organisations have scheduled discussions on integrating diaspora amateur theatre productions into prominent event programmes. Additionally, substantial efforts are underway to prepare four theatrical performances slated for inclusion in the joint initiative titled "Song + Dance + Dialogue on Stage". This collaborative endeavour is set to unfold throughout the upcoming year, 2022.
BIRMINGHAM LITTLE THEATRE
Since 04/05/2018
On May 4, 2018, the Birmingham Little Theatre was established through the initiative of the Latvian Cultural Centre. Concurrently, the Youth Studio was inaugurated within the theatre. The Youth Studio debuted with its performance of Hermanis Paukšs' "More than we have!" on May 29, 2019. Following this, the main theatre company premiered Slavomirs Mrožek's "Out at Sea '' on July 10, 2019. For more details about the theatre, visit us on Facebook: @BirmingemasMazaistheatris and Twitter: @BMteatris.
DIASPORA SOCIAL SUPPORT MEASURES
Since 16/02/2018
The Latvian Culture Centre in Birmingham has always been committed to offering guidance and support to fellow Latvians facing various social challenges. This includes providing information on accessing social assistance from British government and local institutions, obtaining medical and other forms of support, resolving housing and employment issues, and pursuing education or relevant qualifications.
To enhance support services, the Latvian Cultural Centre has initiated collaborations with charitable organisations, law enforcement agencies, and aid institutions across Great Britain. This aims to ensure our compatriots receive the most effective assistance during difficult times.
Explore the Events section of our website and visit our Facebook page to learn about past support initiatives and ongoing projects. For details on current support measures, click the "More information" button.
LLL2020 - Readings of Latvian plays
Since 19/04/2020
The "LLL 2020" event, conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic by Dziesma Teteris from Los Angeles (USA) and co-authored by Ingmārs Čaklais, director of Birmingham's Little Theatre, is thriving and evolving with diverse hues. The Latvian Cultural Centre has been steadfast in supporting this project from its inception, celebrating the participation of compatriots from the USA, France, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Iceland, and Latvia in the readings.
To join the project, participants need only adhere to two rules: firstly, present a live play by a Latvian author; secondly, involve actors or "non-actors" from at least three different theatre enthusiasts' associations (preferably from different countries) in the reading.
The reading cycle continues! Bring forth your ideas, bring forth your plays, and let's create together!
BIRMINGHAM NOVUS CLUB
Since 2018
The Birmingham Novus Club was initially founded in 2018 among a close circle of friends, but with support from the Birmingham Cultural Centre, it has grown to include over 30 members, a third of whom are young people. Since 2019, the club has been hosting regular public meetings twice a month. Club representatives have also competed in international novus tournaments in Germany and Poland.
The club played a key role in organising the inaugural British Novus Championship "Lāčplēsis 2019".
For more information, visit our Facebook page: @binoKlubs and Twitter: @binoKlubs.
LIBRARY 2020
Since 16/02/2018
Up to now, individual private Latvian libraries or collections of Latvian books have been established in various locations across Great Britain. The Birmingham Cultural Centre has set its objective to integrate Latvian literature into the British library network, ensuring that every compatriot can access these books easily at any library throughout the country.
Collaborating with The Library of Birmingham, the "Straumēni" library, and literary experts in Latvia, concerted efforts are underway to bring this idea to fruition.
DAYS OF POETRY
Since 07/09/2018
In autumn 2018, the Latvian Cultural Centre established a tradition of Poetry Days in Birmingham, hosting poetry sessions on the terrace of the city library (The Library of Birmingham). Each year, Poetry Days spotlight a luminary of Latvian poetry. In 2018, we immersed ourselves in the works of Ojārs Vācietis and Imants Ziedonis. The following year, 2019, marked the celebration of Jānis Peters' anniversary, and in 2020, we paid tribute to Māris Čaklais on his 80th birthday.
MASTER CLASSES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS
Since 16/03/2019
Since its inception, the Birmingham Culture Centre has been promoting meaningful communal activities among Latvians. In response to this encouragement and with support in organisational matters, the Centre has successfully introduced improvisational theatre masterclasses, stage movement workshops, and traditional Latvian cooking sessions.
BIRMINGHAM LATVIAN CHOIR
Since 12/01/2019
The idea of forming a choir in Birmingham had been circulating for some time until, with the backing of the Latvian Cultural Centre, the Birmingham Latvian Choir was officially founded on January 12, 2019. The choir holds regular weekly rehearsals and has participated in various events such as the Poetry Days 2019 in Birmingham and others across Great Britain and Ireland. For further details about the choir, please visit our Facebook page: @BiLaKoris and Twitter: @BilaKoris.
MARIS ČAKLAIS. THE LIVING POEM
2018 - 16/06/2020
The Latvian Cultural Centre of Birmingham supports the project promoting Māris Čaklais' art, Latvian culture, literature and poetry - "Māris Čaklais. A living poem". As part of the project, more than sixty readings of poems by Māris Čaklais have already taken place.
SELF-ORGANIZATION AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION SUPPORT EVENTS OF THE LATVIAN DIASPORA IN BIRMINGHAM
01/06/2019-31/10/2019
Recognising the need for Latvians in Birmingham and its surrounding areas to have their own spaces and opportunities for mutual communication, the Latvian Cultural Centre, in partnership with Daugavas Vanagi, is implementing measures to support the self-organisation and civic participation of the Latvian diaspora in Birmingham. This includes establishing a joint website, publishing an informative booklet, hosting various informative seminars, and facilitating opportunities for gatherings and networking. These events are supported by the Society Integration Fund and private donors.
LĀČPLĒSIS 2019
09/11/2019-10/11/2019
For the first time in Great Britain's history, the Latvian Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the British Novus Federation, Birmingham Novus Club, and Novuss Pool Game London Club, is hosting the inaugural British Novus Championship "Lāčplēsis 2019". Join us in Birmingham on November 9th and 10th!
LATVIANS. THE WORLD. FREEDOM
13/11/2018 - 31/07/2020
The Latvian Cultural Centre, advancing its objectives in broadcasting and social communication, has launched the Facebook LIVE series "Latvians. The world. Freedom." These regular broadcasts are conducted in collaboration with the social media platform "TOGETHER." The discussions cover topics such as Latvians worldwide, 21st-century societal issues, and current affairs.
Viewers have the option to watch the conversations live or access the recordings later.
