Latvian Centre for Performance Art
Latvian Centre for Performance Art (LCPA) or Latvijas Performances mākslas centrs was founded in 2018 by Laine Kristberga, Laura Feldberga and Simona Orinska.
LCPA mission
We foster creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange through the celebration and promotion of performance art in all its forms. We aim to provide a supportive environment for artists, offer engaging and diverse programming for the public, and contribute to the vibrancy and enrichment of arts and culture ecosystem in Latvia and abroad.
LCPA vision
To become a dynamic hub for performance art, recognized locally and internationally for our commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and accessibility, we strive to be a catalyst for collaboration, inspiration, and dialogue within the arts community and beyond.
Image: Marta Madara Grantiņa. Performance "Nasty Because Coward". Riga Performance Festival Starptelpa 2023. Photo: Dace Kundrāte
LCPA tasks
Curating and producing the annual international performance art festival STARPTELPA
Organizing and hosting performances within and beyond the festival
Providing rehearsal and performance spaces for artists and performers
Offering educational programmes, workshops, and classes for artists and the public
Curating exhibitions related to performance art
Collaborating with local artists, arts organizations, and community groups
Promoting and advocating for the importance of performance art in the cultural landscape
Carrying out research combining historical, cultural, artistic, social, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and advancing the field of performance art
Researching funding opportunities and writing grant proposals to support the LCPA creative and research initiatives
Image: Židrija Janušaitė. Performance "In Between. Circle of Emptiness". Riga Performance Festival Starptelpa 2023. Photo: Dace Kundrāte
LCPA research tasks
Archiving and Documentation
Collecting, cataloging, and preserving materials related to past performances, including photographs, videos, programmes, and reviews.
Historical Research
Conducting research on the history and evolution of performance art in Latvia, including key movements, artists, and performances. Exploring the cultural, social, and political contexts in which performance art in Latvia emerged and functioned.
Artistic Practice
Investigating the creative processes, techniques, and methodologies used by performance artists. Studying the works of individual artists, as well as broader trajectories in performance art practice.
Professional Development
Offering professional development opportunities for educators, artists, curators and administrators involved in performance art education (workshops, conferences, and networking events)
Documentation of Contemporary Practice
Documenting and analyzing contemporary performances as they occur, including live documentation, video recordings, and written reflections. See the STARPTELPA website.
Interdisciplinary Research
Exploring interdisciplinary connections between performance art and other fields, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and technology.
Publications and Dissemination
Publishing research findings in scholarly journals, books, and online platforms and organizing conferences, symposia, and public lectures to disseminate research to a wider audience.
Image: Great Circus of Failure. Performance "2 Monsters 2 Times (Enthusiastic Tale)". Riga Performance Festival Starptelpa 2019. Photo: Anna Maskava
LCPA pedagogical tasks
Education and Training
Providing classes, workshops, and training programs for aspiring artists, performers, and students interested in performance art. Providing learning environment for various techniques, methods, and theories related to performance art.
Creative Development
Offering opportunities for emerging and established artists to develop their skills, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate with others through residencies, fellowships, or mentorship programs.
Curriculum Development
Collaborating with educational institutions (Art Academy of Latvia, Latvian Academy of Culture) to develop curriculum materials and resources related to performance art and to teach the respective classes.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Facilitating collaboration and exchange between performance art and other disciplines, such as theatre, dance, visual arts, music, and media arts, thus fostering interdisciplinary approaches to education and artistic practice.
Advocacy and Outreach
Advocating for the importance of performance art education and promoting the value of creative expression, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment. Engaging with policymakers, funders, and the public to raise awareness and support for performance art education
Evaluation and Assessment
Assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and initiatives through feedback, evaluations, and assessments.
LCPA team
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Laine Kristberga
Director of LCPA I Curator I Scholar I Creative Director and Executive Director of Riga Performance Art Festival Starptelpa
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Simona Orinska
Director of the Somatic Practices Programme at LCPA I Artist and Therapist
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Laura Feldberga
Director of the Educational Programme at LCPA I Curator and Producer of Riga Performance Festival Starptelpa I Visual artist
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Anna Maskava
Content Manager I Photographer I Visual artist
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Gundega Evelone
Director of Communications and PR I Producer I Artist I Curator