THE EXHIBITION OF ART SCHOOL GRADUATES WORKS OF LATGALE REGION
The exhibition of art schools graduates’ works of the Latgale region as a point of reference shows the performance and contribution of Latgale Art schools to this county and region, as well as the possibility for others to evaluate and look at the authors’ first major independent works in the beginning of their artistic career.
In Latvian culture Latgale region has always been rich with traditions- in each farmstead there were always heard music sounds, widely- known traditions of producing household objects, making decorations and individual farmstead signs (design of “location signs”), the culture of sacral painting. All of these have made the history of Latgale, which is supplemented with the history of the development of crafts and design. Continuing the cultural and historical traditions, Latgale brings in a unique point of view on contemporary events, and on the reflection of nature and religion in culture.
Currently, there are 164 art and music schools in Latvia, 33 of which are located in the Latgale region, 28 art schools implement the professional educational program “Visually Plastic Art”, which can be acquired during 5-7 years, from the age of 8 years and it can be attended parallel to a comprehensive school.
During the study programme, students attend art school about 3-4 times a week, acquiring about 12 hours per week. Obligatory basic course comprises drawing, painting, composition and basics of the language of art, plastering and the work with material. In Daugavpils Art School, for example, additional art subjects are acquired such as design basics, art of forms, textiles of structures and forms, graphic arts, basics of computer graphics, paper plastics, plain-airs, as well as rhythmics for the development of perception, the art of movement, and music. The programme provide learners with the opportunity to acquire visual arts in-depth with all its different expressions, as well as to develop and improve creativity, providing vast knowledge and allowing to get an insight into the interconnection of art and society processes from both modern and historical perspectives.
The program is developed in accordance with the regulations of the Latvian National Centre for Culture and agreed with the Ministry of Education and Culture, ensuring unified requirements and stable, highly professional level of education for all Latvian art schools. When finishing art school, students receive a certificate of the Republic of Latvia on the acquired profesional education. In order to demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills at the end of the education programme, each student makes the final work, independently choosing the theme and techniques of their works.
Both local and regional governments actively support art schools, positively evaluating their contribution to the development of cultural environment, as well as understand their importance for the professional education and development of the new generation.
