Individual Sculpture Residency Commemorating the January 1991 Barricades
October 2026, Daugavpils, Latvia

The Rothko Museum announces an open competition for an individual sculpture residency leading to the creation of a permanent public sculptural object in Daugavpils. The work will commemorate the January 1991 Barricades and the civic movement for Latvian independence during the Third Awakening.

The Barricades marked a decisive moment in Latvia’s modern history. In January 1991, more than 50,000 people from across the country gathered in Rīga to defend key state institutions. Several hundred travelled from Daugavpils and the surrounding region. At home, residents gathered at the square in front of the university to express solidarity with those manning the barricades and to voice support for the Latvian government.

By that point, the square had already acquired symbolic weight. In February 1989, still under Soviet occupation, at what was then the Daugavpils Pedagogical Institute, the Latvian national flag was raised during a public rally – a gesture that signalled a turning point in public expression. Further demonstrations followed, including a mass meeting on 22 August 1991 backing the constitutional law affirming the statehood of the Republic of Latvia.

The Rothko Museum’s residency call seeks to translate that history into a contemporary sculptural work of meaning and symbolism, engaging with themes of civic courage, solidarity and freedom in a way that resonates within the site’s current urban landscape (University Square, 13 Vienības Street, Daugavpils, Latvia).

Professional sculptors from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are invited to apply.

RESIDENCY FRAMEWORK

Duration: October 2026 (one month)

Location: Daugavpils, Latvia

Format:
One artist will be selected.
The public sculpture may be realised either during a one-month residency in Daugavpils or in the artist’s own studio.
If produced externally, the completed work must be delivered to Daugavpils for installation.

Project Budget:
More than EUR 10,000 (inclusive of artist’s fee, materials and production costs, in accordance with the approved budget).

ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to:

  • professional sculptors from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia;
  • artists with demonstrable experience in public art or public sculptural objects;
  • individual applicants (collaborative proposals are not excluded but must clearly designate one responsible lead author).

THE ORGANISERS PROVIDE

  1. Project funding (in excess of EUR 10,000);
  2. Accommodation and studio space in Daugavpils (if the work is produced on site);
  3. Professional consultation (technical, curatorial and historical);
  4. Technical coordination of installation;
  5. Public communication (press releases, opening event, media coverage and promotion through museum channels);
  6. Professional recording of the residency (photography and video).

THE ARTIST IS RESPONSIBLE FOR

  1. The artistic concept and preliminary design proposal;
  2. A detailed technical description and itemised budget;
  3. Production and authorial supervision of installation;
  4. Securing copyright clearance for permanent public display.

Travel expenses may be covered subject to individual agreement and within the approved project budget.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply to the residency, please complete the APPLICATION FORM below by 30 April 2026. Applications received after due date will not be considered.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be evaluated by a jury appointed by the Rothko Museum, comprising:

  • representatives of the museum;
  • independent art professionals;
  • specialists in history.

Evaluation criteria:

  • artistic quality;
  • conceptual engagement with the theme of the Barricades;
  • sustainability and technical feasibility;
  • integration within the site’s urban environment.

The selected artist will be notified by 31 May 2026. Participation must be confirmed within five days of notification.

OUTCOME

Upon completion of the residency, the public sculpture will be installed in University Square, 13 Vienības Street, Daugavpils. The official public unveiling is scheduled for November 2026.

The project will contribute to the development of contemporary public art in the Baltic region and reinforce the historical significance of the January 1991 Barricades within Baltic cultural memory.

In case of questions or technical difficulties, please contact us at communication@rothkomuseum.com.

 

APPLICATION FORM

1991 Open Call
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name
Please include country code, e.g. +371
0 of 2000 max characters
Please describe the concept of your proposed public sculpture commemorating the January 1991 Barricades, including the artistic idea, form, materials, and the intended message of the work.
Please provide a link to a PDF document of your project proposal including concept sketches, preliminary budget, and a technical description of the proposed sculpture. The link must be publicly accessible (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.).
Please provide a link to a PDF document containing your CV and portfolio of selected works. The link must be publicly accessible (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.).
I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Open Call for the Individual Sculpture Residency “Public Sculpture Commemorating the January 1991 Barricades” and consent to the use of my personal data for the purpose of administering and evaluating this application.
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