Two new projects for cultural and identity resilience

The Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (ILFA UL) has concluded agreements with the Latvian Council of Science on the implementation of two projects under the Ministry of Education and Science State Research Programme “Letonika for the Development of a Latvian and European Society”, within the priority area “Cultural and Identity Resilience.”

The project “LITBEL: Latvian Literature as Belonging: Personalities, Poetics, and the Public Sphere”, led by Eva Eglāja-Kristsone, senior researcher at ILFA, will examine the role of literature in shaping national identity and will result in the development of a “Handbook of Latvian Literature” aimed at increasing the international visibility of Latvian literature. The research will also address literature as a tool for civic engagement and cultural cohesion, providing policy recommendations for the cultural sector. Students and early-career researchers will be actively involved in the project. Project partners – the National Library of Latvia, the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Latvia, the Latvian Academy of Culture, and the National Museum of Literature and Music of Latvia.

The project “NAMS: Latvian Identity and Knowledge Strategies as a Resource for Societal Resilience”, led by Ieva Vīvere, senior researcher at ILFA, will explore the formation of Latvian identity from folkloristic movements to digital and future identities, thereby strengthening the resilience of Latvian identity. The project will contribute to the development of practical guidelines for decision-makers aimed at protecting Latvia’s cultural space and heritage. The research will also support the professional growth of early-career researchers in the field of identity studies. Project partners – the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Latvia and the Latvian Academy of Culture.

Letonika is a group of academic disciplines dedicated to the study of Latvia, Latvians, and Latvian culture, history, and language. The goal of the State Research Programme is to generate new knowledge and solutions that strengthen the Latvian language, culture, and identity, while promoting the sustainable development of Latvian society and the state. The research outcomes will provide concrete recommendations to support government decision-making. At the same time, the programme will educate a new generation of researchers in areas that are crucial for Latvia’s future.

The programme places particular emphasis on the involvement of early-career scientists, students, and diaspora researchers, thereby building future expertise in these strategically important fields. Society will gain access to the latest research findings, enhancing public understanding of Latvia’s language, culture, and social processes.

The development of the programme involved the Strategic Steering Committee, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture, the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Justice, SIA “Tilde”, the Latvian Young Scientists Association, the Latvian Umbrella Body for Disability Organisations “SUSTENTO”, and other sectoral experts.

^{Image: The Latvian flag. Photo: Mareks Steins, Pixabay.com}