This is the ninth iteration of Survival Kit, which was born in 2009 as a reaction to the austerity caused by the economic crisis and has since continued to invite people to respond to changes taking place in the modern-day world and to reflect on various 'survival' strategies.
Every year artists are invited to explore a socially significant theme at a different empty building in Riga.
This year the festival has the bizarre title: “Becoming an Apricot * an Apple * a Crow * a Tree * a Cockroach * a Glacier * a Plant * a Mushroom * a Shell * a Bird * Algae ”, and will be directed towards the broadening of perceptions of and learning from nature.
Throughout the duration of the festival, from 7 September to 1 October, there will be lectures and presentations by artists, art theoreticians and philosophers, film demonstrations, performances and readings, guided tours in the exhibition as well as workshops for children.
Special guided tours will be led by biologist Īzaks Rašals and journalist Māris Olte giving the opportunity to look inside the former building of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Latvia and its Museum of Zoology, Museum of the History of Chemistry as well as the Botanical Museum, whose collections contain surprising, little-known treasures.
You can read the full program in English HERE.
