Mark Rothko Art Center battling through crisis

Take note – story published 3 years ago

The popular Mark Rothko Art Center in Latvia's second-largest city, Daugavpils, is weathering the difficulties posed by the coronavirus crisis, the center's director Maris Čačka told Rus.lsm.lv July 16.

The center has received 50 thousand euros, and this amount approximately covers the losses suffered by the center due to COVID-19, Čačka said.

"In normal circumstances we ​​have to earn 110 thousand a year. Since March, when the state of emergency was declared, we have lost about 50 thousand. There were no exhibitions and visitors, and the hotel at the art center did not work. Now the situation is better, but it cannot be called normal - there is no flow of tourists as previously, and the Baltic market alone cannot cover all costs, while the borders with Belarus and Russia are still closed," he said.

The funds allocated by the Cultural Capital Fund are intended for cultural events, but it is possible that part of the money will go towards paying the salaries of employees, he added.

Responding to a question about possible redundancies and unpaid leave, Čačka emphasized that it is easier for an art museum than for large concert halls, which are forced to significantly reduce the number of employees.

During the crisis period, efforts have been made to work on things that needed completion but would have been difficult under normal circumstances with large numbers of visitors, such as redocoration of exhibition spaces.

"No employees have been dismissed or sent on unpaid leave. I do not plan any redundancies in the future, but if there is a second wave of coronavirus in the autumn, which is not ruled out by experts, in such circumstances I would not like to make any predictions," Čačka said.

World-renowed American artist Mark Rothko was born near Daugavpils in south-eastern Latvia. You can see the center's latest listings at its official website. A highlight of the near future will be an exhibition by Chinese artist Hsiao Chin

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