Riga - European Capital of Culture 2014 candidate

different timesOne of the most beautiful ancient blessingsof Sigulda is the Turaida Castle. In2014, the Castle will celebrate its 800 thbirthday. Within the ECC programme,sand paintings‘Sand is not composed strictly of silica.It contains all of the elements ofMendeleev’s table, various materials invarious concentrations. Water trappedthe celebration will include a paradeand a presentation “Different Times”,which will allow everyone attending tounderstand the historical and socialevents that brought about both thecastle and modern Sigulda. The celebrationwill focus on both what Rigaand Sigulda have in common and whatis unique in each.The parade will symbolically traverse timefrom the 1300s to the current day. Personsof both genders, different ages and differentsocial status will be represented working,relaxing, and playing. The parade willbe designed as an extraordinary event inperpetual motion on foot, horseback andwheels, with sharp contrasts and coloursleaving a lasting impression. 14 differenthistorical scenes will be created. Horsesand carriages, as well as more modernmobile platforms, will be adapted for theparade. Music from various periods ofin sand is capable of saving informationin itself, it speaks to us. Workingwith sand, I sometimes utilize an improvisedsandstorm, rain, floods, andearthquakes. The use of sand for decorativepurposes is not my invention, ithas been used for thousands of yearsin many parts of the world, but I havefound my technique, my own manner inwhich to cultivate the language of creatingsand paintings,’ says artist ElmārsGaigalnieks who lives in Sigulda, as heprepares a new surprise for 2014.Elmārs Gaigalnieks is currently the onlyknown artist in the Baltics that uses sand asa medium for artwork. Sand paintings arecreated by a technique that the artist hasdeveloped over ten years, through tirelessexperimentation. Various painting, sculptureand graphic arts elements and other toolsare used to create them, among them narya paintbrush. How will this exhibit differ fromtime will enhance the effect. Also, professionalactors, musicians and dancers willparticipate as well as volunteers from thecommunity and amateur groups such astheatres, dance collectives and choirs.Workshops will be held to prepare the participants.The plan is to involve as manypeople as possible in creating the spirit ofsolidarity and co-operation.What: Historical procession.Where: Near Turaida Castle.When: August.Concept authors: Marana Productions.Organisers: Sigulda Region Council,Turaida Museum.Partners: Local government. institutions,businesses, NGOs, and general public.others we have experienced? Artist ElmārsGaigalnieks, in cooperation with the SiguldaArt School, will pass on his creative skill toyoung artists. Instruction will take place forone school year and in June, together withthe artist, the youth will exhibit their work.The art exhibition will take place togetherwith the rock group Dzelzs Vilks. Music composedespecially for sand paintings, steamingtea, a sand box for flights of fantasy andthe artist’s own participation will guaranteean unforgettable experience.What: Interactive exhibition.Where: Gūtmanis Cave.When: June.Concept Author: Elmārs Gaigalnieks.Organisers: Elmārs Gaigalnieks, Art StudioDzeltenā dzeņa ordenis, Sigulda ArtSchool, rock group Dzelzs Vilks.Cooperation Partner: Sigulda DistrictBoard.nature’s concert hall“Nature’s Concert Hall” is a jointproject of Latvia’s artists and scientists- its goal is to draw attention tonature, which we don’t notice everyday,to invite us to be considerate ofthe environment. Musicians play music,attentively listening to the landscapethat surrounds them, and inviteeveryone to catch the special sensationsof the world around.Since the times of Grand Duke Kropotkin,the owner of Sigulda Manor, at the turn of the18 th century, Sigulda has always served as arespite for vacationers, and the city leadershave never allowed the city’s territory to bebuilt up with industrial structures. The largestbuildings here are castles, churches,schools – an ideal place for the humanitarianidea of tended soul/tended environmentto flourish. The environment pertains not justto green areas, but also to the city’s socialinfrastructure, where people play the dominantrole.sprint run upturaida towerBecome the fastest messenger! Themotto for this unique competition willresound, popularizing an active lifestyleamong the locals – a sprint raceup the ancient Turaida castle tower’sobservation field, 38m high.The race will take place at the main tower ofTuraida Castle. Within each age group, 16of the best participants will qualify, then 8,but in the final run the best 3 will be determined.For the age groups 7–10 years and56+ years, there won’t be a qualificationrun; the final will take place immediately.In essence the project is the symbiosis ofmusic, science, poetry and video art thathelp people to get closer to nature on anemotional level, to protect it not with laws,but with their attitude. Nature, people andmusic create an inseparable trio in thisconcert.In 2006, the concert “Nature’s ConcertHall” took place for the first time in Sigulda.Sound artist Pēteris Ķimelis brought insectand bird stories to life with video material,which, together with poet Pēters Brūveris’poetry and entomologists’ narration, revealedfor us the secrets of the naturalworld. These stories were augmented bymusicians - together it created a mysticalatmosphere while awaiting midnight inKrimulda Park. We will continue this event,offering it every year in August, dedicatingeach year to a different theme.What: Concert and insect observation.Where: Krimulda Park.When: August.Concept author: World Environment Fund.Organisers: World Environment Fund,What: Race.Where: Turaida Museum Reserve.When: Last Saturday in May.Concept author: Sigulda Sport & TourismAuthority.Organisers: Sigulda District Board, RigaRegional Sports Initiative Centre.Cooperation Partners: Association “A2”,Turaida Museum Reserve.www.dabaskoncerts.lv.Cooperation Partners: World EnvironmentFund, United Nations DevelopmentProgram, Association of LatvianEntomologists, Latvian EnvironmentalProtection Fund, Association of LatvianOrnithologists, Gauja National Park .144 145