WELTSTADT

© Goethe-Institut
Text written by Wolfgang Kil, Weltstadt Correspondent

Improvization and do-it-yourself are out of question for Zane Onckule and Linda Pavluta. Three years ago, their art association kim? was able to move into splendid quarters – one of twelve old warehouses (Latvian: Spikeri) on the banks of the Daugava.

In the 1990’s, a trendy meeting place, art market and festival venue arose here. Now, with great effort, the historic brick architectures have been smartened up and transformed into an exemplary space for RIGA2014. The two curators run twenty exhibitions a year; since money is also flowing from the government, they are also being evaluated by the ministry of culture. The exhibition floors’ elegant ambient indicates that international standards apply here and that cooperation with international partners is welcome.

© Goethe-Institut

Zane Onckule, who has just curated the Latvian Pavilion at the Biennale in Venice, sees her association as a talent-scouting agency for next-generation Latvian artists. Conquering vacant spaces is not part of her business model: “We’re not in the business of pumping energy into run-down buildings - we prefer to seek out a finished set of surroundings that is suitable for us.” Now, it turns out the old warehouse floors are not all that suitable after all, and perhaps they will soon move out again. “Tabakas might be an option.”