The Latvian capital has built on a solid collaboration between state and local municipality institutions to further cultural development in the city. The State Inspection for Heritage Protection and the Riga City Council, which encompasses the City Development Department of Riga, the Riga City Construction Board and the Riga City Architect’s Office, are responsible for the city’s long-term development plan. In addition, the Council for Preservation and Development of the Historic Centre of Riga was established in 2003, allowing all stakeholders to become involved in preservation and regeneration processes concerning the old city centre. These three organisms have been supported by Riga’s Urban Institute and its Free Riga network, in particular, in project integration for urban regeneration, wasteland reclamation, and rehabilitation of derelict spaces, old buildings and factories for cultural and social use. The cooperation between different regions, domains and authorities has facilitated the organization of cultural and creative activities as demonstrated by the multitude of events hosted by Riga during the past decade, together with its nomination as European Capital of Culture in 2014, which have largely contributed to the city’s development and regeneration.

Source: Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design, report for Study Area 4