From 2022 to 2024, the State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia administrates the program of the Baltic Culture Fund. It aims to promote cultural cooperation between the Baltic States and to strengthen the international recognition of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian culture through joint cultural projects and events in order to achieve greater international influence.
For the 2022 competition, 24 projects were submitted for a total amount of EUR 1.218.861. The Expert Committee selected six projects, allocating the total amount of EUR 300.000 available in the program. Two projects in the visual arts field, two music projects, one project in architecture and one in photography field were supported. All projects are aimed at promoting the international recognition of Baltic culture outside the Baltics.
Funding from the Baltic Culture Fund will ensure the participation of Baltic musicians and artists in several important European music and art festivals, as well as exhibitions in Japan and New York. The joint activities of the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian architects' associations in developing and promoting the concept of holistic renovation of modernist buildings were also supported.
It must be admitted that most of the projects submitted to the competition were aimed at promoting professional cooperation between Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian cultural institutions and the development of a common cultural space in the Baltics, but, according to Agrita Ozola, Chairwoman of the Baltic Culture Fund Expert Committee applicants should pay more attention to the international impact of projects. According to her, the range of submitted projects shows that the cooperation between Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian cultural institutions is becoming closer, but much remains to be done to create a common vision.
The Baltic Culture Fund, established in 2019, provides support for joint cultural projects between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The fund is managed through the cultural capital funds of the three Baltic States, based on a three-year rotation. The Cultural Endowment of Estonia was the first to manage the fund's tenders, but as of January 2022 management was taken over by Latvia’s State Culture Capital Fund.
The aim of the Baltic Culture Fund is to promote cultural cooperation in the Baltic States and to enhance international awareness of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian culture through joint projects and measures to achieve greater international influence.
The Baltic Culture Foundation supports professional activities and projects in architecture, visual art, design, literature, music, stage art, libraries, museums and archives, and will finance interdisciplinary projects.
The Foundation's priority is to support new, one-off cultural events taking place outside the Baltic States, such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals, shows, and international events with a focus on the Baltic region, as well as measures promoting cultural internationalisation.
Funding per project is set at EUR 25 000 to EUR 100 000, and the recipient is required to provide at least 20% self-financing. Only Estonian, Latvian or Lithuanian legal entities are eligible for aid. The Managing Partner for each project must associate partners from all three Baltic States.
Project applications are evaluated by a panel of six experts representing different cultural fields. The panel of experts is appointed for a period of three years. Each state is represented on the commission by two members.
Each Baltic State invests 100 000 euros annually in the fund. The fund also accepts donations.
