ELPA Media

Name of Residency: ELPA Design and Sustainability Residency The ELPA Residency Center is a place where artists and cultural practioners from various countries and fields come together. It creates a space for the exchange of ideas, acquiring new knowledge, and implementing ideas that have arisen at intersections. The name of the residency is derived from the Latvian word “elpa,” which translates to “breath.” It symbolizes the concept of taking a breath, the act of breathing in and out, and the idea of giving something a second breath. In the success-driven world of neoliberalism, the price we pay for achievements is often remarkably high – burnout, depression, and various health issues. Staying at the residency offers an opportunity to take a breath and the necessary break. The residency places significant emphasis on hands-on activities—building and working in the garden, and being in nature. Despite being located just under a kilometer from the border of the town of Līvāni, residing there creates an impression of merging with nature – surrounded by an apple orchard, flowing seamlessly into the forest and natural meadows, and with the Dubna River just a few minutes’ walk across the meadow. Living and working together with individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields during the residency is an opportunity to alter perspectives and habits, acquire new knowledge and skills. In a world influenced by climate change and various geopolitical conflicts, constantly undergoing change, adaptability is crucial. It allows for adjustment to new circumstances, defining boundaries, and creating one’s own rules for survival. ELPA Residency organises open calls for residency programmes 2 times a year. The residency period is 1 month. Residency Programme since: 2024 Description of Organisation: The concept of establishing the ELPA Design and Sustainability Residency in the Latgale region of Latvia originated in the summer of 2023. It emerged from two primary considerations: the end of the Rucka Artist Residency’s operations in Cēsis and the dilemma of determining where to continue the residency activities. Additionally, there was the question of what to do with a small natural farm following the passing of its last owner. On one hand, there existed an idea without a physical space, and on the other hand, a physical space that had lost its original purpose. The convergence of these two aspects formed the foundation for the vision of the new residency space, centered around the concepts of meeting point, taking a breath, and transformation. Organisation founded in: 2024 What type of organisation are you?: Artist-Run Presentation of artists’ work: Arranged on a case-by-case basis Working Languages: English Duration of residency: Weeks: 2 Number of studios: N/A Number of artists in residence at one time: between 1 to 5 Accommodation type: Private Room Which disciplines does your residency cater to?: Sculpture Textile Art Film-making Architecture Curatorial What practical facilities does your residency offer to artists?: Private accommodation Shared studio / workplace Kitchen Internet What artistic facilities does your residency offer to artists?: Woodworking tools Networking Promotional services Is your residency wheelchair accessible?: No Companions Allowed: Partners Pets Application process: Open call Do you charge an application fee for your residency?: No Do you charge a residency fee for your residency?: No Do you provide the residents with any funds associated with the residency? (e.g. stipend, fellowship, production allowance): No Expenses paid by the artist: Travel Food Expenses paid by the organisation: Supplies Are artists expected to do one of the following during their residency stay?: Public talk Workshop Other activities happening at the space: Workshops Films Gardening Selection process: By committee Setting: Rural Nearest Airport: Riga International Airport Nearest Train Station: Līvāni How to reach by plane: The closest airport is Riga International Airport that has regular connections with most of the European cities. How to reach by train: There is a regular train and bus connection between Riga and Līvāni, the ride takes 2.5 hours How to reach by car: A drive from Riga, the capital of Latvia takes 2.5 hour or a bit less depending on the traffic. Street & Number: “Vēveri”, Turku pagasts Postal Code: LV5316 Country long: Latvia www.elparesidency.lvInstagram Related Open Calls ELPA Design and Sustainability Residency, Summer 2025 in Latvia Summer 2025 Filmmakers’ Residency Sustainable Building 2025 Residency