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Interdisciplinary Artist Residencies SERDE 2026

Submitted by signe on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 15:43

We invite representatives of various cultural sectors to apply for residencies – artists, musicians, writers, researchers, cultural heritage specialists who are interested in collaborating with each other, experimenting with ideas, materials, technologies and the environment, and as a result creating specific objects, events, research, performances or other types of original works.

 

SERDE offers workshops for working with wood, metal and ceramics, a black and white analogue photo laboratory (basic knowledge is recommended), as well as spaces for collaborative work and presentations.

 

Bandava is a reconstruction of an ancient Curonian settlement with prototypes of ancient houses and an Iron Age pottery kiln. We offer temporary accommodation and work here, but we organize overnight stays and production of works at the SERDES residency center.

 

During the residency, artists work independently on their ideas, and are also invited to collaborate with each other. At the end of the residency, open workshops and presentations or some other form of representation that provides insight into what was experienced and accomplished during the residency.

 

Residency theme: collaboration with local audiences - creative experiments, environmental objects, research on cultural heritage sites; research on the environment and ecology, sustainable development solutions in small towns and rural areas.

 

All submitted ideas or technical needs of the project must be indicated in the application.

 

What we will assess - the relevance, novelty of the submitted idea, compliance with the theme, location and specifics of the residency, and the professionalism of the applicant (CV, documented career in the cultural sector and links to works created in recent years).

 

If you have any questions, please contact us: smg.serde@gmail.com or WhatsApp +371 29817180

The residency program is organized by SERDE

Supported by the State Culture Capital Fund

Artist Residencies at SERDE 2026 Sound | Movement | Theatre

Submitted by signe on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 13:35

Apply by January 27th!

 

The Artist Residency Centre SERDE invites artists in the fields of movement, sound and theatre – individually or in small groups – who are interested in interdisciplinary and international collaboration to apply.

 

The residency is intended for professional artists with the ability to independently implement their ideas. During the residency, it is possible to work on individual ideas, collaborate with other residents and the local community.

 

The residency takes place in the old town of Aizpute, in a historical building complex.

Residents are provided with accommodation in the SERDE residence (each with their own room), a shared kitchen and bathrooms, as well as work spaces according to the needs of the project. It is also possible to work in the urban environment, by prior arrangement.

At the end of the residency, artists must participate in open workshops / public presentation or performance, sharing what they have created during the residency.

 

Selected artists will receive:

• free accommodation

• access to workshops and instruments

• mentoring and practical support

• closing event – ​​open studios

 

Please note: SERDE does not cover fees, travel and daily expenses, but does provide a letter of invitation that can be used to attract additional funding.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/5Hn5y6LQznC49EyT7

Contact us on: smg.serde@gmail.com

Whatsapp: +371 29817180

 

Supported by:

State Culture Capital Foundation

11TH INTERNATIONAL WOOD RESTORATION WORKSHOP 2025

Submitted by signe on Mon, 05/26/2025 - 14:56

SERDE Workshop and Residencies Center in Aizpute, Atmodas 9, Latvia

The building complex in Aizpute, at the corner of Atmodas and Jāņa street, is a historical monument of national importance, built in several stages from the beginning of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century. A large selection of historically valuable construction parts has been preserved in the buildings.

In three rooms of the oldest part of the building there have been preserved interior decorations from the 18th - 19th centuries.

Participants will be able to learn practical and theoretical skills in restoration, preservation and maintenance of cultural heritage.

We invite participants with and without previous knowledge to participate. The number of participants is limited, therefore applications will be evaluated according to your description of interest in participating in the workshop.

The participation fee includes tea and coffee breaks, soup for lunch, evening excursions to cultural and historical sites and a closing event where certificates of participation in the restoration workshop will be issued.

 

Workshop on lime plaster / experience in maintaining historic buildings June 27 - 29

Juris Pavlovs, Uģis Pucens

 

Workshop on wood restoration (windows, doors) June 30 - July 5

Jānis Tolpežņikovs

- Marking and dismantling of parts

- Removing fragile paint layers with paint scrapers

- Constructive repair of wooden parts - replacement of rotten and damaged wooden parts

- Corrosion cleaning and priming of metal parts that support wood

- Oiling / priming wooden parts with linseed oil pernica

- Attaching metal fittings

- Choosing and cutting glass for window frames

- Glazing with linseed oil putty

- Surface preparation and painting with linseed oil paint

 

Workshop on restoration of locks and keys July 2

Armands Ausmanis

 

Wooden construction connection master class August 21 – 24

Raivis Austriņš, Guntars Upenieks

 

Accommodation at SERDE in double room 10€ per night per person.

Application form here:#mce_temp_url#

 

* The program is informative, deviations from the planned are possible, including additional work, theoretical knowledge breaks, testing of other techniques, excursions, etc. The speed of restoration work cannot be accurately calculated, it depends on the participants' desire to learn and individual skills.
“Financial support was received within the framework of the “Kurzeme Culture Program 2025” implemented by the Kurzeme Planning Region, in the VKKF target program “Latvian Historical Lands Development Program” and in the State Cultural Capital Fund project competition.

Sezonas atklāšana SERDĒ 2. maijā

Submitted by signe on Mon, 04/28/2025 - 07:42

Mākslīgais intelekts un mājas muzicēšana

Aicinām uz sezonas atklāšanas pasākumiem 2. maijā!

No plkst. 11.00 – pieredzes stāsti, priekšlasījumi, diskusijas
*
SERDES pētījumi Dienvidkurzemē - Signe Pucena
*
Gaujas plostnieki - no SERDES tradīciju burtnīcas līdz UNESCO - Ieva Vītola, tradicionālās kultūras pētniece
*
Mākslīgais intelekts un tā saturs – Vai MI var palīdzēt saglabāt izzūdošās tradīcijas un kultūras mantojumu? Vai un kā mēs varētu MI iepazīstināt ar mūsu pašu jaunatklājumiem un arhīviem? Ko varam darīt, lai jaunie tehnoloģiskie risinājumi labāk izprastu un ņemtu vērā kultūras kontekstus? - Guntis Bārzdiņš, LU profesors

No plkst 14.00
Privātpētnieku, kolekcionāru, krājēju, vācēju tikšanās un pieredzes apmaiņas pasākums.

Aicināts ikviens, kas kaut ko pēta, meklē, krāj un vāc, un vēlas satikt citus domubiedrus, lai pastāstītu savu stāstu un dzirdētu citus, un varbūt uzzinātu kaut ko jaunu! Piesakies pats vai iesaki kādu, kuram te būtu jābūt => https://forms.gle/8rSSAS8unazG8WQL6
*
Satiec Suitus un uzzini vairāk par Suitu kultūrtelpu un norisēm – Māra Rozentāle, Ligita Kalniņa

* Videolektorijs par UNESCO starptautiska nemateriālā kultūras mantojuma saraksta nominācijām

* Dokumentālā filma par Gaujas plostniekiem "Plostam jāiet plosta ceļš"

 

Koncertlekcijas un kopīga muzicēšana no plkst. 18.00

* Muzicēšana dīpīšu nometnēs un latviešu kopienās ASV - Arnolds Kārklis, mūziķis

* Mūzikas instrumenti mājas muzicēšanai - Artis Gulbis, multimākslinieks

 

Pasākums notiek ar Valsts Kultūrkapitāla fonda atbalstu SERDES rezidenču centrā Atmodas ielā 9, Aizputē, ikgadējās “Novadpētniecības skolasietvaros, tādēļ īpaši aicinām novadpētniekus, skolu pedagogus, bibliotekārus un ikvienu kultūras mantojuma interesentu, lai apgūtu jaunas zināšanas un pieredzi.

Informācija un pieteikšanās: 29817180

 

Northern Solstice Residencies at SERDE/Bandava 16.06.-29.06.2025

Submitted by signe on Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:19

Northern Solstice Residencies for Visual Artists and Cultural Researchers, SERDE/Bandava, Latvia.


We invite artists, researchers and cultural field representatives who are professionals in their field and are interested in art and cultural processes, who are able to independently realize their ideas and interested to use SERDE workshops and environment to work on their ideas, to apply for the SERDE residency in Aizpute and the cultural venue Bandava. The residencies mainly take place at the SERDES Residency Center at Atmodas Street 9, Aizpute, with the option to choose to implement or exhibit the project result or do part of the work at the Bandava cultural venue.


SERDE offers work equipment for wood, metal and ceramic works, fully equipped black and white analog photo laboratory (this is mostly soviet period technology and some basic knowledge is recommended), as well as space for coworking and presentations.


Bandava is the reconstruction of an ancient curonian village, where you can stay and work offline in the natural environment, work out on cultural heritage issues, researches and reconstructions.


Residency theme: Solstice and Midsummer tradition – visual works, interpretation, research, reconstructions of ancient traditions and new traditions, cooperation with a local audience.


Preference will be given to the applications where there will be some of these topics

– creative experiments,
– environmental objects,
– in cultural heritage research based reconstruction,
– research of the environment and ecology,
– sustainable development solutions in small towns and rural environments.

During the residency, we expect artists to work on their ideas, collaboration with other residents, our team and local audiences is recommended but not obligatory. At the end of the residency we expect an open studio, presentation, performance or other show of the residencies work result.


Duration of residency
Open call is for two week residency period from June 16 to June 29, 2025

 

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at SERDE residence center. Each resident has a private room with shared bathrooms and kitchen. The Residence center is located in a historical building complex in the center of old town Aizpute, Latvia. SERDE has an extension in Bandava – the reconstruction of the ancient curonian village, where you can stay and work offline in the natural environment.

 

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
We are inviting visual artists, researchers and representatives of cultural heritage.

 

Studio / Workspace
Workspace might be private or shared with other artists. We have equipment for wood, metal and ceramic works, fully equipped black and white analog photo laboratory (this is mostly soviet period technology and some basic knowledge is recommended), as well as space for presentations. Depending on the project proposal it is possible to organize project presentations, set up or installation in a public environment or in Bandava village.

 

Fees and support
We can provide selected artists with:
– free accommodation at SERDE and/or Bandava,
– access to our workshops and tools,
– consultations and advice,
– material budget can be considered depending on your application and technical needs.

We can not cover your fees and travel costs but will provide selected candidates with a letter of invitation for additional funds or travel grant seeking.


Expectations towards the artist
Artists are expected to be the professionals of the field where they apply and can work in unusual circumstances independently. Our team is available to help and answer your questions, provide advice to help you realize your project. At the end of residency we expect the text (approximately 100 – 300 words) about your project and images for the annual publication.

 

Application information
To apply please fill the application form until 3rd of March:

To apply fill the application form.

If you have any questions about the residency contact us at smg.serde@gmail.com

 

More info about SERDE:

https://www.facebook.com/SERDE

https://issuu.com/smg.serde

 

 

Residencies programm is supportes by State Culture Capital Foundation

Interdisciplinary Artist Residencies at SERDE 2025

Submitted by signe on Fri, 01/24/2025 - 14:01

We invite artists and creative professionals who are interested in interdisciplinary processes and are able to independently work out their ideas, willing to work in an unusual circumstances and use SERDES workshops to realize their plans, to apply for creative work at the SERDES residency in Aizpute and/or at the cultural venue Bandava.

– SERDE offers work equipment for wood, metal and ceramic works, fully equipped black and white analog photo laboratory (this is mostly soviet period technology and some basic knowledge is recommended), as well as space for coworking and presentations.

– Bandava is the reconstruction of an ancient curonian village, where you can stay and work offline in the natural environment, work out on cultural heritage issues, researches and reconstructions.

Preference will be given to the applications where there will be some of these topics

– cooperation with a local audience

– creative experiments,

– environmental objects,

– in cultural heritage research based reconstruction,

– research of the environment and ecology,

– sustainable development solutions in small towns and rural environments.

During the residency, we expect artists to work on their ideas, collaboration with other residents, our team and local audiences is recommended but not obligatory. At the end of the residency we expect an open studio, presentation, performance or other show of the residencies work result.

 

Duration of residency

Open call is for residency periods from May 1 to May 21  or  July 7 to July 27

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at SERDE residence center. Each resident has a private room with shared bathrooms and kitchen. The Residence center is located in a historical building complex in the center of old town Aizpute, Latvia. SERDE has an extension in Bandava – the reconstruction of the ancient curonian village, where you can stay and work offline in the natural environment.

 

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

We are inviting residents from various fields - artists, musicians, researchers, dancers, writers, representatives of cultural heritage and theater.

 

Studio / Workspace

Workspace might be private or shared with other artists. We have equipment for wood, metal and ceramic works, fully equipped black and white analog photo laboratory (this is mostly soviet period technology and some basic knowledge is recommended), as well as space for presentations. Depending on the project proposal it is possible to organize project presentations, set up or installation in a public environment or in Bandava village.

 

Fees and support

We can provide selected artists with  – free accommodation at SERDE,   – access to our workshops and tools,   – consultations and advice,   – material budget can be considered depending on your application and technical needs. We can not cover your fees and travel costs but will provide selected candidates with a letter of invitation for additional funds or travel grant seeking.

 

Expectations towards the artist

Artists are expected to be the professionals of the field where they apply and can work in unusual circumstances independently. Our team is available to help and answer your questions, provide advice to help you realize your project. At the end of residency we expect the text (approximately 100 – 300 words) about your project and images for the annual publication.

 

Application information

To apply please fill the application form until 23rd of February: https://forms.gle/FBJhumM5sgvc6CbL8

If you have any questions about the residency contact us at smg.serde@gmail.com

 

Supported by:

State Culture Capital Foundation

Artist residencies at SERDE 2024

Submitted by signe on Mon, 06/10/2024 - 14:57

The Residency and workshop center SERDE is looking for professional artists who are interested at the end of their residency to show and participate with his/her work at the art and craft event “Applethink” which is an annual event at SERDE for the local community.

In SERDE residencies artists can collaborate with each other, experimenting with ideas, materials, technologies and make new co-productions. Representatives or teams of various cultural sectors are welcome to apply for two week residencies.

 

“Applethink” is public event which is conceptually dedicated to the harvest thematic – the local craftsmen productions are combined with artistic interpretations. This is the place where to show and test your new ideas and productions.

 

Apply until 28th of June, the results will be after 5th of July

 

Duration of residency

01.09.2024 – 15.09.2024 (dates are flexible and you can start the residency earlier but artist has to prepare his presentation, concert, performance for 14th of September)

 

Accommodation

Accommodation at SERDE residency center. Private room and shared common area bathrooms and kitchen.

 

Disciplines

Music, visual art, sound art, performances, mixed media, theater.

 

Studio / Workspace

Insight of our residency center here.

 

Fees and support

The selected artists will receive a 500€ grant and up to 200€ production support. Free accommodation and access to SERDE workshops and tools. We will provide selected candidates with a letter of invitation for travel grant seeking. If you apply as a team we can give a grant for one member but can consider giving free accommodation and access to workshops.

 

Expectations towards the artist

The residencies closing event is planned at the annual SERDE art and craft event “Applethink”. So, we expect that artist will do a closing show, performance, presentation, exhibition, open studio of the residence work at “Applethink” on 14th of September.

An old video from Applethink event: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/186393979

 

Application information

To apply please fill the application form.

If you have any questions about the residency contact us at smg.serde@gmail.com

 

More info about SERDE:

https://www.facebook.com/SERDE

https://issuu.com/smg.serde

 

Residencies programm is supportes by State Culture Capital Foundation

Ēdieni Dienvidkurzemē

Submitted by signe on Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:28

Izdota divdesmitpiektā SERDES Tradīciju burtnīca - "Ēdieni Dienvidkurzemē"!

Tradīciju burtnīcā apkopoti stāsti par senāku un vēl joprojām tautā iecienītu ēdienu gatavošanu Dienvidkurzemes teritorijā. Šo stāstu vākšana notikusi SERDES organizētajās novadpētniecības skolās 2021. un 2022. gada vasarās. Sākotnējai pētnieciskajai interesei izzināt sklandraušu un skābputras gatavošanas un ēšanas stāstus piepulcējās vēl vairāki tradicionālie ēdieni, kas veido bērnības garšu un joprojām dažās mājās vēl tiek gatavoti.
Par burtnīcu

20th International Cast Iron Symposium

Submitted by signe on Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:25

The 20th International Cast Iron Art Symposium will be held from 2nd until 10th of August, 2024 at the Residency and workshop center SERDE in Aizpute, Latvia. During the symposium artists are expected to take part in the whole casting process and be able to work independently to create their models and casting molds. Iron casting process will be open to the general public and all interested audience during the symposium days at SERDE and at night of cast iron show by the Tebra riverside on 9th of August in Aizpute.

Preliminary program:

August 2  arrival until 19.00, excursion.

August 3 to 8 preparing models, molds and the casting kiln, some excursions around local places.

August 9 transporting moulds, materials and kiln to the casting place. Sculpture casting!

August 10 Summarising results and closing event.

 

Available technologies:

Testing different sand moulds (max. sculpture weight 30 kg):

Boiled linseed oil  - sand moulds

Cement - sand moulds

Green sand mould

CO hardened sand moulds

Ceramic shell molds for wax models (wax model max. weight 200 grams)

 

The symposium takes place in a cozy, non industrial environment and it is oriented towards experiments and learning new experiences.

 

Cost of participation 500 EUR, includes accommodation at SERDES rezidencies centre (shared rooms), catering and materials.

 

Short video from 18th Cast Iron Symposium:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPDMtgrB6OQ

 

It is advisable to present your idea before the symposium and coordinate the available technologies and scope of work with the organiser Kārlis Alainis via email karlis.alainis@lma.lv

 

Any other questions regarding the workshop contact us at smg.serde@gmail.com

APPLICATION FORM

 

More info about SERDE:

https://www.facebook.com/SERDE

https://issuu.com/smg.serde

https://issuu.com/smg.serde/docs/serde-gallery_05.12.19

 

Organizes:

Event is supported by State Culture Capital Foundation.

10th International Workshop on Wood Restoration

Submitted by signe on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 11:45

The building complex in Aizpute, at the corner of Atmodas and Jāņa streets, is a historical monument of national importance, built in several stages from the beginning of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century. A large selection of historically valuable construction parts has been preserved in the buildings.

In three rooms of the oldest part of the building there have been preserved interior decorations from 18th - 19th centuries.

Participants will be able to learn practical and theoretical skills in restoration, preservation and maintenance of cultural heritage.

Workshops will be organized by - Jānis Tolpežnikovs, Guntars Upenieks, Raivis Autriņš, Uģis Pucens and Ance Ausmane.

We invite participants with or without previous knowledge to participatein the workshop. The number of participants are limited, so applications will be evaluated based on your description of your interest in participating in the workshop.

The participation fee 150€ includes activities exploring the local cultural heritage - excursions, tea and coffee breaks, accommodation expenses (at SERDE in double room) and the final event, where certificates of participation in the restoration workshop will be issued.

 

APPLICATION FORM


Any questions regarding the workshop contact us at smg.serde@gmail.com

Event is supported by State Culture Capital Foundation.

 

More info about SERDE:

https://www.facebook.com/SERDE
https://issuu.com/smg.serde
https://issuu.com/smg.serde/docs/serde-gallery_05.12.19