Art Academy of Latvia


The Art Academy of Latvia is an institution of higher education and scientific research in art, located in Riga, Latvia. The neo-Gothic brick building is located on Krišjānis Valdemārs Street, next to the National Museum of Art.
In autumn 2021, the LMA together with the University of Lapland in Finland plan to enrol students in the two-year international Master's programme "Service Design Strategies and Innovation". The study process will take place internationally both in Kuldīga and Rovaniemi, Finland.
WWW lma.lvIG makslasakademija

History

Foundation and Early Years (1919–1940)

The origins of the academy date back to May 4, 1919, when the Soviet Latvian government published a report regarding the opening of a "proletarian art workshop." The term "academy" was initially avoided as it was seen as a symbol of the old, conservative regime. However, following the fall of the Soviet government, the Provisional Government of Latvia formally decided to establish the Art Academy of Latvia on August 20, 1919.
The founding faculty included prominent Latvian artists such as Vilhelms Purvītis, Teodors Zaļkalns, Rihards Zariņš, and Jānis Kuga. The academy was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1921. After initially operating on Kronvalda Boulevard, it moved to Gogoļa Street 3 in 1922. The first constitution was adopted by the Saeima on February 7, 1924, and proclaimed by President Jānis Čakste. Between 1921 and 1940, the academy produced 229 graduates.

Soviet and Occupation Periods (1940–1988)

Following the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940, the institution was renamed the State Art Academy. In 1944, it became the State Art Academy of the Latvian SSR. During the Soviet era, the academy's administrative oversight shifted frequently between the Ministry of Culture and various state committees for higher education.
From 1973 to 1988, the institution was named the Teodors Zaļkalns State Art Academy of the Latvian SSR in honor of the sculptor and former faculty member.

Organization

Faculties

The Academy has 5 faculties:

Latgale Branch

The Academy has a branch in Latgale located in Rēzekne.

Notable alumni