This autumn, the creative city “Grīziņdārzs” hosted one of the most significant contemporary art events in the Baltics – the “Survival Kit 16” festival, organized by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art (LCCA). Over the course of a month, the international festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors, reaffirming the importance of both the event and Grīziņdārzs in Latvia’s cultural landscape. The festival transformed the venue into a space for dialogue, shared experiences, and artistic discovery.

This year’s concept was developed by the artist collective Slavs and Tatars, in collaboration with curator Michał Grzegorzek, drawing inspiration from the mythical bird Simurgh found in Eurasian mythology. The exhibition, titled “The House of Simurgh,” explored themes of identity and belonging, examining cultural intersections and shared ritual traditions. Featuring works by more than 23 artists from various countries, the festival offered a multifaceted reflection on the transformations shaping contemporary society.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors enjoyed a rich program of events – performances by internationally recognized artists, a symposium, a voguing show, a mask-making workshop, and the cultural forum “White Night.” These activities made the festival accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

The spaces of “Grīziņdārzs”, which regularly bring together innovative and creative companies, became a meeting ground for art and ideas. The strong public interest and participation in the festival highlight Grīziņdārzs’s unique ability to inspire, connect, and create — fostering an environment where art is present in everyday life, and where creativity drives both community and urban development.

The annual international art festival Survival Kit 16 – The House of Simurgh, organized by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art. Photo: Kaspars Teilāns.

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