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Description
In order for society to be ready to respond to the current changing circumstances caused by Russia''s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Latvian Center for Contemporary Art (LCCA) in cooperation with the Pauls Stradins Medicine history museum (MVM) and experts from different fields started a creative and inclusive cycle of activities. The main goal of it is to inform the public about the patterns of action in emergencies that could potentially lead to the threat of war. Within the framework of these activities, first aid and civil protection courses will be held for everyone interested in order to inform the public about the action plan for the so-called X Hour. Thus, anyone who attends these courses will be able to be a kind of ambassador in their home, apartment house, staircase or even yard. In addition, the artists of the comic magazine "Kuš" will get acquainted with the first aid visual materials that are in MVM''s collection created in different decades, and draw an action plan in comic format. It is planned to print this comic as posters and stickers and distribute them in the districts of Riga, thus informing a wider and more diverse group of the society.
In close collaboration with Latvian Transatlantic Organization LATO, artists and creatives from different fields will be invited to participate in discussion, dedicated to the ways how art can be a tool to make conversation with people with opposite opinions and how to reach the Russian - speaking community in Riga and regions.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges:
Lack of Public Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies: One of the primary issues the project sought to tackle was the general public''s insufficient knowledge of how to respond in emergency situations, particularly in the context of potential conflict or war. The Russian invasion of Ukraine heightened concerns about Latvia''s national security and the need for civil defense preparedness.
Civil Protection and First Aid Knowledge: There was a need to improve the population''s understanding of first aid and civil protection measures. The project aimed to educate individuals on how to act during the so-called "X Hour," which refers to a critical moment in a potential emergency or war-like situation, ensuring that people can respond effectively to protect themselves and their communities.
Reaching a Wider, More Diverse Audience: A challenge identified was engaging a broader section of society, including those who may not typically participate in civil defense activities. This included reaching both Latvian speakers and the Russian-speaking community in Riga and the regions, which required innovative approaches, such as using art and comics as tools for communication.
Bridging Divides in Society: The project also aimed to address societal divides, particularly the challenge of engaging individuals with differing political views, including those who may sympathize with opposing perspectives due to their ethnic or cultural background. This challenge was particularly relevant in engaging the Russian-speaking population and fostering dialogue between different segments of society.
In summary, the project aimed to address challenges related to public awareness and preparedness for emergencies, the dissemination of first aid knowledge, reaching diverse and sometimes hard-to-engage communities, and promoting societal cohesion through dialogue.
The project focused on addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for civil preparedness. Several activities were carried out, and the following are the key ones:
Cycle of Courses and Workshops: First Aid, Civil Protection, and the 72-Hour Emergency Kit: A series of workshops were conducted at the Pauls Stradins Medicine History Museum, where experts taught practical first aid, civil protection measures, and how to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit. These workshops were led by professionals from the fields of medicine and defense. Participants learned about essential survival skills during crises, including how to provide first aid and how to effectively assemble an emergency kit for immediate use during emergencies. This hands-on training ensured the public could be well-prepared for various crisis situations. The courses were especially well-attended and tailored for adults, while younger visitors were engaged with museum tours, allowing adults to participate fully.
Discussion on How to Engage with People Who Hold Different Opinions, Including the Russian-Speaking Community in Latvia: A key part of the project was a discussion panel titled "Art of Conversation in Times of War," which explored the role of art in fostering dialogue between individuals with different perspectives, including the Russian-speaking community in Latvia. Experts from the fields of contemporary art, culture, and defense participated in this discussion. The event, held both in person and via live stream, addressed how art and media can help bridge divides in a bilingual society. The panel brought attention to how to engage with marginalized or opposing voices in a constructive manner. The recorded discussion remains available online for further public engagement.
Educational Comics on First Aid, Civil Protection, and the 72-Hour Emergency Kit: Four comic artists—Oskars Pavlovskis, Jana Ribkina, Elīna Brasliņa, and Ernests Kļaviņš—worked in collaboration with the Latvian Center for Contemporary Art (LCCA) and the Pauls Stradins Medicine History Museum to create educational comics. These comics were designed to illustrate how to act during crisis situations, including providing first aid and preparing for emergencies with a 72-hour kit. The artists, after conducting research and consulting with museum curators, created posters and stickers in Latvian, Russian, and English, which were printed in a 2,000-copy run. These materials were distributed in public spaces such as cafes, community centers, and through various events in Riga. They aimed to inform a broad and diverse audience, including both Latvian and Russian-speaking populations, about crisis preparedness.
These activities provided practical knowledge and tools for crisis management, encouraged societal dialogue, and used creative mediums to engage the public in emergency preparedness. The use of comics, discussions, and workshops ensured that critical information reached a wide and varied audience.
The project achieved several significant results that had a broad impact on different segments of the Latvian population. The main outcomes and their beneficiaries are as follows:
Increased Public Awareness and Preparedness for Crises: One of the most immediate results was an increase in public knowledge about how to respond during emergencies, such as those involving war or natural disasters. The series of workshops on first aid, civil protection, and 72-hour emergency kits successfully equipped participants with practical skills. As a result, individuals became better prepared for emergencies, which enhanced their ability to protect themselves and their families. The main beneficiaries of these workshops were adults from various backgrounds, including those less familiar with crisis preparedness concepts.
Wider Community Engagement through Educational Comics: The educational comics created in collaboration with artists were distributed in public spaces and reached a diverse and broad audience. By making the materials available in Latvian, Russian, and English, the project was able to engage not only Latvian speakers but also the Russian-speaking minority and international residents. This approach ensured that crucial information about first aid, civil protection, and emergency preparedness was accessible to everyone. These visually engaging materials helped to demystify crisis preparedness and reached younger generations, families, and communities who might not have otherwise engaged with traditional information sources.
Promoting Dialogue and Bridging Divides within Society: The panel discussion on how to engage with people holding different viewpoints, including the Russian-speaking community, helped foster social cohesion. The event, which focused on using art to initiate dialogue during times of war, promoted understanding and reduced polarization in Latvian society. This discussion benefited artists, cultural workers, and the general public, particularly those interested in improving communication between Latvian speakers and Russian-speaking minorities. The panel helped to lay the groundwork for more constructive conversations in the future, creating a space where differing opinions could be respectfully heard.
Collaboration Between Institutions and Artists: The partnership between the Latvian Center for Contemporary Art (LCCA) and the Pauls Stradins Medicine History Museum resulted in the successful blending of art and practical education. The use of comics as a tool for public engagement demonstrated that art can be an effective medium for conveying important messages. This collaboration also highlighted how cultural institutions can work together to address national security concerns in a creative and inclusive manner, benefiting both artists and cultural institutions involved in the project.
Long-Term Accessibility of Resources: The printed posters and comics remain available for free download from the museum and LCCA websites, ensuring that the project''s impact continues beyond its initial implementation. This long-term availability benefits future generations, schools, and individuals who may need this information in the future.
In summary, the project achieved tangible improvements in public preparedness for emergencies, facilitated greater societal dialogue, and created accessible, long-lasting educational materials. The beneficiaries included Latvian and Russian-speaking communities, adults and families, artists, cultural workers, and future generations who will continue to access the project’s resources.