The cultural gathering “Ar atvērtu sirdi uz Kalāčiem” brings together a lineup of literary figures, musicians, and filmmakers for a multidisciplinary celebration of contemporary arts.
The Bottom Line
- The Lineup: Features literary figures including Andris Akmentiņš, Ivars Šteinbergs, and Jānis Rokpelnis alongside music acts like Nostra and Matīss Barons.
- Immersive Programming: Includes the “Dzejas midzenis” poetry workshop, interactive writing sessions, and the “glāzi kino, lūdzu!” student short film showcase.
- Accessibility: Admission is free, requiring attendees to secure a digital pass via the Mobilly platform ahead of time.
Poetic Muscle and the Dzejas Midzenis Workshop
Things kick off with the “Dzejas midzenis,” a full-day poetic muscle-training workshop designed for twelve young authors. The intensive session culminates in a live performance.
Attendees aren’t just handed a program; they can dive straight into writing workshops and even book a “Randiņš ar dzejnieku” (Date with a Poet). Literary figures scheduled to appear include Anta Priedīte, Valters Liberts, Contra, Guntars Godiņš, Inga Pizāne, Krista Anna Belševica, Kirils Ēcis, Edvīns Raups, Anna Belkovska, Harijs Vagrants, Ilze Jansone, and Anna Sēruma.
Beyond the Page: Installations, Walks, and Scream Chambers
Literature shares space with physical activations this year. Festival-goers can drop by the kite-making workshop, brave the “kliegšanas kambaris” (scream chamber), or jump into the “Divi uz plosta” performance series.
For those looking to reframe the landscape, Dainas Domašūtes leads the “Skičpastaiga” (Sketch Walk), inviting participants to digest the environment through altered visual tones. Meanwhile, a panel discussion titled “Nāves bibliotēka” (The Library of Death) anchors the intellectual discourse of the weekend.
The Musical and Cinematic Soundscape
Music curation on the main Veidenfests stage refuses to stay in a single lane. Organizers promise a sonic identity described as “maigi melodiska, metāliski spēcīga un enerģiski spridzinoša” (gently melodic, metallically powerful, and energetically explosive).
That stylistic breadth comes alive through a diverse roster:
| Act / Segment | Category | Artistic Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Matīss Barons & Miķelis Kočāns | Live Music | |
| Gultņi & Krāsa | Live Music | |
| Vilhelmīne Žagata & Nostra | Live Music | |
| DJ Krankenwagen | Electronic | |
| …glāzi kino, lūdzu! | Film Showcase | Animation, games, and documentary shorts from LKA |
The cinematic component brings fresh blood to the forefront. The Latvian Academy of Culture (LKA) student showcase, titled …glāzi kino, lūdzu!, offers a curated window into the next generation of filmmaking through a mix of animation, games, and documentary shorts.
Navigating the Grounds
With doors open to anyone willing to heed the call—”Brauc pie mums ar atvērtu prātu un sirdi” (Come to us with an open mind and heart)—the event remains accessible. While entry costs nothing, securing a spot requires downloading a complimentary ticket via the Mobilly platform ahead of arrival.
Updates, schedule adjustments, and behind-the-scenes dispatches remain live on the festival’s official Facebook and Instagram channels.
Are you planning to brave the poetry workshops this season, or are you heading straight for the Veidenfests stage? Drop your thoughts below.
