Contemporary photography platform ISSP launches a new European Union–funded two-year project – “Riga Neighborhoods Through the Lens – Inclusive Photo Walks for International Students.”

The contemporary photography, art, and education platform ISSP invites students from third countries to participate in a special series of photo walks that offer an opportunity to explore Riga through photography, discovering lesser-known places in the city and its local culture. The aim of the project is to promote the integration of students into Latvian society by providing opportunities to get to know the city, local communities, and cultural life, as well as to build connections with both local residents and other international students. The main target group is students from third countries, but local university students are also invited to participate.

Within the framework of the project, ISSP, in cooperation with representatives of Riga neighborhood associations, will organize 16 photo walks across 8 different neighborhoods of Riga, offering engaging and educational experiences led by a professional photographer. The walks will combine creative photography, exploration of neighborhoods from unusual perspectives, and social and cultural learning activities, including opportunities to meet and talk with local community members and to get acquainted with notable local documentary photographers.

Participants will document their impressions through photographs and written notes, which will be compiled in collaborative creative workshops, where participants will work together with professionals to create zines or small publications. At the end of the project, a participatory photo exhibition will be opened, where participants will share their experiences and present their work to the local community.

The project is implemented within the framework of the competition organized by the Ministry of Culture, “Activities that ensure an innovative approach to promoting integration processes,” and is carried out in cooperation with international student departments and student unions of Latvian universities.

The project is supported by the European Union, highlighting the importance of creative initiatives in promoting cultural exchange and intercultural integration among international students.

The first photo walk will take place on April 26 in Āgenskalns together with photographer Reinis Hofmanis – join and discover the city through photography! More information and registration coming soon.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDING BODY

The project “Riga Neighborhoods Through the Lense – Inclusive Photo Walks for International Students” is implemented with financial support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, specific objective No. 2 “Legal migration and integration,” activity No. 13.3 “Integration measures for third-country nationals promoting inclusion of the target group into society,” under “Activities that ensure an innovative approach to promoting integration processes.” The leading authority in Latvia is the Ministry of the Interior, and the delegated authority for integration matters is the Ministry of Culture.
Grant agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2025/1/12.