Fonds Initium

INITIUM was founded in 2016 in Riga, Latvia as a platform for the production of contemporary art and culture projects. However, since 2018, the organization has expanded its focus to include the development of professional theater productions in collaboration with various social and geographical communities throughout Latvia. As part of Latvia's centenary celebrations in 2018 and 2019, INITIUM (with support of Latvian Ministry of Culture) collaborated with professional theater makers from around the world to develop over 10 productions and conduct more than 15 workshop sessions, exploring innovative methods of creating theater about and with specific communities. Today, INITIUM has three main directions: 1) The production of site-specific cultural events such as theater, dance, concerts, exhibitions, and installations in Latvia, the Baltic states, and Europe; 2) The organization and management of the Baltic Applied Theatre School, a joint venture between the three Baltic states and three partner organizations, which focuses on community-based art and culture projects, mainly in theater; 3) Neighborhood development through culture in the capital city of Riga. At INITIUM, our mission is to facilitate community development through the transformative power of arts and culture. By providing education and opportunities for individuals to discover and develop their creative voices, we aim to foster a sense of empowerment and agency among communities. We collaborate with communities to create and develop innovative theater productions that reflect their unique stories, perspectives, and experiences. Through these collaborative endeavors, we strive to promote social change and inspire a more inclusive and vibrant society.