From December 5 to 10, 2023, students of the Latvian Academy of Arts (AAL) participated in the international EuroFabrique forum.

The aim of the forum is to promote understanding of art on an international scale, simultaneously fostering excellence, the quality of higher art education, and international competitiveness.

This year, the forum took place in the city of Cluj-Napoca in Romania, bringing together over 170 students and art professionals from 19 European art schools, including those from Romania, France, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.

With a comprehensive program of events, including discussions and various creative workshops, the five-day forum invited young people to develop interdisciplinary concepts based on ancient world myths, specifically focusing on the theme of "The Kidnapping of Europe." Participants expressed their opinions on political events and issues in Europe.

Participation in the forum provided students with a new professional experience of working in teams and sharing ideas with students from other universities, gaining new creative inspiration. Institutionally, this event contributed to the international recognition of AAL and established new contacts.

The AAL team at this year's forum included: Development and Communication Department Head Jānis Gailītis, Exhibition Coordinator Inese Rozentāla, Practical Doctorate students Linda Vilka and Ansis Rozentāls, Master's Program students Anastasija Bikova, and Ēriks Caune.

EuroFabrique-Cluj is organized by: The French Institute in Romania, Transylvania Creative Industries Cluster, Mushuroi Creative Center, in collaboration with ANdEA - the National Association of Art and Design Schools in France.

The first EuroFabrique forum took place in 2022 in Paris during the French Presidency of the European Union Council, at the Grand Palais exhibition hall. At that time, the event brought together around 400 students from French and European art schools, representing creative industries such as art, design, film, theater, and music.

Photo: Stefan Badulescu, Andra Roman, Amanda Maier, Mirela Lostun, Alexandra Adoichitei, Mihai Doriana.