BAFF Dialogue Funded Projects

Tallinn Architecture Biennale TAB 2019

Location (country): Estonia
Implementing Organization: Estonian Centre for Architecture
Speaker: Elena Manferdini and Prof. Graham Herman
Project Dates: September 11-13, 2019

The 5th Tallinn Architecture Biennale TAB 2019 was titled “Beauty Matters; The Resurgence of Beauty” and it looked at the notion of beauty in post-digital architecture. The aim of TAB 2019 was to discuss the subject from different perspectives including science, mathematical physics, neurobiology, philosophy. In post-digital architecture, beauty is not a singular idea; beauty is many, and the architects’ task is to employ human decisions, thus augmenting digital gains.

At the heart of the main events programme is the TAB Symposium – a three-day lively architectural discussion that took place on 11-13th of September 2019 at the Tallinn Culture Hub. This year the Symposium took on a broader approach, brought together specialists from different fields and was looking at the way architects, scientists, mathematicians and philosophers define and measure beauty. With BAFF dialogue program support two distinguished scholars were invited to the event – architect Elena Manferdini and Prof. Graham Herman. Both gave a presentation and were included in a panel discussion on the main stage of the Symposium.

(Re)envisioning Multicultural Narva – Sound Residency by NART and IDA Radio

Location (country): Estonia
Implementing Organization: NGO IDA Radio
Speaker: Cameron Stallones (Sun Araw)
Project Dates: August 30- September 11, 2019

IDA Raadio in collaboration with Narva Art Residency invited Sun Araw to work on a creative music project in collaboration with an Estonian artist Maarja Nuut. The project aimed to bring creative minds to one of the most special cities in Estonia – to Narva and to host them at the historical building of Narva Art Residency at Krenholm district. The project carried a title: (Re)envisioning Multicultural Narva – Sound Residency by IDA Radio with a mission to highlight the values that a border town Narva has and has had historically through centuries: diversity, multicultural community, meeting point between different cultures (East and West; territories of Russia, Sweden etc). The project was first one in its’ kind offering a creative residency in a field of music, sound art and composition to a world recognized artist for a longer time period as well as different possibilities for further expression.

This residency started another important collaboration between Estonian IDA Radio and Dublab radio based in Los Angeles, California in which Cameron Stallones is involved in. As the mission of IDA and Dublab are very similar (first and foremost operating as a platform for artists, thinkers and creative minds) the cooperation is more than logical. This could not have happened without the residency. The two stations will collaborate on the recording, exchange shows and work towards making collaborative events together. As Dublab has been operating for more than 20 years, it is a very important role model for IDA and it’s managers. Through this collaboration Baltic artists will be introduced to listeners all around the US.

Audiovisual industry event “TV Series is a new cinematography”

Location (country): Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Audiovisual works copyright association AVAKA
Speaker: Neil Landau, scriptwriter, filmmaker
Project Dates: July 15-17, 2019

Audiovisual works copyright association AVAKA invited the prominent scriptwriter and filmmaker Neil Landau for a two-day project:

On the 1st day of the project the conference for audience of app 100 of audiovisual works creators, other interested parties, AVAKA members, scriptwriters, students of Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (Faculty of TV and Cinema) was organized at Martynas Mazvydas National Library. Neil Landau’s key-note presentation on trends on audiovisual market, TV series and films industry was presented, he shared his insights on scriptwriting as an introduction for participants of following days masterclass.

During the second and third days of the project Neil Landau conducted master classes on creation of scripts for TV series for 30 participants, scriptwriters, students, which were selected evaluating their interest and motivation.

Prof. Vaidotas Kažukauskas participation and lecturing at the conference “SPIE Optics +Photonics, Nanoscience + Engineering 2019″

Location (country): U.S.
Implementing Organization: Vilnius University
Speaker: Baltic Expert, Prof. Vaidotas Kažukauska
Project Dates: August 11-15, 2019

Prof. Vaidotas Kazukauskas from Vilnius University was invited to participate and present of an oral lecture at one of the most prestigious world conferences: SPIE Optics + Photonics, Nanoscience + Engineering 2019 which took place in San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, USA, on August 11-15, 2019

The title of prof. Kazukauskas’ talk was “Organic (nano-)photovoltaics: fundamental microscopic charge carrier transport and associated commercial situation”. It was presented at the Conference 11089 “Nanoengineering: Fabrication, Properties, Optics, Thin Films, and Devices XVI”, symposium “SPIE Nanoscience + Engineering”, session 5: “Nanostructured Devices and Thin Films I”, on August 12, 2019.

Besides the presentation prof. Kazukauskas had inspiring scientific discussion with leading scientists form various scientific institutions from around the world. Common points of interests that could lay a base for more in-depth scientific cooperation were also discussed, as well as topics of common investigations and topics of mutual interest.

17th world congress of the International Photodynamic Association

Location (country): U.S.
Implementing Organization: Vilnius University
Speaker: Baltic Expert Prof. Zivile Luksiene
Project Dates: June 28 – July 4, 2019

7th World congress of the International Photodynamic Association organizing committee invited Prof. Zivile Luksiene to attend the 7th World congress of the International Photodynamic Association in Cambridge, MA, and to give an oral presentation in the section “Environmental PDT”. Prof. Luksiene was also chairing one of the sessions of the congress.

Prof. Zivile Luksiene’s presentation dealt with innovative approach to control microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables in effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable way. This technology was develop for ten years and obtained results are very promising. During the discussions at the conference it was concluded that this new approach has great potential opening a new avenue for the development of the non-thermal, effective and ecologically friendly antimicrobial technology.

6th International Conference “The Holocaust Museums in XXI Century: Challenges and Opportunities”

Location (country): Latvia
Implementing Organization: Association Shamir
Speaker: Rabbi Dr. Menachem Barkahan
Project Dates: May 20-25, 2019

The 6th International Conference “The Holocaust Museums in XXI Century: Challenges and Opportunities” was organized by Association “Shamir” and Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum. Experts from 12 countries shared their knowledge, experience and developments in the field of preservation of the memory of the Holocaust. Dr. Karen Frostig took part in the Conference with a presentation of her project, dedicated to the memorialization of Jungfernhof concentration camp in Riga. Conference brought together 46 professionals (museum workers, historians, educators) who work to preserve the historical memory and they discussed the

22nd International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity 2019

Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
Organization: Latvian Academy of Sport Education
Speaker: Baltic Expert – Aija Kļaviņa
Project Dates: June 14-18, 2019

The International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA) was held at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States (U.S.) from June 14-18. More than 200 participants from about 40 countries participated in this event. Expert from Latvia, prof. Aija Kļaviņa had two presentations: The presentation on the effect of smartphone delivered interval walking training on physical activity and health variables for patients with type 2 diabetes and the second presentation Gross motor skill assessment in children with disability. Every year the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA) Fellows Recognition Program recognizes and promotes outstanding accomplishments by IFAPA members. This year professor Aija Kļaviņa was recognized with the Fellow Award on June 18 at the closing Award Luncheon at the ISAPA.

100 Years Centennial Economic and Entrepreneurial Teacher’s Conference

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Junior Achievement Lithuania
Speaker: Larry C. Farrell,Founder and Chairman of The Farrell Company

This year Junior Achievement is celebrating its centennial. For this occasion Junior Achievement Lithuania decided to organize „100 years JA Centennial Economic and Entrepreneurship Teachers Conference“ in Birstonas, Lithuania. 80 teachers from different towns met in this two days conference to learn new teaching methods, to hear couple of international speeches about the researches in entrepreneurship education field, thus acquire new knowledge, share good case practice and know-how in entrepreneurship education. The main lecture was presented by Larry Farrell from USA. Teachers learned good case practice in entrepreneurship education worldwide. Mr. Farrell has shared his insights based on 30 years of experience and research in the field of entrepreneurship. On June 4 Mr. Larry Farell also participated at the ceremony of signing of the Memorandum on the Establishment of the National Entrepreneurship Training Network that took place at the Ministry of Education and Science of Lithuania.

Sharing Experiences in Teaching Economics, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy in Estonia, Latvia and U.S.

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Junior Achievement Estonia
Speaker: Cynthia Harter, professor of economics in Eastern Kentucky University and Director of Centre for Economic Education Kentucky
Project Dates: June 1-11, 2019

In June 2019 Junior Achievement Estonia in collaboration with Junior Achievement Latvia organized workshops for Latvian and Estonian Teachers of Economics with the goal to share new trends in teaching and learning economics, entrepreneurship and financial literacy and online teaching methods. The U.S. speaker and trainer, Cynthia Harter, conducted a one-day workshop for the teachers in Riga on June 4th and 2-days workshop in Tallinn on June 6th-7th. There were 25 teachers from Latvia and 30 who will integrate the topics of the workshops and materials into the economics curricula. The teachers got many new tips about economics and teaching methods, focusing on active learning. They also refreshed their English economics vocabulary, understood better the cultural differences and exchanged contacts with US colleagues. Both JA organizations plan to use and share new teaching materials with other teachers in future workshops and online trainings for teachers in periphery areas of Estonia and Latvia.

The 27th PARE Annual Conference “GEAR CHANGE”

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Estonian Human Resource Management Association PARE
Speaker: Patty McCord
Project Dates: April 11-12, 2019

The 27th PARE Annual Conference “GEAR CHANGE” was focusing on Strategy, Leadership and Fulfillment, to inspire individuals in charge of people management to think about the situation in which they, their organizations and employees currently find themselves. There were over 300 participants and a wide range of international speakers. All together there were 11 presentations and 45 workshops held.

The keynote speaker was Patty McCord who is a former Chief Talent Officer of Netflix and the author of the book “Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility”. She is also known as a workplace innovator, culture and leadership consultant, who coaches and advises companies and entrepreneurs on building culture and the leadership to reinforce it. Patty McCord left the audience with the message: “Be radically honest and talk to your people. Know your business. Know your product. And always ask “Why?”.

RSU Research Week 2019

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Riga Stradins University
Speaker: Dr. biol. Michael Melkers
Project Dates: April 1-5, 2019

From April 1-5, 2019 Rīga Stradiņš University held the most significant scientific event to date – Research Week 2019. The international conference´s main theme was “Knowledge for Use in Practice”, with a focus on cardiovascular health, oncology and haematology, women’s and children’s health, infectious diseases, mental health and neurosciences, dentistry and pharmacy. Invited speaker from USA , Dr.biol. Michael Melkers, is an expert in Dentistry, Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Section Section. He participated in the conference, as well as provided practical lectures on treatment planning and occlusion in everyday dentistry.

High performance training and athlete mindset training by Kimberly Vandenberg

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Latvian Swimming Federation
Speaker: Kimberly Vandenberg
Project Dates: September 27 – September 30, 2018

Seminar “High performance training and athlete mindset training” led by former Olympic medalist and world champion Kimberly Vandenberg (USA), took place in Riga, Latvia from 27th till 30th of September. The first two days were dedicated to clinics for coaches where participated more than 40 swimming coaches (including 3 from Estonia and 2 from Lithuania), 24 students of Latvian Academy of Sport Education master’s and doctoral studies. The focus in the clinics were on impact of mental wellness and stability on racing performance. This topic was discussed in combination with swimming technique and drills.

During next days Kimberly met Latvian young athletes and shared her experience and journey to the Olympic medals. Kimberly explained how they were training, competing and how important is to work with yourself and your motivation. She also gave good examples of mindset trainings during all season.

LegalTech in the Legal Education and Legal Industry

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Mykolas Romeris University
Speakers: Prof. Daniel Martin Katz, Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago Kent College of Law

Project Dates: May 11, 2018

On May 11, 2018 Mykolas Romeris University together with the program “Create Lithuania” in partnership with Vilnius City Municipality and BAFF, organized a contemporary law conference “Vilnius Legal Tech 2018”. For the first time in Lithuania the legal and IT practitioners and academic community in Lithuania were acquainted with the concept of LegalTech and its practical implementation in the American and European contexts. The key-note presentation by Prof. Daniel M. Katz Main focused on the main directions of LegalTech – big data management, artificial intelligence/machine learning in law, predictive analytics, practice/court judgment management, e-discovery, contract analytics, tools for automated human rights applications, and many more. Prof. Katz’s presentation inspired several follow up publications on LegalTech concepts. Prof. Katz also provided M. Romeris University with the consultations on establishment and operations of the Vilnius Legal Tech Centre and its future development.

MASTERCLASS with casting directors Nancy Bishop and Kim Swanson

Implementing Organization: Nerutina
Speakers: Nancy Bishop and Kim Swanson, Casting Society of America
Project Dates: November 10 – 12, 2018

American casting directors Nancy Bishop and Kim Swanson conducted an open panel discussion on “Casting across the Borders” that took place on November 10, 2018 at Marynas Mazvydas National Library. Panel was free and open event for industry people. There were 70 participants from Lithuania, Latvia,Estonia, Germany and Poland. On November 11 – 12, 2018, two different workshops (Techniques for Auditioning and Acting by Nancy Bishop and How To Work A Room by Kim Swanson) took place at Menu spaustuve and Kaukiu akademija. The audience of this events was a group of 20 professional actors from the Baltics, Poland and Germany, and 20 observers (casting directors, directors, actors). The classes were designed to teach and share many professional tips, as well as the masterclasses included a series of practical exercises.

Narva – Detroit: Postindustrial Cities on the Border – Where to?

Location: Estonia
Implementing organization: Narva Art Residency
Speakers: Dopplereffekt
Project Dates: August 24-25, 2018

The first laboratory “NARVA – DETROIT: Post-industrial Cities on the Border – Where to?” brought together the Narva community with international guests from Detroit, as well as from neighbouring cities such as Helsinki and Riga. Narva and Detroit share many similarities: both are border cities, are built around a river, possess a crumbling industrial base entwined with a shrinking population. The event aimed to activate urban spaces by organizing and establishing an international platform for the study of urban geography. The urban laboratory critically examined the paradigm of urban transformation in regard to its potentialities and opportunities. The laboratory explored the possibilities of adapting to social and economic change by asking: what can Narva learn from city like Detroit? The event consisted of a symposium (of four panel discussions), exhibition, urban installation, city tours, facilitating workshops, flea-market, open studios of artists-in-residency and concert program featuring electronic duo Dopplereffekt from Detroit and many other DJs. The invited artist duo Dopplereffekt is considered to be inimitable electro duo that is one of the most mysterious, thrilling and consistently challenging entities in electronic music.

Animal assisted intervention – the American experience, theory and practice in Estonia

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Estonian Nature and Animal Assisted Therapy Center
Speaker: Prof. Philip Tedeschi
Project Dates: October 3 – 6, 2018

Philip Tedeschi is the executive director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection and a clinical professor at the Graduate School of Social Work at The University of Denver. He is globally recognized for expertise in the clinical methods of animal-assisted interventions and he has many years of experience in non-traditional therapeutic approaches with children, adults and families. On the first week of October Philip Tedeschi visited Estonia to share his experience and knowledge. He was invited here by the Estonian Nature and Animal Assisted Therapy Center to give lectures and workshops for the local specialists who are using animal assisted intervention methods in their work. The events provided valuable perspectives for future improvements in the field, widened the view of the opportunities the topic has to offer and added a proof-based approach to the field.

FADGI digitisation guidelines trainings in Estonia by Don Williams

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Estonian Photographic Heritage Society
Speaker: Mr. Don Williams
Project Dates: October 15 – 19, 2018

Don Williams, an imaging scientist (Image Science Associates, USA) and a top specialist in a specific field, was invited to Estonia by Estonian Photographic Heritage Society to teach about cultural heritage digitization quality assurance. There were workshops, symposium and a public lecture held, also visits to digitization centres. The timing of the events with Don Williams was very important in Estonia as in March 2018 the national digitization action plan for the next 5 years was signed and large mass digitization projects are in the preparation phase. The FADGI digitization quality assurance and assessment methods that the trainings covered have been already or will be written in the technical specifications of the tenders. Also a vivid discussion on the topic has been sparked among the Estonian memory institutions and our ministry of culture about the issue of quality control in the digitization of cultural heritage.

Band HAZMAT MODINE concert

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: GM Gyvai
Speakers: Band HAZMAT MODINE
Project Dates: June 12-13, 2017

In June 2017 public institution “GM Gyvai” (“Good Music Life”) invited a band from the U.S. – “Hazmat Modine a well-known New York based band which represents American roots, traditional music and world music. The GM Gyvai organized two concerts and a workshop in the Day Care centre of Kirtimai, Vilnius, for the kids of the Roma community families and other socially deprived families of the neighbourhood. The purpose of this workshop was to show a variety of life opportunities, different cultures, opportunity to play with musical instruments, improve English and encourage the kids to learn and to seek for education. The kids who attended the workshop were also invited to one of the concerts that took place in two major cities of Lithuania – Vilnius and Kaunas, and were very warmly accepted by the audiences.

LOGIN 2017

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Inovacijų agentūra
Speaker: Shama Hyder, CEO, “Marketing Zen Group”
Project Dates: May 24-26, 2017

LOGIN is the largest tech and innovations festival in the Baltic States. LOGIN 2017 attracted more than 6.000 participants from Lithuania and beyond and it created the greatest IT “buzz” in the region. The festival took place in various locations downtown in Vilnius, and consisted of four different segments – LIGIN conference, LOGIN Startup Fair, LOGIN Game Fest, and Telia Business Summit @ LOGIN. Thanks to BAFF LOGIN 2017 orginizers brought one of the keynote speakers, Shama Hyder, a visionary strategist for the digital age, known as the “Zen Master of Marketing” by Entrepreneur Magazine and the “Millennial Master of the Universe” by Fast Company. Shama delivered a keynote titled “Leadership in the Digital Age”. Shama’s keynote attracted an audience of over a few hundred people and encouraged many young Lithuanians to follow their dreams and aim for the best.

Samuel Bak Museum

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum
Speakers: Samuel Bak, artst, painter, Weston, Massachusetts
Project Dates: November 14-20, 2017

Samuel Bak Museum was opened in the premises of the Tolerance Center of the Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum. BAFF supported the opening of the Museum so that painter Samuel Bak, Vilnius born artist, survivor of Holocaust, could attend the opening of the museum in person. The first exposition space with 37 works of art, dating from the first half of the XX century until the first decade of the XXI century, was opened on November 16, 2017. According to the trilateral agreement with Samuel Bak and the Pucker Gallery the 37 works of art were donated to the museum once the first exposition space was opened, and 88 more works, which will provide the opportunity to change and renew the exhibitions, will be donated later. Samuel Bak also conducted the painting master class for the students of the Academy of Arts in Vilnius. On November 15, 2017 Vilnius Mayor presented the Honorary Citizen of Vilnius title to Samuel Bak at the official ceremony in the Town Hall of Vilnius.

The Camp Abilities – Baltics, 2017

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Latvian Academy of Sport Education
Speaker: Prof. Lauren J. Lieberman
Project Dates: July 31 – August 6, 2017

The mission of Camp Abilities is to empower and teens with visual impairments to be physically active and productive members of their schools, cities and communities. The camp was organized for 22 children with visual impairment (age 10-18 years). All participants were offered 15 different sport activities and invited professor Dr. Lauren J. Lieberman provided practical and theoretical assistance. In addition one-day seminar and workshop was organized as a part of camp for in-service physical education teachers, sports instructors about Adapted Physical Activities (APA) for persons with disabilities. The continuation of the collaboration between volunteers, teachers and/ or instructors trained during the camp and workshop will be maintained through dissemination activities such as training seminars for in-service sport, education and health professionals.

4th Latvian Permaculture Festival

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Society Kulturys studeja Speiga
Speaker: Mike Larrivee
Project Dates: August 10 – 15, 2017

The Latvian Permaculture Festival is an event where people who introduce sustainability principles into local communities can meet and share their experience. In 2017 the festival was organized by the society “Kulturys studeja Speiga” in collaboration with the Latvian Permaculture Association where the goal of the festival was to bring to life the ideas of permaculture/sustainable living in the local communities of the Baltic States and find the most effective implementation model. During the Festival invited lecturer Mike Larrivee led 2 guest lectures, besides that there were a lot of individual consultations and discussions about sustainable land management. In addition, also practical compost-tea making seminar was organized.

Invited lecture at 8th International Colloquium on Modeling for Material Processing

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: University of Latvia
Speaker: prof. Jeffrey J Derby
Project Dates: September 21-22, 2017

The 8th International scientific colloquium on Modeling for Materials Processing is a traditional scientific event organized by the University of Latvia. The results presented at the colloquium covered recent numerical and experimental research activities in the field of industrial processing technologies for creating new and alternative materials, materials of highest quality and purity and new innovative products. Special session in this colloquium was devoted to mathematical modeling of crystal growth. Invited prof. Jeffrey Derby is very experienced researcher in field of mathematical modeling, especially in crystal growth. His presentation was also very encouraging for young students because it included such topics as “experiments in space”, “simulations of crystal growth” and touched both macroscopic and microscopic phenomena.

Supporting Students = Supporting Teachers

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Riga Valdis Zālītis Primary School
Speaker: Dr. Barbara C. Cruz
Project Dates: June 9-15, 2017

At the end of academic school year 2017, Riga Valdis Zalitis Primary School organized a one week program Supporting Students = Supporting Teachers for teachers, teacher educators and school administrators. The program centered on five critical topics: Creating a positive classroom environment; Teacher effectiveness – The top characteristics of successful teachers; Active hand-on learning for all students; Home-School-Community relations and Avoiding teacher burnout. Each of these topics were presented and examined with participants, invited to reflect deeply on their own practice and encouraged to incorporate new concepts and strategies when they returned to their schools. In addition to seminars, Dr. Cruz gave also a public lecture to the Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art at the University of Latvia.

Anna Kat’s public lecture and seminar, in conjunction to the summer residency Trauma&Revival

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Association “KIM?”, Contemporary Art Centre
Speaker: Anna Kats
Project Dates: July 13-14, 2017

Public program by researcher, critic and Curatorial Assistant at Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Anna Kats was a part of the summer residency Trauma & Revival. Contemporary Encounters organized by Kim? Contemporary Art Centre in July, 2017. The public lecture and seminar led by Anna Kats was in line with an exhibition that was being co-organized by Anna Kats at MoMA in New York. In her lecture Anna Kats discussed American and Western European perceptions of modernist architecture in Eastern Europe as a basis for addressing problems concerning 20th century history narratives. The talk was followed by a seminar at the Art Academy of Latvia. Project activities were also attended by visitors from Lithuania and Estonia as well as partners from Europe and Russia.

Youth media summer school Young Media Sharks 2017 Location: Latvia

Implementing Organization: NGO Avantis
Speaker: Kris Mathur
Project Dates: August 8-15, 2017

The summer camp Young Media Sharks 2017 offered intense practical workshops, lectures and seminars for young people lead by the industry professionals. Furthermore, three working labs were developed, each lead by 2mentors, through which the youth, working in groups of 4, developed specific projects in Advertising and Investigative journalism and social media. The participants were taught the basic principles of advertising and investigate journalism, explained the different aspects of it, inspired by the best examples and asked to create their own ideas – present them, develop them and execute them into real projects. During the week-long intense summer school, youngsters gained skills and knowledge about debate art, self-presentation, critical thinking, media literacy, and gained practical and theoretical knowledge various media professions and learned to use the modern tools for representing culturally and socially important topics.

Tallinn Design Week 2017, Design Culture Seminar

Location: Estonia
Implementing organization: MTÜ Disainiöö
Speakers: Deborah Alden and Tara St James from the Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator
Project Dates: September 28-29, 2018

The Design Night Festival was held at the Noblessner Submarine Factory in Tallinn from 25th of September until the first of October 2017. An average of 5000 people visited the location and other related sites to enjoy a week’s worth of design themed exhibitions, presentations, seminars, markets and pop-up stores. Invited speaker Deborah Alden performed at the Design Culture Seminar where specialists from different countries debated about the development of design culture in society. Deborah introduced the virtues of BF+DA and why their model is different from other similar creative incubator, offering in house production, showrooms and mentoring. The second guest Tara St James took stage at the Future Textile Seminar where she and three other speakers about different practices in the future of textiles. The topics included the obvious symbiosis of fabrics and technology, but also the future of consumption from fiber to finished products. In addition to visiting and participating at the design week’s program, the guests took part of a field trip to different production facilities outside of Tallinn.

 The Latest Developments in Crisis Intervention

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Crisis and Counseling Center “Skalbes”
Speaker: Jeffrey T. Mitchell
Project Dates: October 6 – 7, 2016

Professor Jeffrey T. Mitchell (University of Maryland, Baltimore, and President Emeritus of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation) presented his lecture at the University of Latvia before crisis intervention professionals (i.e. psychologists, medical professionals, social workers, police and fire rescue officials), students and faculty members. The event was a two-day seminar and workshop for psychologists, crisis counselors, social workers, psychotherapists, psychology educators and students from Lithuania and Estonia. The seminar focused on the mechanism of providing individual and group support, not only for civilians, but also for emergency services professionals, who often suffer from secondary traumatization as a result of their assistance to others in crisis situations. This was a tremendous opportunity for professionals to draw on from the Professor’s extensive experience in the field, while learning about the most up-to-date techniques in crisis intervention methods and reflecting on their own previous cases of crisis intervention.

International Conference “Digital Freedom Festival”

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Nordic Reputation Hub
Project Dates: November 27 – 29, 2016

The Digital Freedom Festival (DFF), an annual international event covering topics like technology, policy, start-ups and lifestyle, brings together start-up entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, journalists and students from across the globe to Riga for a glimpse of the newest and latest technologies. This festival becomes a platform for exploring way for collaboration between the public, policymakers and entrepreneurs, while harnessing the advantages of technology. The event also facilitates discussion amongst all stakeholders on how to make the world a better place, and how the benefits of the digital revolution can be enjoyed by every member of society. The program touched upon a range of themes, including e-governance, shared economy, smart cities, cybersecurity, and start-up development. Discussions on digital freedom, a meaningful use of technologies, and investor pitching was also part of the agenda. In addition, the festival featured several supplementary events, such as a start-up pitching competition, masterclasses and speed-dating with investors.

Lectures and Seminar on Contemporary Problems with White Etching Crack Failure Mode in Wind Turbine Bearings

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: University of Latvia
Speaker: Dr. Aaron Greco
Project Dates: September 19 – 23, 2016

Lectures and a seminar were led by Dr. Aaron Greco within the course “Specialization Seminar on Macroscopic Phenomena II: Problems of Environmental and Technological Processes” (Master’s program in physics). The lectures provided an introduction to physical and engineering aspects of rolling/sliding contact, offered an overview of failure modes experienced by wind turbine bearings, and included a seminar. The audience enjoyed and benefited from the lectures as well as the follow-up discussion. The workshop concluded with a discussion about contemporary views on the discussed failure mode. The event was very important for students mastering in Physics at University of Latvia, since applied mechanics are generally presented in the study program in a fragmented manner. Students were given the unique opportunity to hear a general overview of the topic from the experienced researcher and active scientist. The presentations and lecture notes were also shared with the course tutor for further use in the course.

Scientific-Practical Conference “Sexual Abuse: Problems and Solutions”

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Lithuanian Mental Health Institute
Speaker: Dr. David Hof, Dr. Daniel Hof
Project Dates: September 22-26, 2016

The one-day conference “Sexual Abuse: Problems and Solutions” was held on September 23, 2016, in Kaunas, Lithuania. The conference was jointly coordinated by the Lithuanian Mental Health Institute and Vytautas Magnus University, Department of Psychology and Psychological Clinic. 198 professionals (students, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and teachers) attended the event. The first portion of the conference consisted of a scientific discussion about sexual abuse in Lithuania. The second portion was a practical workshop featuring two US experts, Dr. David Hof and Dr. Daniel Hof, who introduced potential solutions and provided conference participants with some practical skills for working with sex offenders. On September 26, a group of 26 participants (students and faculty members of VMU) attended Dr. David Hof and Dr. Daniel Hof’s lecture “Wellness in the Helping Profession”. Psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists and counselors were introduced to a counseling protocol which could be directly utilized in their treatment of sex offender patients or victims of sexual abuse. The conference stressed the immediate connection between sexual victimization and future sexual abuses. The conference will encourage mental health specialists to take on sex offenders as their patients, and will help to improve mental health services for patients with various sexual problems.

Physical Activity Policy for Children

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Lithuanian Sports University
Speaker: Prof. Monica Lounsbery
Project Dates: October 10 – 14, 2016

U.S. researcher, Prof. Dr. Monica Lounsbery, enlightened students and faculty members with her knowledge of physical activity policy for the schools, about the process of evaluating and implementing such policies, and how to establish collaboration amongst Baltic universities and institutions. Lithuanian Sports University hosted a series of meetings where Prof. Lounsbery appeared before LSU students, Physical Education teachers, LSU authorities and faculty members, and representatives of various Lithuanian governmental institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Health. Representatives of Physical Education teachers from the University of Tartu and Latvian Academy of Sports Education were also among the attendees. Her visit spawned a research collaboration between the LSU and California State University which will focus on physical activity in children. In addition, with a collaboration involving the Ministry of Education and Science, physical activity policy in Lithuanian schools is expected to be viewed as part of the school health index, and changes in physical activity policy are on the horizon.

Dan Hamilton’s Research Workshop on Political Science and Society: “Relevance of political science in contemporary society: bridging the gap between academia and policymaking” and Public Lecture “The state of transatlantic relations and the possible impact of US presidential elections”

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University
Speakers: Daniel Hamilton
Project dates: September 26-28, 2016

Dr. Daniel Hamilton, Executive Director of the Center for Transatlantic Relations for John Hopkins University SAIS, led the week-long methodological workshop “Relevance of political science in contemporary society: bridging the gap between academia and policymaking” for PhD students and faculty members at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University (Lithuania). In addition, he gave his public lecture, “The state of transatlantic relations and possible impact of US presidential elections”, at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University (Lithuania), at Riga Stockholm School of Economics (Latvia), and at Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu (Estonia). There were several motivations behind this lecture event, the first being the significant and forthcoming change in U.S. foreign policy with the looming Presidential elections. Mr. Daniel Hamilton’s visit happened less than two months before the presidential elections, when the Democratic and Republican candidates had already received their party’s nominations, and both campaigns were in full swing. Thus, the theme was a hotly-debated topic among Baltic top-ranking politicians, political scientists, academics and the public. Mr. Hamilton’s lecture provided a very welcome and well-informed platform for exchanging opinions and hearing academic insights from an expert in the field for over 30 years. In the lecture, Mr. Hamilton focused on various contingencies for each candidate, and the implications of their victories for the transatlantic and European economic and security agendas.

International Seminar “Kinesiology of the Hip and Shoulder: Establishing Foundations for Physical Therapy Assessment and Treatment”

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Lithuanian Sports University
Speakers: Dr. Donald A. Neumann
Project dates: November 18-28, 2016

The Lithuanian Sports University hosted Dr. Donald A. Neumann of Marquette University for the International seminar “Kinesiology of the Hip and Shoulder: Establishing Foundations for Physical Therapy Assessment and Treatment”. LSU Physical Therapy students and professionals were also able to attend other related seminars and expert talks in the schedule of events. The Physical Therapy seminar was geared towards practicing physical therapy clinicians, and highlighted intermediate and advanced concepts of clinical kinesiology. Example pathokinesiology case studies incited fruitful discussion on possible diagnoses and treatments. This project and the experience shared by Dr. Neumann resulted in the formation and incorporation of an Advanced Kinesiology course into LSU’s study program, as well as a discussion on acquiring laboratory equipment for kinesiology research.

The Symposia “Multiple Myeloma 2016 – State of The Art”

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu
Speakers: Prof. Nikhil Munshi, Dr. Rao Prabhala, Dr. Masood Shammas, post-doctoral fellow Subodh Kumar
Project dates: September 9, 2016

The goal of the symposium was to fortify the scientific collaboration between Prof. Hele Evearus’s research group from Tartu University and Prof. Nikhil Munshi’s group from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, thus, in turn, improving the likelihood of survival for myeloma patients in Estonia. Students, PhD students and researchers who attended Prof. Munshi’s state-of-the-art lecture learned about the new diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma, and discussed other related topics, such as the U.S. guidelines on multiple myeloma, or the latest drug treatments. A mutual agreement to continue scientific research was secured between Prof. Munshi’s and Prof. Evearus’s group: young researchers from TU will be welcomed to do scientific research in Prof. Munshi’s group, and applications to foundations like BAFF are encouraged.

Civil-Military Relations: Political, Sociological and Theoretical Perspectives

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: University of Tartu
Speakers: Dr. Rebecca Schiff
Project dates: November 14-15, 2016

A two-day event at two venues in Tartu (the Baltic Defense College and the University of Tartu) featured Dr. Rebecca Schiff, from the U.S. Naval War College, who presented theories on civil-military relations and their political, sociological and theoretical perspectives. Participants included civil servants from the Baltic Defense College representing all three Baltic States, as well as members of Tallinn University, University of Tartu, the Estonian Ministry of Defense, the Estonian Defense Forces, the Estonian Defense League, the Women´s Voluntary Defense Organization, the Estonian War College and the University of Copenhagen. The lectures centered around Dr. Schiff´s Concordance Theory, and concluded with interactive discussions between the students from all three Baltic countries and Denmark. Participants also brainstormed solutions to two hypothetical case studies: one in a world with NATO and another one in a world without NATO.

Training for Trainers and Teachers of Economics and Entrepreneurship

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Junior Achievement
Speakers: Prof. John Brock
Project dates: October 24-30, 2016

Junior Achievement Estonia hosted a workshop training event for economics and entrepreneurship teachers and trainers under the guidance of Prof. John Brock from the University of Colorado. The main objective was to highlight new learning and teaching methods for Estonian teachers. John Brock demonstrated various active learning methods for teaching basic entrepreneurship concepts, and showed how education and economic knowledge can facilitate the job-hunting or start-up processes. Teachers were introduced to various methods for integrating economics and entrepreneurship into their lessons. The 40 trainers and teachers who participated in the workshop plan to incorporate their new-found knowledge and skills into their classrooms in Estonia. Many teaching materials have been translated and adapted into the Estonian language as a financial support towards achieving this goal.

US-Estonia Film Mentorship Program @19th Black Nights Film Festival & Industry@Tallinn

Location: Estonia
Speakers: John Heinsen, CEO & Executive Producer, Bunnygraph Entertainment; Brian Yuzna, Director & Producer (Reanimator, Beyond, Society); John Von Thaden, Vice President of Acquisitions, Magnolia Pictures; Ian Hollander, Associate Programmer, Tribeca Film Festival; David Traub, Technology Visionary, Producer, Venture Capital Investor, Epiphany Film Fund
Implementing Organization: NGO Black Nights Film Festival
Project dates: November 14 – 19, 2015

The US-Estonia Film Mentorship program was a 4-day networking, training and consultation project organized by the industry office to the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival during the annual Industry@Tallinn summit. Skills and know-how were shared through mentor-oriented deliveries, panel discussions and workshops. During the program, Estonian and visiting talents from across Europe engaged in private meetings with mentors, while meaningful connections between the Baltic region and the US independent film sector were secured for future partnerships.

Baltic Experts

Speaker: Dr. Saulius Grybkauskas
Home Institution: Lithuanian Institute of History
Presentation: “Kremlin Agencies on the Soviet Periphery” at the Hoover’s Workshop on Totalitarian Regimes, Hoover Institution, Stanford University (California)
Location: Lithuania
Project Dates: July 19 – 31, 2015

Every year, Hoover’s Workshop on Totalitarian Regimes invites leading scholars from the U.S., Europe and Asia who specialize in researching the history, economy and political development of Eastern Europe and China. By bringing together the scholars who study the various regimes, the workshop promotes the comparative study of modes of personal dictatorship, of institutions of coercion and repression, and of the economic and social consequences of totalitarian rule. In his presentation, Kremlin Agencies on the Soviet Periphery, Dr. Grybkauskas offered an overview of his research on soviet industrial management, KGB, nomenklatura networks, and second party secretaries of Communist parties in soviet Baltic republics. The Workshop provided a prime opportunity for presenters and attendees to share research with leading scholars of soviet history, to network with academics as well as the managers from Hoover Institution Press.

Speaker: Ms. Lina Gervinskaite-Paulaitiene
Home Institution: Vilnius University
Presentation: An Exploratory Study of Attachment Representations in Fostered Lithuanian Children at the International Attachment Conference 2015, the New School, University Center, New York (NY)
Project Dates: August 6 – 8, 2015

The 7th International Attachment Conference (IAC) was held for the first time outside of Europe. The New York City IAC brought together scholars, students, and mental health professionals advocating for current advances in developmental, clinical, and social psychology, neuroscience, nursing, psychiatry, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and allied disciplines. All attendees shared the common belief of the fundamental importance of interpersonal relationships, the foundation being a secure and responsive caregiver helping infants to regulate their arousal and distress. Lina Gervinskaite’s presentation focused on the degree in which attachment figures and attachment relationships are manifested in children with adverse experiences in their life, and how the possible influence of culture can be evident in attachment narratives of Lithuanian examples. The conference provided opportunities for networking, exchanges of ideas, for envisaging prospective joint research projects or publications, or for sharing research results.

Speaker: Ms. Mai Uibu, Senior Research Scientist at Tallinn University of Technology
Presentation: “Utilization of oil shale ash as a concrete constituent and carbon sink” at The Fifth International Conference on Accelerated Carbonation for Environmental and Material Engineering in New York City, USA.
Home Institution: Tallinn University of Technology
Project dates: June 21 – 24, 2015

The objective of the conference series was to communicate and discuss the latest advances in the theoretical and applied research on accelerated carbonation of various types of natural materials and industrial residues. The aim of the conference was also to promote mineral carbonation in the context of carbon capture and storage. Mai Uibu was a featured presenter in the ACEME 2015 conference, which was specifically focused on CO2 mineralization, and organized by the world’s leading scientists in the field of carbon capture, storage and utilization. She introduced Estonia`s input into these fields, and expounded her original research results in an oral presentation “Utilization of oil shale ash as a concrete constituent and carbon sink”.

A Cycle of Seminars “Argumentation in Science Education”

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: The Center for Science and Mathematics Education of University of Latvia in collaboration with Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
Speaker: Prof. Jonathan Osborne
Project Dates: November 9 – 15, 2015

The cycle of seminars “Argumentation in Science Education” led by Professor Osborne established sustainable cooperation and fostered the exchange of ideas between education experts from the U.S. and Latvia. The seminars enabled the speaker and a number of STEM teachers, teacher educators, researchers, lecturers, undergraduates, PhD students and education experts in Latvia to share their experience and good practices, to develop their understanding about argumentative competence in science education in Latvia and the United States. The Professor’s visit in Riga helped to develop the professional capacity of teacher educators, researchers and lecturers on topics concerning not only argumentation in science education, but also broader issues of continuous professional development for teachers. Professor Osborne also led sessions on argumentation in science education, including topics such as the dialogic approach to teaching science, Next Generation Science Standards in the United States, approaches on how to improve teachers’ capacity to develop argumentative competence, methods on how to improve student understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry, and catalyzing comprehension through discussion and debate.

International Conscious Governance Forum: Leading The Systemic Social Change. Frames and Lessons of The Socio-economic Reforms.

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Association of Persons with disabilities of Lithuania
Speaker: Professor Emeritus William R. Torbert
Project Dates: September 21 – 25, 2015

International Conscious Governance Forum was organized to bring the Globally Renown and Awarded Transformational Leadership Professor William R. Torbert to Lithuania and to facilitate the workshop with his team. On the basis of the information presented at The Forum and The Secondary seminar, the first cross-sectoral social service cluster had been initiated in the district of Kaisiadorys, including 10 various stakeholders, representing social service institution, municipality, schools and other. The initiative group of the cluster developed significant dialogue that enabled participants to see cross-sector collaboration opportunities. The cluster will be a pilot model to solve challenging problem – the implementation of the systemic Socio-economic reforms: from Institutional to community-based Care strategies.

Methodological seminars EU Institutional design and political economy: research instruments and up-to-date research problems and public lecture

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Vilnius University
Speaker: Professor Craig Parsons
Project Dates: September 14 – 17, 2015

The visit of professor Craig Parsons (Oregon University, USA) to the Baltic States conducting methodological seminars for PhD and MA students and faculty members and a public lecture “Think the US Market Is More Unified and Liberalized than the EU? Think again!”. Prof. Parsons questioned statements that USA economy is an example of well-functioning, highly integrated and liberalized economic model and showed that both EU and USA can learn from each other to become more competitive and sophisticated economies. In the context of the negotiations between EU and USA on Transatlantic free trade agreement it was highly relevant to get a deeper and more comprehensive knowledge of both entities’ economic models and differences of regulations among various economic sectors. In addition, this visit of professor boosted students’ interest in such study fields as: transatlantic relations, a state role in the economy, political economy, institutions and economic models of the European Union. Furthermore, students and academic staff of all 3 institutions have had an opportunity to broaden their knowledge in USA internal market regulations as well in up-to-date scientific research design. Enhanced knowledge will enable to conduct more sophisticated research and provide better recommendations for policy makers.

Contribution of renewables in energy security

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University
Speaker: Professor Arunachala Nadar Mada Kannan
Project Dates: October 12 – 18, 2015

The Institute of Energy Systems and Environment at Riga Technical University organized lectures and discussions on the latest innovations in the field of energy and environmental protection, delivered by Professor A.M. Kannan from Arizona State University. The event fostered the exchange of scientific ideas and supported diffusion of innovations. Professor Kannan has an extensive experience in the field of renewable energy technologies as well as designing complex engineering systems. The scientific classification of Professor Kannan is best outlined by the vast number of scientific publications – 73 of these are indexed in SCOPUS and 57 in ISI Web of Science databases (the largest scientific bibliography databases used in European universities). The continuity and wider geographical coverage of scientific ideas in the field of energy security and renewables carried out by conference attendees, since the methodologies developed, used and presented in the event by Professor Kannan will be applied for further case studies in Baltic States region, both by students and academic staff. This opportunity increased state-of – the – art in the modelling practices and will develop scientific excellence.

Cross cultural dialogue “Dare to Share"

Location: Lithuania
Implementing Organization: Urban Dance Theater – Low air
Speaker: Ronald K. Brown, Evidence, A Dance Company
Project Dates: August 25-September 14th, 2014

The project aimed to inspire the next generation to the art of dance. The invited choreographer, Mr. Ronald A. Williams, is considered to be one of the most influential artists in the U.S. Mr. Williams shared his knowledge and individual experience in various cultures. After the workshops, additional discussions were held with the aim to create a network among young professionals from the Baltics and the U.S. and invite young artists to participate in activities related to social matters.

The Riga Conference 2014

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: LATO (Latvian Transatlantic Organization)
Project Dates: September 12-13th, 2014

The Riga Conference 2014, the 9th annual high-level meeting of local and global security policy-makers and experts in Riga, convened during the 10th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to NATO and the EU. Throughout the two conference days, participants debated a number of topics: the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, the widening schism between Russia and the West on European security and the post-Cold War order, the state of the North Atlantic alliance after the Wales Summit and in the wake of the draw-down in Afghanistan, and what is next for the EU Eastern Partnership countries and what progress can be expected by the Riga Eastern Partnership Summit. The Conference was significant to express regional views on current events in the global agenda and how the Baltic States are affected by regional conflicts. Regionally the Conference served as an important background to promote the regional interests and priorities in foreign and defense policy. With the support of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation program, the Baltic-American Dialogue organizers were able to extend co-operation and exchange ideas with U.S. experts an important factor from both sides.

Lectures on construction safety, quality and productivity for students and professionals

Location: Latvia
Implementing Organization: Riga Technical University (RTU)
Speaker: Dr. Mumtaz Usmen, Wayne State University
Project Dates: September 20-27th, 2014

On September 21-27, 2014 Riga Technical University organized lectures on construction safety, quality and productivity. The invited speaker was Professor Mumtaz Usmen from Wayne State University in the U.S. The main audience included students, local professionals, and representatives from the Baltic region. In addition, there was a public lecture on the topic of “Construction Failures: Causal Factors and Prevention.” During the event Professor Usmen analyzed real cases and talked about the experience U.S. specialists had gained and how such cases led to change of the law in order to prevent accidents of that nature in the future.

Change Management in social services sector

Location: Estonia
Implementing Organization: Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Centre and Valakupiai Vocational Rehabilitation Centre
Speaker: Allyson McDonald
Project Dates: October 2014 and February 2015

The main aim of this project was to carry out a training program for managers of 2 vocational rehabilitation providers from Estonia and Lithuania. The training program combined theoretical information provided by Ph.D. Fred R. McFarlane with practical change initiatives proposed by the participants in the training. The above allows more effective change management in the future, as participants gained skills necessary to manage projects in a very well-analyzed manner and avoid potential problems. The first training session was held in Tallinn on October 28-30, 2014 and the main topics were:

• “Organizations and the constant changes and developments that are occurring in our Environments”

• “The four frames for organizational change: structural, human resource, political and symbolic”

• “The change model including the four frames, the open systems planning approach and the areas of impact for organizational change”

• “How do we use our organizational knowledge to insure relevancy and focus?”

• “ Employee engagement, its importance and a discussion of strategies to address your colleagues”

Saules Suns

International Baltic Mantrailing Seminar Date: October 24-27, 2013
Location: Riga

The seminar was instructed by leading instructors of International Bloodhound Training Institute (INBTI): Kevin Kohn Kocher – INBTI president and author of the mantrailing method Sgt. Chris Boyd – INBTI instructor, City of Madison, WI Police Department K-9 supervisor Lyubov Koshevaya (INBTI Instructor, K9 instructor of Nadeya Rescue Team   

Fifty-six people participated in the seminar of whom 16 were accompanied by their K-9 partners. There were representatives of :

• Latvian State Police K-9 unit

• Latvian State Police Scent Identification (forensic) unit

• Latvian State Police College

• Latvian Border Guard College

• Lithuanian State Police

• Lithuanian Military Police

• Lithuanian Police

• Lithuanian Police Forensic Science Centre

• Lithuanian Public Security Service

• Lithuanian State Border Guard Service

• The Customs Office of the Republic of Lithuania

• Police and Border Guard Office of Law Enforcement Bureau of Estonia

• Federal Customs Service of Russia, Russian Customs Academy

Also the representatives of Latvian Customs Office Alberts Cipustanovs and Ginta Podzina visited one of our seminar’s theoretical meetings as guests.

Latvian Radio

Journalism Today: Baltic-American Best Practice Exchange Seminar Date: July 25-27, 2013

On July 25, Holly Kernan, News Director at San Francisco public radio station KALW, participated in a professional exchange with Latvian Radio journalists in small groups and interviews for two Latvian Radio channels and a working lunch with a Latvian Radio BOD member and a the press attache of the U.S. Embassy in Riga. The main seminar held on July 26 was attended by 46 applicants, which exceeded original audience forecasts. Participants included media professionals vrom various radio, television, and Internet outlets, as well as journalism students from three Latvian universities. The seminar covered current trends in U.S. media, including audio stories to illustrate, and lively discussion. The session continued on July 27 for a small group, focusing on radio journalism techniques and creative approaches. View entire report (PDF)

Music Academy, Vytautas Magnus University

Date: November 25-20, 2013
Location: Kaunas

The first Baltic-American Dialogue program in Lithuania was signed with the Music Academy of the Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas. The Music Academy invited Julliard professor Julian Martin to participate in the project “VMU and Julliard Study Week” and to conduct an intense piano master course for the students of Lithuanian and other Baltic States students.

Contemporary Art Centre Chris Sharp Placement Visit

Date: August 14-21, 2013 
Location: Riga

Chris Sharp’s visit was organized as an intensive program of studio visits, meetings with arts and culture institution representatives, exhibition and museum visits, as well as a research trip to Tallinn and a visit to Vilnius. While in Riga Chris Sharp had meetings and studio visits with following artists Miks Mitrēvics, Darja Meļņikova, Armands Zelčs, Kaspars Groševs, Ieva Kraule, Oļa Vasiļjeva, Edgars Gluhovs, Reinis Virtmanis and Laura Prikule. Chris Sharp also met with curator and art historian at The Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art (LMC/LCCA) Ieva Astahovska. This visit was followed by a meeting with curator and art critic Vilnis Vējš who presented his research material of pantomime and performances art in Latvia and Lithuania during 60s‐70s. Chris Sharp was very interested in this material and following this brief encounter. Both sides are working on the possibility to develop this material further. Continuing his research both in contemporary as well as art history in Latvia, Chris Sharp also visited numerous museums including Museum of Romands Suta and Aleksandra Belcova and Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, where he was overwhelmed by art works of graphic artist Sigismunds Vidbergs. During his visit Chris Sharp also attended new exhibition openings at kim Contemporary Art Centre, the exhibition opening of Ilmars Blumbergs, and had a meeting with the director of Totaldobze Art Centre, curator and artist Kaspars Lielgalvis.