In its inaugural year, the Linstow Art Award, a new professional art award, received over 60 applications from graduates of the master’s program at the Art Academy of Latvia (LMA), demonstrating the strong relevance and demand for this initiative. Out of all applicants, 11 finalists were selected to present their work and artistic vision this week during in-person meetings with the international jury in Riga. The jury will now determine the first three LAA awardees.
The mission of the Linstow Art Award is to give long-term support to young Latvian artists, ensuring a stronger art community and a lasting presence of art in the city. The three winners will each receive a monetary award of €3,000 (net) and one year of access to an art studio at the creative SPORTA2 quarter in Riga (www.sporta2.com), along with the opportunity to exhibit artworks.
“It is a great honour to see such strong interest and engagement with the Linstow Art Award already in its very first year – receiving over 60 applications is truly impressive and clearly confirms the need for an initiative like this. It sends a strong signal that LAA provides young artists not only with professional recognition but also with real opportunities to develop their talent and strengthen their presence in the art world – through increased visibility and practical support, including financial resources and dedicated studio space. We are confident that this award will become a significant springboard for the winners in their professional journey. The Linstow Art Award establishes a sustainable platform that reinforces the creative environment and the role of art in the urban landscape. The winners, to be announced on 20 June, will also receive the opportunity to work for a full year in their own creative studio space in the SPORTA 2 quarter – further supporting their future growth. A heartfelt thank you to the Art Academy of Latvia, especially Rector Kristaps Zariņš and Vice-Rector Antra Priede, as well as to the international jury for their support and close collaboration. And of course, sincere thanks to all the artists who embraced the opportunity and submitted their applications,” emphasizes Evija Majevska, Commercial Director of Linstow Baltic.
Following the finalist presentations, Inga Lāce, Jury Leader of Linstow Art Award noted: “I was truly impressed by the high quality of submissions. These artists are already professionals at the start of their careers. As a curator, it was fascinating to see such diversity – not only in disciplines like art, design, and fashion, but also in media and subject matters. From deep personal stories to pressing urban and ecological issues, the themes explored are compelling. This award provides a critical opportunity for experimentation and creative growth during the fragile transition after graduation. The studio will serve not only as a workspace, but also as a venue to host curators – both local and international – for studio visits, feedback, and potential collaborations. This is a long-term investment in the growth and international visibility of Latvian art.”
A total of 63 applications were reviewed from LMA master’s graduates in the fields of Visual Art, Visual Plastic Art, Audiovisual Media Art, and Design. Applications were open to 2025 graduates and alumni in the past three years. Approximately one-third of submissions came from this year’s graduates, with the majority coming from recent alumni who have already begun establishing their careers in the art world.
Linstow Art Award 2025 Finalists:
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Anna Malicka – “Pūra lāde (((pure lady)))” – Visual Plastic Art (2023)
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Agate Tūna – “Tehno – rēgs / Techno Spectre” – Visual Art (2023)
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Annemarija Gulbe – “Gribi tici – gribi netici / Faith to Believe – or Not.” – Audiovisual Media Art (2023)
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Katrīna Biksone – “Resort Home / Kūrorts Mājas” – Visual Art (2025)
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Dzelde Ieva Mierkalne – “Doom Doom Delight” – Visual Art (2023)
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Kristers Krūms – “Duel / Duelis” – Visual Art (2025)
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Lauma Muižarāja – “Rosaniline Children / Rozanilīna bērni” – Visual Plastic Art (2025)
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Sabīne Šnē – “Paisuma asaru nogulsnes / Tidal Tear Sediment” – Audiovisual Media Art (2022)
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Tīna Alise Drupa – “Meadow Quilt” – Design (2024)
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Oto Holgers Ozoliņš – “PARIS 2024” – Visual Plastic Art (2024)
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Zaiga Brutāne – “Etiķešu arheoloģija / Label Archaeology” – Design (2024)
All submissions were evaluated by an international jury composed of highly regarded professionals from Latvia and abroad, with experience in contemporary art, design, architecture, and cultural policy.
The 2025 Linstow Art Award jury includes:
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Paulina Rider Wilhelmsen – Founder Linstow Art Award and Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award. Philanthropist, Art Patron, Art Collector and producer.
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Inga Lāce – Jury Leader of Linstow Art Award. Chief Curator, Almaty Museum of Art, Kazakhstan. C-MAP Central and Eastern Europe Fellow at MoMA, New York.
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Joanna Nordin – Artistic Director, Bonniers Konsthall.
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Susanne Østby Sæter – Curator for photography and new media, Henie Onstad Art Centre.
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Vita Liberte – Latvian lawyer, art collector, patron, and entrepreneur, founder of VV Foundation supporting contemporary art and nurturing young artists from Latvia and the Baltic region.
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Dina Suhanova – Architect, project manager and researcher at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture, Art Academy of Latvia.
Finalists were evaluated based on the quality and execution of their submitted work, artistic potential, and relevance of their artistic message, including both formal and thematic dimensions and the relevance of the artwork’s message.
Established in 2025, the Linstow Art Award is a collaboration between Linstow Baltic, a leading real estate developer in the Baltics, and the Art Academy of Latvia, aimed at providing a modern platform for emerging Latvian artists to launch and develop their professional careers. The award is part of Linstow Baltic’s long-term sustainability strategy, which integrates art and business into a shared platform to support talent development and the evolution of vibrant, creative urban spaces.
More information: www.linstowartaward.lv and on Facebook and Instagram.
Over 60 Applications Received in the Inaugural Year of the Linstow Art Award – 11 Finalists Selected
