unLoc | creative research lab

art + design + architecture + AI

 

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OPEN CALL:
unLoc | creative research lab – AI, City, Action
Edition: RIGA
An international artistic-research project in four European cities.

 

We invite you to take part in an international project focused on the architecture of power. Our starting point is the architectural legacy of the communist era in the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. In this project, we explore how social control and conflicts are manifested in public space. Within unLoc, we combine art, design, and social activities. Together with researchers, artists, and the local community, we will create alternative visions of urban space, supported by artificial intelligence tools. This is a chance to co-create the future of cities – sustainable, inclusive, and resident-friendly.

 

IS IT FOR YOU?

unLoc is a project carried out simultaneously in four European cities: Kraków, Warsaw, Riga, and Bucharest. This open call refers to the Riga edition – it is addressed to people living or studying in Riga and surrounding areas, or connected to the city through their work or artistic/social activities.
We invite all individuals who are currently studying or have graduated in artistic, design, architectural, urban planning, social science, or humanities disciplines. We welcome people open to experimentation, collaboration, and urban engagement, as well as those interested in art, design, AI, heritage, and social change.

 

PROGRAM

Location: Riga | Art Academy of Latvia | Institute of Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture | Kronvalda bulvāris 4, Rīga
Duration: 4 days
Dates: May 27–30, 2025
Number of participants: 16 people (2 groups of 8)

Creative activities will take place along two thematic paths:

• ART – for those working in visual arts, photography, installation, video, performance, site-specific projects, critical or social practices.
• DESIGN – for those involved in graphic design, product design, architecture, and urban planning.

In this project, we will analyze and creatively interpret the post-war architecture of Riga. How has power left its mark on these places? How are they perceived today? Our goal is to understand the context and history of these sites, as well as to imagine, create, and visualize their potential futures.

Participants in the ART path are invited to create works that tell real or alternative stories of these buildings and locations. These may critically reflect on their difficult history or uncertain future. Participants in the DESIGN path will be invited to propose solutions that may offer these buildings better use or purpose in the future.

As part of the Urban Futures Lab, participants will work in interdisciplinary teams with artists, designers, and researchers. Project outcomes will be presented publicly, and the best works will be featured in an international exhibition in Riga in 2025.

 

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Experience working in an international team
A unique opportunity to creatively work with AI in an urban context
Participation in an international exhibition
Expand your knowledge of how cities function and contribute to shaping the future of public space

 

HOW TO APPLY?

• Fill out the application form (link below)
• (Optional) Attach your portfolio

SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO:

Dina Suhanova
dina.suhanova@lma.lv

Application deadline: May 25, 2025, by 11:59 PM

FILES TO DOWNLOAD

unLoc RIGA APPLICATION FORM

 

 

Project funded through an NCN grant as part of the international project:
URBAN EUROPE – “Building transformation capacity through arts and design: unlocking the full potential for urban transitions.”
National Science Centre grant no. UMO-2023/05/Y/HS6/00117