Conference Program

A place, understood as the geographic space inhabited by a diverse community, can be viewed as a cultural commons resource for art educators seeking to promote social cohesion through art-based education.

Daugavpils is not only the birthplace of Mark Rothko but also the second-largest city in contemporary Latvia. Historically situated at the crossroads of different states, cultures, and economic traditions, the city has long functioned as a meeting point of diverse communities. Today, Daugavpils is home to a heterogeneous population representing a variety of cultural, linguistic, religious, and social groups. While this diversity constitutes a valuable social and cultural resource, it also presents challenges. Different communities often remain separated by historical narratives, stereotypes, prejudice, and limited opportunities for meaningful interaction. As a result, the absence of shared cultural ground can hinder inclusive communication, mutual trust, and effective social integration. In this context, the creation and activation of cultural commons—shared cultural spaces, practices, and resources accessible to all community members—may play an important role in reducing social tensions.

One of the key institutions contributing to this process is the Mark Rothko Museum, a major cultural centre in Daugavpils. The museum not only preserves and promotes the artistic legacy associated with Rothko but also actively participates in Latvia’s contemporary art life through international exhibitions, artist residencies, and cultural events. In addition to its exhibition program, the museum plays a significant educational role. Through a range of museopedagogical initiatives, it supports the development of cultural literacy among local youth and encourages active engagement with art. These workshops create opportunities for participants to critically reflect on artistic expression, explore issues of identity and perception, and develop their own creative abilities.

This paper analyzes a series of youth workshops organized by the Rothko Museum in collaboration with Daugavpils University under the title “The Other in Art and Life.” The workshops were designed as a creative intervention aimed at encouraging dialogue about identity, difference, and coexistence within a culturally diverse urban environment. Using an evaluation framework that considers inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes, the study examines how participation in these workshops influenced young people’s attitudes and interactions. Particular attention is given to indicators such as increased tolerance, improved cultural understanding, and enhanced intergroup communication.

The findings suggest that the workshops created an environment for dialogue and collaborative creativity, enabling participants from different backgrounds to engage with one another in meaningful ways. By exploring artistic interpretations of “the Other,” participants were encouraged to reflect on their own identities as well as on the perspectives of others within their community. As a result, the program contributed to strengthening intergroup understanding and tolerance among young people in Daugavpils. Furthermore, it supported the recognition and practical use of cultural commons (Bowers, 2009, Santagata et.al. 2011, Bertacchini, 2020) —shared cultural experiences, narratives, and creative spaces—as a foundation for building social cohesion. In this way, the workshops demonstrate how art-based educational initiatives can foster a deeper awareness of collective identity while simultaneously respecting cultural diversity within the local community.