LAMPA Conversation Festival
LAMPA Conversation Festival, LATVIA
Stellar events, thoughtful discussions, and hot topics. Sarunu festivāls LAMPA (LAMPA Conversation festival) has become a meeting place to exchange ideas and seek understanding between people of diverse opinions, political viewpoints, and expectations.
Purpose and vision
The purpose of the festival is to strengthen democratic conversation culture in Latvia, foster civic engagement and active involvement in social and political processes, and encourage lifelong learning in an ever-changing world.
Founder and year of establishment
LAMPA was established in 2015. The idea was hatched and nurtured by the Foundation for an Open Society DOTS in cooperation with its partners – Swedbank Latvia, Cēsis Municipality, creative digital agency “Armadillo”, communication management agency “Deep White”, and the Change Agency Spark from Denmark.
Organisational structure
The DOTS Foundation for an Open Society serves as the primary driving force behind the festival, with its executive director also assuming the role of LAMPA's director. The festival's co-organisers encompass the creative digital agency "Armadillo," communication management agency "Deep White," Swedbank Latvia, the Municipality of Cēsis County, and the Representation of the British Council in Latvia. LAMPA also depends on the invaluable assistance of volunteers both prior to and during the festival.
Location and duration
The two-day festival takes place in Cēsis at the end of June or the beginning of July — a picturesque twon located 90 km north of Riga. The venue of the festival was chosen due to its proximity to the capital, good location (castle park), and helpful municipality.
Size – number of participants and events
The tenth LAMPA Conversation festival took place on July 5-6,2024, attracting over 25,000 attendees from various corners of the nation. The programme was co-createtd by 278 organisations (civil society organisations, state and local institutions, businesses, media, universities, and many others) and featured 365 events in various formats and covered a myriad of topics with both individual and national significance – ranging from identity, well-being, and sustainability to education, health, politics, security, media and legal literacy, parenthood, and beyond.
In 2024, 1163 participants and speakers took to the stage, representing different communities, regions, organisations, and professions – ranging from the Prime Minister and key decision-makers to business leaders, academics, journalists, civil society activists, and civic-minded individuals.
People attending the festival
The overwhelming majority of festival attendees are under 40 years old, hailing predominantly from Riga, its metropolitan area, and the Vidzeme region. Nevertheless, the festival has also drawn participants of varying ages, social backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders from diverse corners of Latvia.
Involvement of political parties
Political parties submit event applications and, if chosen by the festival organizers, proceed to host their events during the festival. Additionally, it is customary for event organizers to extend invitations to politicians for their participation. Certain politicians even attend the festival without necessarily speaking at any of the scheduled events.
Programme
Anyone is welcome to apply, and if chosen, one can organise either a single event or a series of events at LAMPA. The core group (composed of DOTS and co-organisers) evaluates applications based on several criteria: the proposed event must align with the principles of the LAMPA manifesto and contribute to the advancement of democracy in Latvia (which can be achieved through various formats). It's essential that festival attendees are actively engaged, and the inclusion of diverse viewpoints is a priority. However, service or product marketing is not allowed.
The programme is collaboratively developed with numerous organisations and individuals from both the private and public sectors, encompassing state institutions and media. LAMPA allocates either a one-hour or 1.5-hour slot within the shared infrastructure (stages/tents), or the chance to establish an infrastructure and arrange a two-day programme or activity. Event organizers are required to make a co-payment. Nevertheless, the festival organisers also offer a limited possibility for civil society organisations, social enterprises, and individuals to host an event free of charge.