The project focuses on the question of how Latvian identity functions as a resource for societal resilience in conditions of geopolitical uncertainty. Identity in the project is perceived not as a fixed essence, but as a historically layered and discussed "living house" (‘NAMS’ in Latvian) whose meanings are formed by epistemic pluralism – the coexisting academic, vernacular, spiritual, creative, and political logics of knowledge. Identity resources, risks, and visions for the future are explored through archival work, interviews, field research, critical disciplinary history, analysis of vernacular knowledge and spirituality, and a national survey.

The project particularly highlights the folklife sphere as a resource for ethnic identity, which has been continuously shaped by the interaction of state institutions, academic disciplines and popular practices. Researchers will analyze how folklore and heritage are activated, commercialized, and reconfigured to respond to the needs of modern society. Latvian identity and cultural heritage are also viewed in the context of national security, studying the resources of the Latgale (Eastern Latvia) cultural spaces to enhance their readiness to adapt its infrastructure to crisis situations and be proactive strategic communities.

The project will result in four books, 18 scientific articles, and nine new data sets. The research findings will be summarized in reports for policymakers and implementers. In collaboration with communities and policymakers, safety guidelines for cultural spaces and heritage communities will be developed. The project also includes an extensive public engagement and science communication program: conferences and thematic conference sessions, lectures and discussions, cooperation with educational and heritage institutions, development of new digital solutions, cooperation with various neighborhoods, regions, communities, and creative professionals. Thus, the project will have a twofold impact: conceptual – by updating sources and vocabulary of Latvian identity for the participation in global academic debates; and practical – by strengthening democratic knowledge cultures, social resilience and heritage maintenance.

The research directions: Latvian identity in the information age – formation, contemporary developments, and future prospects; the role of the Baltic German intellectual tradition in the formation of Latvian identity; survival and transformation of the Latvian identity among exile and diaspora Latvians; national symbolism; ecological dimensions of Latvian identity; Latvian digital identity; the future of Latvian identity; the interaction of folklore studies, identity policies and society; the interest of Baltic German clergymen in Latvian folk traditions in the 19th century; folklore collection campaigns and involvement of society in knowledge production; reflexive folkloristics in the Soviet period; the history of aesthetics of Latvian folk music revival; vernacular knowledge and contemporary spirituality practices; the concept of cultural space; communities of cultural heritage as a national security resource; nationally representative social survey on the meaning of Latvian identity.

Anda Laķe (Lead project participant) 

Rūta Muktupāvela (Lead project participant) 

Ieva Vītola(Project participant – LAC team coordinator)