An intensive course on “Introduction to Art Law in the Baltic-Nordic Region” took place at Riga Graduate School of Law on 11-15 July. The course was a great opportunity for participants to study such subjects as the international legal framework, to clarify what is art/artistic craftsmanship and its special legal status, to address questions of copyright and moral rights of artists, to develop intelligence in recovery of stolen and looted art, to get an insight into protection of underwater cultural heritage, graffiti and street art, managing of pubic and private art, etc. These subjects are prominent in 21st century discourse.
Thirty five students from four countries (Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia) took part in the event. Representatives attended from eight different universities. Sessions were held by different lecturers from five different countries, who gave insights into Art Law in the Scandnavian and Baltic States.
From Monday to Thursday students participated in lectures and active communication with lecturers. During the course everyone took part in excursions around the Art Nouveau areas and Riga Old Town, to the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Art Nouveau Museum. At the end of the course all participants made a presentation about an individual assignment they had been handed at the start of the course. Finally, all participants received their certificates and 3 ECTS credit points.
The course fulfilled its main goal - to provide a basic understanding of what is art and cultural heritage law and how it is regulated. Here is what some participants had to say:
“The artists' rights, the course of theory and given examples brought complete image regarding the topic”
(Maria Bogdanovitš, Tallinn University)
"These few days were very intensive and interesting, and [...] I am happy to have had an opportunity to participate in this summer school and gain experience"
(Siranuša Matevosjana, University of Latvia)
"Thank you for a good time and an amazing opportunity to know art law better!"
(Justina Ražauskaite, Vilnius University).
Course coordinator Irina Olevska comments:
“The course was appreciated and judged to be useful and necessary by the speakers! All of them confirmed lack of such a legal discipline as art law in all the participating countries. Speakers expressed their wish to take part in upcoming art law-related events organized by RGSL and were even inspired to initiate a similar course at their home universities. Now the course is over, the participants have safely returned home and have a minute to relax from last week's intensity, look through the slides and materials once again, while we continue to receive appreciative mails and great reviews about the course. This is what most inspires us to continue and raise public awareness of art and cultural heritage law in the region!”
The course was supported by the Nordplus Higher Education Programme.