Hundreds march in Riga demanding action on low pay in the cultural sector
On Tuesday, hundreds of people marched in Riga in the "Kultūra (iz)dzīvo" ("Culture Survives/Lives") campaign, calling for a solution to low wages in culture. Organisers say average pay in the sector is well below the public-sector average.
On Tuesday, 10 November, hundreds of people took part in a march in Riga called "Kultūra (iz)dzīvo" to draw attention to low pay in Latvia's cultural sector. The organisers argue that inadequate salaries threaten the sector's future and the accessibility of cultural offerings for the whole of society.
The march began at the square by the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, passed the Freedom Monument and ended at the Latvian National Museum of Art. The State Police oversaw the event.
Participants carried homemade placards with slogans such as "Culture is not a hobby", "Working for peanuts is not art", "Working in a museum = the art of (sur)viving", "Only those who get paid will endure", "Culture is work" and "We want to work in Latvia, do you want us?". One placard read, "Wisdom has limits, stupidity does not."
Wage figures
The organisers state that in the second quarter of 2026, average gross pay in cultural heritage institutions was 1,395 euros per month, and in the performing arts 1,365 euros. The average across the public sector was 1,926 euros.
Organisers' warning
The organisers say persistently low pay encourages experienced specialists to leave both the sector and Latvia, while making it harder to attract young professionals. In their view, the whole of society will feel the consequences in the quality, diversity and availability of cultural offerings.
