Climate Symbols in Arts and Theology. 

 

 

Project title: Climate Symbols in Arts and Theology. 

 

 

Latvian Christian academy received Quality Award of the Nordic Cabinet of Ministers and

Diploma of the Ministry of Education and Science and State Education Development Agency (Latvia)

for the best higher education sub-project “Climate Symbols in Arts and Theology” (2012-2015).

 

List of cooperation partners:

Tartu Ülikool (EE), Faculty of Theology.

Vilniaus Dailes Akademija (LT), Vilnius Academy of Art.

Vilniaus Pedagoginis Universitetas (LT), Vilnius University of Pedagogy: Institute of Cultural and Art Education.

Lahden Ammattikorkeakoulu (FI), Lahti University of Applied Arts.

Ansgar Teologiske H¸gskole (NO), Norwegian School of Theology.

Teologiska högskolan Stockholm (SE).

 

Project coordinator:

 

Beata Soloveja

Phone: +371-264 64 026

E-mail: projects@kra.lv

 Project webpage: http://www.networkecta.com/

 

Purpose of the project:

 

1.       To establish and to extend network between educational institutions in Baltic and Nordic countries providing higher education in Humanities and Arts dealing with ecological issues,

2.       By joint forces to promote and to develop environmental responsibility,

3.       Contact and long-term cooperation in higher education,

4.       To intensify knowledge about global and regional ecological and climate issues and to rise ecological awareness in partner countries,

5.       Network ECTA intends to participate in the network and project activities.

 

Planned activities for the academic year 2010/2011:

 

1.       Artistic workshop”/ master-class „Climate symbols for sustainable life”,

2.       Art exhibition „Christmas symbols: Art and Theology”,

3.       Theoretical research Proceedings,

4.       Common study module,

5.       Corporate research proceeding material,

6.       Two network meetings.

 

Duration:

 

To September 15, 2011.

 

First network meeting:

 

 

Preliminary programme.

 

 

An exhibition „Christmas Symbols: Art and Theology” was opened in November 30, 2010.

 

 

 

Project participants from the ECTA net of high-schools were present at the opening – prof. Tonu Lehtsaar (Tartu University, Estonia), Kirsti Nenye (Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Finland), Bjorn ¨yvind Fjeld (Ansgar Theological School, Norway), Saulus Jaraðius (Vilnius Academy of Art, Lithuania), Vaidas Matonis (Vilnius University of Pedagogy: Institute of Cultural and Arts Education, Lithuania).

 

 

NORDPLUS IP COURSE „Rethinking Climate Change: Arts and Theology”

 

 

An international IP course „Rethinking Climate Change: Arts and Theology” was held at the Latvian Christian Academy in March 14-18 with participants from art universities of Finland, Norway and Lithuania besides LChrA. Students acquired penetrating knowledge about the use of Climate symbols in the history of European art and its theoretical foundations from various perspectives, and several workshops were organized – in Painting (lead by prof. S.Jâkobsone), Icon painting (lead by Pr. A.Shabelnyk) and Computer design (lead by prof. S. Jarashius); they also visited the workshop of Latvian graphic artist Nele Zirnîte in the Latvian Etching Guild in Riga. Participants of the IP were awarded with Certificate (worth 7,5 ECTS).

 

 

NORDPLUS MEETING IN TARTU, ESTONIA

 

 

The annual administrative meeting of the international NORDPLUS project „Climate Symbols in Theology and Art” was held in Tartu, Estonia, September 29-30. LChrA is coordinating institution of project which embraces partnering theological and art universities from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. Members of the academic ECTA network discussed contents of the Proceedings as well as made plans for further cooperation in acad. year 2011./12. The meeting was run by Rector of LChrA Dr. S. Gûtmane, the work on joint academic Proceedings is coordinated by assist.prof. G.Diðlers.

 

 

NORDPLUS IP COURSE „Climate SYMBOLS IN Art and Theology” IN APRIL 22-28, 2012

 

 

The NORDPLUS IP course on „Climate Symbols in Art and Theology” was held at the Latvian Christian Academy in 2012. Students from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland and Norway attended intensive lectures session on theological approach to Climate change issues and Ecotheology (assist. prof. G.Diðlers from LChrA; prof. J.Câlîtis from Latvian University; prof. H.T. Schuff from Ansgar Theological Highschool in Norway; fr. J.Dravants from Latvian Orthodox Church; fr. R.Melkers from Roman Catholic Church in Latvia); also lectures by environmentalists and biologists were offered to participants (Faculty of Biology, Latvian University; Latvian Fund of Nature; Latvian Institute of Hydro ecology; Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development). Dedicated exhibition of artworks was opened in the parish house of the St John Church in Old City Riga and field trip to Pedvâle Open-air museum was organized at the end of the IP week offering unique opportunity to see and experience care for nature, art and spiritual dimension in one whole body. Besides lectures students had an opportunity to share their views in open discussion. Participants of the IP week were awarded ECTS Certificates.

 

 

„ACADEMIC PROCEEDINGS – 3”

 

 

At the end of August the 3rd volume of Academic Proceedings of Latvian Christian Academy were published under the title „Climate Symbols in Theology and Art”. The volume contains materials of the NORDPLUS Higher Education project (2010 – 2012; the project continues in 2013) on interaction between ecology, theology and art, and its authors come from partnering universities in Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland and Greece. Articles deal with ecological conditions in the Baltic Sea region, interaction between humans and nature, related topics of the Social teaching of the Christian Church, and presents the artists’ view. The Proceedings are internationally peer-reviewed. Rector of the Academy prof. S. Gûtmane says in the Foreword: „The project brought together multidisciplinary approaches from various fields of knowledge investigating challenges and ecotheology, and the collaboration between participants in research, students and teachers has opened new opportunities for analysis and criticism.”

 

NORDPLUS ADMINISTRATIVE MEETING IN SEPTEMBER 25-26, TARTU, ESTONIA

 

 

The 2nd phase of the international NORDPLUS project „Climate Symbols in Theology and Art”, administered by LChrA, finished with the administrative meeting in Tartu, Estonia. Participants were introduced to the recently published Proceedings of the Project. The 3rd volume of Academic Proceedings of Latvian Christian Academy contain materials of the NORDPLUS Higher Education project „Climate Symbols in Theology and Art” (2010 – 2012; the project continues in 2013). The articles deal with interaction between ecology, theology and art, and its authors come from partnering universities in Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland and Greece. Articles deal with ecological conditions in the Baltic Sea region, interaction between humans and nature, related topics of the Social teaching of the Christian Church, and presents the artists’ view. Rector of the Academy prof. S. Gûtmane says in the Foreword: „The project brought together multidisciplinary approaches from various fields of knowledge investigating challenges and ecotheology, and the collaboration between participants in research, students and teachers has opened new opportunities for analysis and criticism.” In the administrative board meeting representative of LCHrA G.Diðlers thanked all contributors, characterized the contents of articles. Further steps of the project development were discussed („Who does what?” for the ECTA Catalogue etc.). The meeting was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Tartu University, Dr. Riho Altnurme. In his address he emphasized the need for interdisciplinary research also in theology.

 

 

Dear ECTA partners!

 

Time is running fast, and we have come close to the end of the year.

We sincerely thank You for good spirit of cooperation which has made as richer

with knowledge, relationships and communication.

We wish You blessed Advent time!

May light of Crist shine upon your families and grant You Happy New Year!

P.S. Please remember Your duties in regards to the project presentation album.

 

Warmly Yours - prof. Skaidrîte Gûtmane, Guntis Diðlers and team.