2 THE GRAND BELT OF LIGHT

A light installation with a generative video projection by the National Library of Latvia incorporates the Lielvārde belt and its digitally transformed contemporary version weaving into it the codes of our nation’s great spirits It invites every festival visitor to create their own individual sign code in order to contribute to the creation of the grand digital light belt. By combining each participant’s personal code into a shared language of symbols, a unique “grammar of patterns” emerges forming the longest light belt we have all woven together

The Latvian Belt Project has a rich and enduring history. The Latvian sign belt created by Modris Tenisons, Imants Ziedonis, and Armands Strazds gained significant public attention as part of the Latvian Pavilion at the EXPO 2000 exhibition in Hanover. Within this project, participants were invited to design their own unique symbol — a small fragment of the new Lielvārde Belt — embedding their personal code and story within it. The project was revived in 2018 to celebrate the centenary of Latvia, continuing its mission of connecting personal identity with national heritage.

Music: Pēteris Vasks “The Fruit of Silence”, Latvian Radio Choir, Sigvards Kļava, Vestards Šimkus.

Author of the project idea: Imants Ziedonis Foundation
Project artist: Kaspars Jaudzems
Implementer: “Kompānija NA” SIA
Project cooperation partner: Culture College Support Society