77 applications — 52 winners: how the money of the Song Festival was distributed 0 14

The State Cultural Capital Foundation (VKKF) has summarized the results of the support program for general repertoire groups of the Song and Dance Festival. A total of 230,000 euros were distributed among the projects.

77 applications were submitted for the competition, but 52 projects received funding. The total amount claimed by the groups exceeded 580,000 euros — more than twice the available budget.

Among the largest recipients of support was the youth choir "Kamēr...", which was allocated 9,700 euros to participate in an international competition in Turin.

The mixed choir of the University of Latvia "Juventus" will receive 9,000 euros for a trip to a competition in Toulouse. The same amount has been allocated to the project of the middle-aged dance group "Daugava" for "Mazs bij' tēva novadiņš".

Another 8,500 euros will be directed to the mixed choir of Riga Technical University "Vivere" for participation in a competition in Torrevieja, Spain. The same amount will be received by the choir "Maska" for participation in the international competition "Béla Bartók".

The folk dance ensemble "Lielupe" has been allocated 8,000 euros to participate in a competition in South Korea.

Part of the funding will also go to major concerts in Latvia. Thus, 7,500 euros are earmarked for a large concert celebrating the 80th anniversary of the folk dance ensemble "Teiksma".

The Riga Latvian Society will receive 6,000 euros for organizing a concert of male choirs "To Edgar Rachevski — 90".

For Latvia, such programs are of particular importance: the tradition of the Song and Dance Festival is considered one of the most important parts of the country's cultural identity and is included in the UNESCO list of intangible heritage.

Support for such groups helps not only to preserve the tradition but also to ensure the participation of Latvian choirs and dancers in international competitions, where they regularly receive high ratings.

Interest in funding remains high — the number of applications has once again significantly exceeded the available amount of funds.