Jorens Dobkevics is the founder and head of the NGO New East, which has been involved in international educational, cultural and media projects in the Baltic Countries and Eastern Europe for six years. Jorens is also the Founding Curator in Daugavpils Global Shapers Hub. Jorens has created, developed and conducted more than 500 local, national and international events in the field of media literacy, critical thinking, democracy development, non-state cultural and media projects.

Jorens has also worked as an outreach curator for the Daugavpils 2027 European Capital of Culture (candidate city), was a senior specialist for commercial activities in Daugavpils municipality, worked in the culture and heritage departments of the PPnW Foundation, and at the Digital Innovation Center. He is a co-founder of CitaDaugavpils, curator and co-founder of LAVKA project, and is a council member in the Latvian Youth Council.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Conversation Art

The project used art as a medium to promote dialogue, empathy, and community building among 109 young people in Daugavpils. Through workshops focused on art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage, participants learned to express themselves creatively and engage in meaningful conversations through art. Facilitators guided participants through discussions on various topics, encouraging active listening, empathy, and respect for different perspectives.

Refugee children from Ukraine were involved in project activities, fostering connections between them and local children from Daugavpils. A joint game was organized for local children and refugee children, creating a welcoming space where children from different backgrounds could come together and express themselves through art. The project provided opportunities for participants to share their cultural backgrounds and experiences, promoting understanding and appreciation for diversity.

“During Conversation Art, I realized exactly how much we can express emotions through creativity and how important it is to talk about it.” - Workshop participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Jorens participated in the IVLP Project 21st Century Change Makers: Education Leaders Advance Civic Engagement Among High School Youth, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development in partnership with Global Ties Detroit, Global Minnesota and World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana.

Jorens's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "The idea for Conversation Art came after an incredible visit to the SpeedArt Museum and a meeting with local organizations in Detroit that are skilled and great at using art to engage young people."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Louisville, KY; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN

Country: Latvia

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