A photographic exhibition featuring work from Latvian architects has opened at the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus.

The ‘Welcome to Dare’ exhibition celebrates the burgeoning relationship between the University’s School of Architecture and Design and the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Riga Technical University.

This partnership began last year when, for the first time, a student from Ulster took part in Riga Technical University’s Annual International Summer School and participated in workshops in Liepaja, Latvia.

Ulster’s School of Architecture and Design is developing a joint design studio with the Latvian University for its master of architecture students in the 2012 autumn semester.

It is also in discussion with the Art Academy of Latvia on teaching co-operation in product and furniture design and interior design.

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Northern Ireland is supporting Ulster’s partnership with Riga Technical University.

Honorary Consul, Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL said: “I am delighted to be able to help bring the University of Ulster and Riga Technical University together and promote community cohesion through cultural exchange in this way,” he said.

“I would like to thank both universities for their enthusiasm and this is a great opportunity for students from Northern Ireland to learn more about the built environment in Latvia and vice versa.”

Professor Ian Montgomery, Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and the Built Environment, said the Faculty and the School of Architecture and Design, in particular, was delighted to showcase the work of these internationally recognised Latvian architects.

“The opportunity for our students to see this photographic exhibition in their own campus will undoubtedly form a key focus for discussion while it’s on display,” he added.

“The support offered to the School and Faculty by Dr Gerard O’Hare is tremendous and we look forward very much to continuing our collaboration with our friends from Riga Technical University.”

Professor Steven Spier, Ulster’s Head of School of Architecture and Design, said: “An international perspective is so important for students of architecture today. Latvia faces similar challenges to Northern Ireland and so is an exciting partner to work with.”

The ‘Welcome to Dare’ photographic exhibition, which formed part of London’s Festival of Architecture 2010, is on display in the foyer of the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus until April 6.

Among guests attending the opening this week were: Dr Gerard O’Hare; Professor Ian Montgomery; Professor Steven Spier; Professor Peter Walker, Associate Head of School of Architecture and Design at Ulster; Edite Muceniece, Honorary Consulate Office of Latvia.

Notes to Editors

Latvia’s Honorary Consul Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL, is Group Managing Director of Parker Green International and a visiting professor at the University of Ulster and the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

He is Chairman of the University of Ulster Foundation and in 2004 established the Chair in Property Development and Design at the University.

Co-operation between Northern Ireland and Latvia has also been supported by Invest Northern Ireland.

For information about the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Northern Ireland visit:

www.latvia-ni.co.uk, telephone 028 30254577 or

e-mail info@latvia-ni.co.uk

For more details on the exhibition contact:

Pauline Reynolds

Press Officer

University of Ulster

028 90368310

p.reynolds@ulster.ac.uk

Emma Trainor

Communications Manager

Parker Green International

028 30254560

07736 837093

emma.t@parkergreen.com

Edite Muceniece

Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Northern Ireland

028 30254577

info@latvia-ni.co.uk