Kaņepes Kultūras centrs

Kaņepes Kultūras centrs is a vibrant cultural centre based in Riga, Latvia — a hub for recreation, artistic expression, and social dialogue. It serves as a platform for individuals and communities who use arts and culture as tools to advocate for equal opportunities for all.

Housed in a historic building that once served as a dormitory for the Art Academy and later as a music school for five decades, the space stood empty for three years before Kaņepes Kultūras centrs breathed new life into it. Since then, it has become a key player in Riga’s cultural landscape.

The centre’s mission is to foster connections between people, ideas, and different forms of culture by offering space for experimentation, events, meaningful conversations, and creative recreation. Through this, it aims to inspire social change and contribute to a more joyful, open-minded, and culturally aware society. Alongside its cultural work, the team is also committed to the eco-conscious renovation of the building and the cultivation of its surrounding garden, turning it into a green oasis in the heart of Riga — a place for thought, exchange, and inspiration.

Kaņepes Kultūras centrs is defined by its openness, authenticity, commitment to quality, and a strong sense of community. It is both a cultural venue and a bar, with each element complementing the other: the cultural programme attracts people to the bar, and the bar brings new audiences to cultural events. Each year, the centre hosts between 300 and 400 events across cultural, social, and educational fields.

Collaboration is at the core of Kaņepes' ethos. They work closely with over 100 NGOs and institutions across Latvia, offering co-programming and event space, and also organise festivals and exhibitions beyond their own premises. Over the past seven years, Kaņepes has become a respected force in the local and international cultural scene — a testament to how abandoned buildings can be revitalised through independent, creative initiatives.