Updated
08.07.2024
Experience ‘Common Table’: Gallery Centrs’ Unique Environmental Installation at Old Riga’s Urban Picnic
On Thursday, June 27th, the shopping centre “Galerija Centrs” in Old Riga unveiled an environmental installation titled “Common Table.” This installation, which will be in place for three months, aims to foster togetherness and address the growing issue of loneliness in society. The Common Table is designed as an accessible meeting place and event platform for the public, enabling workshops, conversations, work, learning, and other social activities in an urban environment. It is part of this summer’s Urban Picnic activities at Galerija Centrs.
The Common Table and the Urban Picnic have been created as a response to the growing problem of loneliness in society. According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility and the research company Kantar, more than half (58%) of the Latvian population admitted to having felt lonely, and one in three feel lonely on a regular basis. In societies where signs of loneliness are more prevalent, low social engagement is common—fewer people attend cultural events or public places to eat, thus participating less in the overall economy.
“Rīdzenes Street is part of our shopping centre, but with the Common Table, we want to make it more public and allow it to be used as a place to gather, meet, and experience new things. At the same time, this table is also designed as a social project, through which we aim to highlight the growing problem of loneliness in society and, through various measures, reduce social isolation in our community,” says Lāsma Vilande, manager of Galerija Centrs shopping centre.
The Common Table will be located on Rīdzenes Street until the end of September this year. During its placement, Galerija Centrs invites the following groups to use it:
- Riga residents and visitors who need a public meeting and working space between work and home;
- NGOs to present their ideas, experiences, stories, and research;
- Businesses and organizations wishing to engage in public dialogue and discussion.
For use of the Common Table for events, please contact the shopping centre administration by email at marketings@galerijacentrs.lv.
