What is the “Starptautiskā Rakstnieku un tulkotāju māja” Ltd. (“International House of Writers and Translators”)?
The “Starptautiskā Rakstnieku un tulkotāju māja” Ltd. is a corporate entity registered in the Register of Enterprises of the Republic of Latvia. Its objective was to establish a multifunctional international center for writers and translators in Latvia—modeled on similar “creative houses” abroad—capable of fostering literary development by integrating Latvia’s literary scene into the international sphere.
The “Starptautiskā Rakstnieku un tulkotāju māja” Ltd. has three shareholders: the State (represented by the Ministry of Culture), the Ventspils State City Municipality, and a private individual.
Its operations are fully funded by the state budget of the Republic of Latvia.
The “Starptautiskā Rakstnieku un tulkotāju māja” Ltd. offers writers and translators from around the world a space for creative work (a literary residency) with on-site accommodation for a four-week period; it supports the interests of the literary community by creating suitable conditions for the creation of original literary works and translations.
It is the only “creative house” in Latvia—and the Baltic region—fully maintained by state budget funds. As several writers and translators from various countries reside at the International Writers’ and Translators’ House simultaneously, it offers an opportunity to establish new contacts, gain fresh experiences, and engage in various creative collaborative projects—provided such projects are being organized at the time.
On August 4, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia decided to set a new strategic goal for the operations and existence of the International Writers’ and Translators’ House: to strengthen the international circulation of Latvian literature, support the creation of authors’ works, and promote the recognition of Latvian literature abroad.
The International Writers’ and Translators’ House is located in the historic town hall.