I love that Latvians from Latvia and Latvian communities from outside Latvia are working increasingly effectively together and actively supporting each other. I am certainly working to promote the interaction of Latvian and Aussie-Latvian artisans. The Australia Latvian Artisans’ Association was instrumental in bringing Rīga master weaver Māris Maniņš to Australia.

Maniņš has been a fabulous asset to this exhibition. We have all learnt so much from his experience in setting up exhibitions. His hard work, energy and unflappability have been a godsend! After the exhibition, he travels to the Latvian Summer High School in South Australia where he will be teaching both staff and students.