Despite its small population of around 240 residents, the village hosts several institutions including the parish administration, Nautrēni Secondary School, a kindergarten, a sports hall-culture house, a library, a local history museum, a youth center and the Nautrēni Roman Catholic Church. The secondary school also accommodates Children’s Art School and the Methodological Center of Latgale Cultural History and Latgalian Language. Next to a few agriculture businesses, notable spaces of private cultural and entrepreneurial activity are a permaculture gardening School and metal forger workshop.
Rogovka's inhabitants are the most proud of the disproportional number of poets, writers, artists, significant cultural workers, politicians and clergy members that have been born here or in the surrounding area. Though so small, Rogovka holds surprising place in political and cultural significance in Latgalian, Latvian, Eastern European and European anti-imperial histories. Particularly during the period when the Latgalian language was suppressed heavily and publications in the Latin script were banned. In response, a vibrant culture of hand-rewriting books emerged. While this history is remembered within the village, it has often gone untold or unheard.
Region | Latgale |
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Local partners |
|
Population | 237 |
Common fruit, vegetables, animals | Storks |
Tradition | Annual Latgalian poetry slam, Latgalian literature contest, Folk ensemble festival, permaculture festival |
Scent | wet soil after a thunderstorm |
Distances from Rogovka | Distances |
In January Indra Gleizde returned again to the mysterious Latgalian village—one full of stories still waiting to be heard. We gathered with local friends for a thought exchange about the role of contemporary art in rural settings. How accessible is it? Does it matter to the villagers? Why should it matter? Why do cities overlook rural art and stories? We reflected on the unequal relationship between centers and peripheries, questioning how art can bridge these divides. Future plans began to take shape.
Before this trip, Indra had visited Rogovka several times and spent 2024 working on an ongoing personal project there. More details coming soon.
Region | Latgale |
---|---|
Local partners |
|
Population | 237 |
Common fruit, vegetables, animals | Storks |
Tradition | Annual Latgalian poetry slam, Latgalian literature contest, Folk ensemble festival, permaculture festival |
Scent | wet soil after a thunderstorm |
Distances from Rogovka | Distances |