What Art Academy of Latvia does

The Art Academy of Latvia (LMA) is a public higher education and scientific research institution headquartered in Riga, Latvia, founded in 1919 during the formation of the Republic of Latvia. It delivers accredited bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across 17+ specializations including painting, graphic art, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, glass art, textiles, fashion design, metal design, restoration, art history and theory, curatorial studies, scenography, visual communication, and environmental art. The institution also operates an international Erasmus Mundus joint master's program in Service Design Strategies and Innovation (SDSI) based in Kuldīga and a regional Latgale Branch in Rēzekne, alongside preparatory courses, summer schools, an artist residence in Ikšķile, and the experimental art space PILOT in Riga's Old Town.

The underlying operational platform combines a Moodle-based Learning Management System (lms.lma.lv), an online admissions portal (apply.lma.lv), and a virtual gallery (virtuaal.lma.lv) for showcasing student work. Specialized facilities include the Riga Makerspace prototyping workshop, the Konstantīna Rončevska Sculpture and Metal Specialties Workshops, and three research institutes covering Art History, Contemporary Art/Design/Architecture, and Restoration/Materials Science. GTM operates as event-driven and community-led: the academy recruits via open houses (Atvērtās skates), portfolio days, education fairs, alumni networks, cultural exhibitions, fashion shows, and an integrated "Vēlos studēt" digital application pathway.

The revenue model rests on five streams: (1) state-funded education for accredited programs, (2) tuition from fee-paying study places (maksas studiju vietas) billed per credit point, (3) continuing education and listener courses (klausītājiem), (4) EU project funding through Erasmus+, ESF, and ERAF grants, and (5) research and consulting income through the three institutes. Customer segments are primarily horizontal: domestic degree-seeking students, international students via Erasmus+ and SDSI, adult learners/hobbyists in preparatory and lifelong learning courses, and researchers/academics. The academy is governed by a Senate, Board, and Rectorate under Latvian state jurisdiction, with registration number 90000029965, and is not privately owned or venture-backed.

Name

Art Academy of Latvia

Legal name

Latvijas Mākslas akadēmija

Website

https://lma.lv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Art Academy of Latvia is a public higher education and research institution in Riga offering accredited bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across 17+ fine arts and design specializations, serving domestic and international students with state-funded and tuition revenue streams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education in Art and Design

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Fine Arts Schools (611610), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Museums (71211)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Fine Arts Colleges (Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking) (EDAHAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Architecture Schools (within Arts & Design institutions) (EDAHAJAG), Art & Design Teacher Education Colleges (Art Education, Music Education) (EDAHAJAJ), Arts-Integrated Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAO), Visual Arts Instruction (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture) (EDAMAAAA), Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Illustration) (EDAAAGAA), Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE), Arts & Culture Appreciation (Art History, Film Appreciation, Music Appreciation) (EDAAAGAO), Art Museums (THAJADAA)

Keywords

• Higher art education
• Fine arts programs
• Design education
• Doctoral art research
• Preparatory art courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Riga

HQ country

Latvia

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. State-Funded Education: The academy receives state funding for accredited bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs as a public higher education institution. Students pay tuition only for non-funded study places.
2. Tuition for Fee-Paying Study Places: Revenue from students enrolled in paid study positions (maksas studiju vietas) as outlined in the fee schedule (cenrādis). Fees vary by program level and credit load.
3. Continuing Education Courses: Revenue from preparatory courses, courses for listeners (klausītājiem), and professional development offerings. Fees calculated per credit point according to published rate sheets.
4. Project Funding and Grants: European funding through Erasmus+, ESF, ERAF, and other grant programs for research, infrastructure modernization, and international cooperation projects.
5. Research and Consulting Services: Income from research projects, publications, and academic consulting services delivered through the Institute of Art History, Institute of Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture (LMDA), and Institute of Restoration and Materials Science.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Art Academy of Latvia is a public higher education institution that delivers accredited bachelor's (4-year), master's (2-year), and doctoral programmes in fine arts, design, restoration, and art history across 17 specializations. It supports formal education with paid preparatory courses, summer schools, courses for listeners, lifelong learning modules, and operates research through three institutes plus facilities such as Riga Makerspace, experimental art space PILOT, and an Artists' Residence.

Product overview

Art Academy of Latvia offers a comprehensive portfolio of higher education products structured across four levels: Bachelor's Programme (4 years, 17+ specializations), Master's Programme (2 years, 17 specializations), Doctoral School (academic and professional doctorates), and the international SDSI joint master's in Service Design. Supporting educational products include Preparatory Courses for aspiring students, virtual gallery access, the experimental art space PILOT, Riga Makerspace prototyping facility, Latgale regional branch, and an artist residence in Ikšķile. Non-degree offerings encompass summer schools, courses for visiting students, and courses for external listeners. The academy also operates LMA Moodle (LMS) and an e-admission system (apply.lma.lv) for programme enrollment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PILOT (Mākslas telpa PILOT): Experimental art space of the Art Academy of Latvia, a 191 square meter facility for exhibitions, experiments, and student experiences in exhibition operations.
• SDSI (Service Design Strategies and Innovation)

Products and services

• Bakalaura programma (Bachelor's Programme) Four-year accredited undergraduate programme in fine arts, design, and art history, delivered to Latvian and international students at LMA campuses, accessible through state-funded and fee-paying study positions.
• Maģistra programma (Master's Programme) Two-year accredited graduate programme covering 17 fine arts and design specializations for degree-seeking students at LMA.
• Doktorantūras skola (Doctoral School) Academic doctoral programme in artistic research with research-track and dissertation defense, grants support, and conference participation.
• Profesionālā doktorantūra (Professional Doctorate) Professional doctoral programme focused on advanced artistic practice and applied research, preparing students for leadership in creative industries and academia.
• SDSI - Service Design Strategies and Innovation (International Master's) International joint Erasmus Mundus master's programme in Service Design Strategies and Innovation, delivered at Adatu Fabrika in Kuldīga with partner universities.
• Sagatavošanas kursi (Preparatory Courses) Paid three-year preparatory course covering drawing, painting, composition, and art history for prospective art students aged 10+, aligned with academy entrance examinations.
• Vasaras skolas (Summer Schools) International summer school programmes covering cultural heritage, architecture, and jewelry, including TROLL CAMP BIP, FestivaL'and, and IN SITU* workshops.
• LMA virtuālā galerija (LMA Virtual Gallery) Online gallery platform displaying student and faculty artwork, exhibitions, and creative projects to a global audience.
• Mākslas telpa PILOT (Art Space PILOT) 191-square-meter experimental art space in Old Town Riga hosting student exhibitions, competitions, collaborative projects, visiting lectures, and art-fair participation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100+ years of continuous operation as leading art institution
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• TikkurilaminorOthersTikkurila sponsors the annual Design Innovation Award during LMA Design Days, recognizing student excellence in design innovation.
• Riga MakerspacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative maker space at Aristida Briāna iela 13 providing prototyping facilities for student projects in design and creative technology. Houses the 'Design Innovation and Technology Laboratory'.
• Hanzas PeronsminorOthersCultural venue partner for major academy events including the annual Fashion Show 'Definīcija' and other exhibitions and cultural programs.
• StockmannminorOthersDepartment store hosting the LMA Showroom featuring student fashion and metal design work during Design Days exhibition period.
• EU4ART AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Union alliance for common fine arts curriculum development. Includes art academies from Germany, Austria, Latvia (LMA), and Hungary for student mobility, joint programs, and curriculum harmonization.
• Baltic Art Academies (Lithuania, Estonia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing cooperation with Vilnius Academy of Arts and Estonian Academy of Arts for student exchanges, joint concerts (LMA Choir), and cultural events.
• AJ Power RecyclingminorOthersSponsor providing the sustainability award during Design Days, supporting environmentally conscious design practices among students.
• Jāzepa Vītola Latvijas Mūzikas akadēmija (JVLMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInter-institutional agreement for student exchange allowing free attendance at each other's courses. Joint summer school projects including cultural heritage programs.
• Latvijas Kultūras akadēmija (LKA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInter-institutional agreement for student exchange. Cultural academy students may attend LMA courses free of charge under the partnership.
• Erasmus+ Program PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean mobility program with partner universities across EU for student and staff exchanges, joint intensive programs (BIP), and international collaboration.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• University of the Arts Helsinki: Finland's broad-spectrum performing and visual arts university formed by merging several academies. Comparable in state-funded higher-education model and international programme mix but significantly larger and broader in scope than LMA.
• University of the Arts London: The world's largest specialist arts university, encompassing six colleges (including Central Saint Martins and Royal College of Art). Operates at materially larger scale and global reach than LMA but is the international benchmark for state-of-art-art higher-education institutions.

Direct peers

• University of Arts Berlin (UdK): One of Germany's largest and most prestigious art universities, combining fine arts, design, music, and performing arts. EU4ART alliance partner of LMA with overlapping specialization structure and doctoral offerings.
• Vilnius Academy of Arts: Lithuania's leading state art university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes in fine arts, design, architecture, and art theory. Direct Baltic counterpart with long-standing joint choir and exchange partnerships through EU4ART and bilateral cooperation.
• Hungarian University of Fine Arts: Hungary's principal fine arts university offering accredited programmes from preparatory through doctoral level. EU4ART alliance partner collaborating with LMA on curriculum harmonization and joint programmes.
• Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp: Belgian fine arts school with strong European reputation in painting, sculpture, graphic design, and fashion. Comparable studio-based pedagogy, doctoral research focus, and European exchange footprint.
• Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts: Denmark's national art and architecture academy combining studio-based fine arts education with research institutes. Comparable in scale, mandate, and institutional structure to LMA as a Nordic-Baltic peer.
• Estonian Academy of Arts: Estonia's primary public art and design university offering similar accredited specializations in fine arts, design, architecture, and media. Closest geographic peer and partner in Baltic academic cooperation, competing for the same regional talent pool.
• Academy of Fine Arts Vienna: Austria's leading fine arts university with century-plus tradition across painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and conservation. EU4ART alliance partner alongside LMA for joint curriculum, student mobility, and harmonized doctoral training.

Regional players

• Stockholm University of the Arts: Sweden's state university for performing and circus arts, design, and media. Comparable public-funded Scandinavian arts university model, primarily serving its domestic market but partnering with LMA-style institutions across Northern Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/artacademy_lv
• Facebookfacebook.com/makslasakademija
• Instagraminstagram.com/makslasakademija

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Art Academy of Latvia