On February 7, a new art and research laboratory opened at 12 Aristīda Briāna Street, offering an alternative education program dedicated to sound art, music, new and old media, and audiovisual experiments. Starting on March 24, the first three courses in the unified program "Experimental Introductory Course in Sound Art and Electronic Music" will begin, led by practicing and experienced artists and teachers in Latvia, offering an alternative to what is currently available at art and music colleges in Latvia. Each course can be taken separately or all at once, providing diverse knowledge in music production and sound art.

Musician and audiovisual artist Sabīne Moore, also known as Waterflower, will teach a course in electronic music production and music management , offering practical skills and theoretical knowledge on how to start a creative career in the music industry and how to communicate with the public, as well as the basics of sound processing and composition.

The creator of the cabinet, artist and researcher Paula Vītola will teach a course entitled "DIY Technologies and Experiments in Sound," which will provide an opportunity to learn how to make your own instruments, various non-standard microphones, and effects. You will learn how to solder your own wires and connect electronic components, i.e., an introduction to electronics. In addition, topics such as "introduction to technology" are included to gain an understanding of the techniques used in music production and live performances and to learn not to be afraid of them. We will also learn what sound is, from the perspectives of physics and perception. Both courses consist of 20 lectures, divided into 10 sessions.

There will also be an opportunity to learn the basics of live coding using Tidal Cycles software. This course will consist of eight lectures and will be taught by artist and creative programmer Kaspars Jaudzems.

Similar to university courses, the course will conclude with a final assignment – a creative project. The projects will be presented publicly at AB12 kabinets or elsewhere, at the initiative of the participants themselves, after the end of the program, between June 8 and 20.

The courses are intended for people who are beginners in these subjects – each course will start from the very basics of the subject. Young and emerging artists and musicians, as well as people from other fields who want to acquire new skills and broaden their horizons. Young people and adults aged 18 and over are welcome to apply.

In addition to and parallel to the main program, the laboratory will also host various open lectures, creative workshops, and other educational events. The exhibition and space “Ziņkārības kabinets” will be on view at "AB12 kabinets" space until February 28. The first objects and works in the permanent, growing and changing exhibition are on display, which will also be available in the cabinet rooms on a daily basis, only in a different form, and where there is no clear boundary between works of art, found objects, prototypes and experiments. The exhibition features young artists Beatrise Šulte, Sabrina Rače, Madara Kronberga, and Anna Doveiko.

Until the end of February, Paula Vītola's sound and light installation "Uzlāde" will also be on display. The installation will radiate a powerful energy charge, and visitors will be able to indulge in a mesmerizing aesthetic sensory experience, feeling their own perceptions, thresholds, and peculiarities.

Admission to the exhibition is free, with donations for the development of the cabinet welcome. The exhibition is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For information about studies, course schedules, and participation fees, as well as other events at AB12 Cabinet, please visit the website www.ab12kabinets.com and follow on Instagram.

To apply for studies and ask questions, please email: paula@ab12kabinets.com