STEAM Science Workshops to be held for the first time at the Song and Dance Festival – Latvijas Finieris and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences invite you to explore robotics
03.07.2025
To inspire participants and fans of the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival to discover the links between art and science, the festival will, for the first time in its history, offer STEAM workshops at the Mežaparks Grand Open-Air Stage – open to all who are interested. From 9 to 13 July, visitors will have the chance to explore the essence of the Song and Dance Festival in depth by engaging with various technologies, participating in creative workshops, experiencing live demonstrations, and enjoying interactive activities in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) area.
As part of the STEAM science workshops, the Latvijas Finieris team, together with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, will delve into engineering and technology through their jointly organised activity, Robot Battles.
Robotics and automation are an integral part of modern life and their importance will continue to grow. The Robot Battles offer a fun and hands-on way for everyone – young and old – to dive into the exciting world of technology. Visitors can watch robots in action, try them out for themselves, and discover just how much engineering, programming, creative thinking, and material science can achieve. They’ll also learn about the paths to becoming an engineer, mechatronics technician, machine builder, and more.
“Innovation begins with a single step – the courage to experiment, explore, and embrace mistakes as part of the journey. Our goal is not only to showcase robotics and its significance but also to inspire the younger generation to see how engineering, the versatile use of wood and creativity, are all closely intertwined with Latvia’s progress. We believe that by encouraging young people to explore and experiment, we can inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists to shape their future paths,”
norāda “Latvijas Finiera” valdes loceklis Māris Būmanis.
Especially for this STEAM workshop, 40 unique robots have been created in recent weeks at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and the Sigulda Youth Initiative Centre Mērķis, using a variety of materials such as birch plywood, metal, plastic, and more.
“The Song and Dance Festival is a testament to Latvia’s unity and creativity. For the first time in the history of the Festival, technology and science will also be part of this spirit. We, the team at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, are proud to be part of this collective innovation – offering young people the chance to experiment, create and experience firsthand how technology and creativity go hand in hand in shaping future choices and achievements,”
uzsver Vidzemes Augstskolas rektore Agnese Dāvidsone.
In a specially designed learning zone, the youngest visitors will have the chance to discover wood and explore the many uses of birch plywood for the very first time.
STEAM Science Workshops will be organised by several partners during the Song and Dance Festival: LMT, Elektrum, Rimi, Latvijas Finieris (in collaboration with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences), Rīgas ūdens, etc., each taking care of their own scientific discipline. Among the sponsors is the AUGT Foundation, with the Cēsis Space Exploration Centre and the Zvaigznāja klase also planning activities in the STEAM zone.
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is the only eco-university in the Baltics and, in partnership with Europe’s leading birch plywood producer, Latvijas Finieris, is actively promoting careers in robotics, mechatronics and engineering. At the beginning of 2025, Latvijas Finieris and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences signed a cooperation agreement, joining forces to nurture young talent and strengthen education in Latvia.
