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The Work of the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation
On May 20, 2010, the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation began its work. Over the years, it has supported initiatives in five areas: education and science, culture and the arts, animal welfare, community projects, and social assistance.
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creation of four new productions of significant works from the Latvian dramatic canon. The productions received acclaim from both audiences and critics: Joseph and His Brothers (directed by Inese Mičule), The Prodigal Son (directed by Reinis Suhanovs), as well as The Widow’s Son (directed by Viesturs Roziņš) and The Valmiera Boys (directed by Jānis Znotiņš). This fruitful collaboration with the Valmiera Theatre continued, and by the end of the 2025/2026 season, a total of 13 new productions had reached audiences. In the photo: Evita Ašeradena, Director of the Valmiera Theatre, and philanthropist Ināra Tetereva.
© Matīss Markovskis -
In cooperation with the Art Museum Riga Bourse, numerous significant exhibition projects have been realized, including The Charm of Provence (2015), The Prado: 12 Characters (2017), Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with the Prado (2024–2025), Latvia’s first collaborative project with the Uffizi Gallery, Self-Reflection: Tintoretto, Omar Galliani, Lorenzo Puglisi (2021), Palazzo Madama: Italian Art and Craftsmanship from the 6th to the 19th Century, and many others. In the photo: Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, President of Latvia (1999–2007), and philanthropist Boris Teterev at the opening of the exhibition The Prado: 12 Characters.
© Ilmārs Znotiņš -
One of the Foundation’s long-standing partners is Ziedot.lv. The Foundation has supported Ziedot.lv’s initiatives since the very beginning of its activities, providing regular assistance both to Ziedot.lv and to the POGA Children's Rehabilitation Centre, as well as funding specific projects. For example, the Foundation’s support for the POGA Rehabilitation Centre and its specialized Mollii suit therapy program enables an increasing number of children to receive Mollii rehabilitation at home. This therapy helps reduce muscle spasticity, improves control of movement, and helps slow the progression of muscle atrophy.
© POGA Children's Rehabilitation Centre -
The completion of the restoration of Rundāle Palace was the first grant project formally concluded by the Foundation. Following the completion of the restoration works, visitors to the Rundāle Palace Museum can permanently view a number of rooms that were restored and refurbished with the Foundation’s support, including the Billiard Room, the Duke’s Library, the Duke’s two studies and dressing room, the Duchess’s Boudoir, the Duchess’s Toilet Cabinet and Bedroom, the Great Gallery, as well as the western staircase of the palace. The restored rooms and enriched interiors feature numerous remarkable additions, including a replica of the largest billiard table in Europe, an exquisite set of furnishings for the Duke’s study, and many other historically significant details. The Rundāle Palace Museum consistently ranks among the most visited museums in Latvia.
© Gunārs Janaitis -
The Teātris.zip television and theatre program series continues to record and broadcast performances from Latvian theatres. Since 2012, with the Foundation’s support, a wide range of outstanding, significant, and artistically diverse productions have been preserved for television audiences. The recordings feature some of the finest and most popular productions from theatres in Riga and across Latvia’s regions, helping to make Latvian theatre accessible to a broader audience and preserving notable performances for future generations. In the photo: the recording of a Teātris.zip program dedicated to the New Riga Theatre production Latvian Love.
© Teātris.zip -
The Foundation continues its long-term support for the Latvian Theatre Annual Award “Spēlmaņu nakts” (“Players’ Night”), the only nationwide event that evaluates an entire theatre season across state, municipal, and independent theatres. The awards ceremony is organized by the Latvian Theatre Workers Union in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation. Through this long-term partnership, the Foundation contributes to the preservation and development of Latvian theatre culture and helps enhance the prestige of theatre professions. In the photo: Ojārs Rubenis, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Theatre Workers Union and host of the television program Teātris.zip, together with philanthropist Ināra Tetereva.
© Ieva Leiniša, LETA -
Since the Foundation’s establishment, support has also been provided to Riga Stradiņš University with the aim of supporting the most talented future medical professionals and enhancing the quality of medical education. Currently, 20 scholarship recipients in the field of medicine are continuing their studies with the Foundation’s support. These talented future physicians represent the next generation of healthcare professionals in Latvia. In the photo: the Foundation’s scholarship recipients in 2025.
© Edijs Pālens, LETA -
Since 2014, faculty members of Riga Stradiņš University who have received the Boris Teterev Target Scholarship have modernized more than 200 study courses. Through a competitive selection process, RSU lecturers from both healthcare and social sciences programs receive scholarships to implement modern teaching methods and innovative educational solutions. The program encourages the continuous improvement of academic courses, ensuring that they reflect emerging trends, advances in their respective fields, and the evolving needs of students. Faculty members continue to enhance RSU’s curriculum, adapting courses to innovative developments and creating a more engaging and effective learning environment for future professionals.
© From the Foundation Archives -
At the initiative of philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev, the Foundation established a special distinction - the Badge of Honour. It is presented to an organization or individual for outstanding contributions to the promotion of charity and volunteer work, for long-standing and selfless service in a particular field, or for the successful implementation of a project that has delivered exceptional benefits to society. For example, in 2024, the award was presented to Ingvilda Strautmane and Gundars Āboliņš, hosts of the Latvian Radio 1 program Radio mazā lasītava (“The Little Reading Room”). In this program, produced with the Foundation’s support, they read and discuss some of the most noteworthy and engaging contemporary literary works.
© Ieva Leiniša, LETA -
With a commitment to preserving and sustaining the unique culture and traditions of the Livonian people, the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation provided support to the Līvu (Lībiešu) savienība LĪVOD ĪT (Livonian Union). The Foundation’s support contributed to activities both in Riga and in the organization’s regional branches in Kolka, Mazirbe, and Ventspils. Among the initiatives supported were the publication of the Livonian Yearbook, the organization of the Mierlinkizt children’s summer school, Finno-Ugric Days events in Cēsis, Riga, and Ventspils, the restoration of the community house in Mazirbe, and a variety of other cultural and educational activities. In the photo: the Livonian Festival and the Livonian flag.
© Jānis Pešiks -
The Foundation continues to implement its “Do it Yourself for Your FAMILY TABLE” program, which supports enterprising and hardworking families facing difficult circumstances. Through this initiative, non-profit organizations assist families in carrying out agricultural and gardening activities to help provide food for their own households. Participating families receive seeds, seedlings, gardening tools, and fertilizers, as well as practical advice and guidance on cultivation techniques to help them achieve the best possible harvest. The program promotes self-reliance and sustainable food production, enabling families to improve their well-being through their own efforts and initiative.
© Ilmārs Znotiņš -
As part of a long-standing partnership, the Foundation provides support to the animal shelter "Labās mājas" and the animal welfare organization "Dzīvnieku Draugs". Since 2011, many thousands of animals have received care through programs co-funded by the Foundation. Support has included preventive and emergency veterinary treatment, surgeries, and care for animals that have suffered from human cruelty, as well as funding for renovation and maintenance works. Over the years, the Foundation has also extended its support beyond Latvia, contributing to mountain gorilla conservation efforts in Africa and to the care and welfare of elephants in Thailand.
© Dzīvnieku draugs -
The Foundation’s commitment to animal welfare is also reflected in its support for the program “Ķepa uz sirds” (A Paw on the Heart). The radio program is broadcast on Latvian Radio 2 every Sunday and is also available online as a recording. The television version of the program has been a favorite among viewers since January 15, 2011, when the first episode aired with the Foundation’s support. Dedicated to animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and inspiring stories about animals, the program has become one of Latvia’s most recognizable media platforms for promoting care and compassion toward animals. In the photo: program hosts Inese Kreicberga and Magnuss Eriņš.
© A Paw on the Heart -
Over the years, the Foundation has supported a number of projects in other countries as well. For example, assistance was provided to an orphanage on the Indonesian island of Bali, where nearly 100 children from Bali, Sumba, and other Indonesian islands have been protected from poverty and hunger. Sumba is one of Indonesia’s poorest islands, due in part to a severe lack of access to water. Running water and flush toilets are unavailable in most schools and hospitals on the island. To help local communities break the cycle of long-term poverty, a project was implemented to construct water wells using a simple, sustainable mechanism that is easy to operate and repair when necessary. The Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation co-financed these efforts for several years. The Foundation also supported community development and social assistance projects in Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, and Peru, helping to improve living conditions and expand opportunities for vulnerable communities.
© From the Foundation Archives -
Through the Foundation’s “Doctor, I Can See Well!” program, implemented from 2013 to 2017, a certified ophthalmologist visited nearly all rural schools across Latvia, providing free eye examinations and consultations. During this period, vision screenings were conducted for 16,224 students in 469 rural schools. As a result, 4,005 students with impaired vision received prescription vouchers to help cover the cost of eyeglasses. The program helped identify vision problems at an early stage and ensured that thousands of children gained access to the corrective eyewear they needed, thereby supporting both their health and educational success.
© Diana Bogdanova -
With the Foundation’s support, a number of initiatives have been carried out at the historic Dzintari Concert Hall, enriching its cultural and historical significance. Among these achievements are the installation of a new Steinway & Sons concert grand piano in the hall’s Small Auditorium, the creation of a sculpture honoring the legendary Latvian conductor Arvīds Jansons, and the illumination of the wall paintings by the distinguished Latvian graphic artist Ansis Cīrulis. These contributions help preserve and highlight the artistic heritage of Dzintari Concert Hall while enhancing the experience of its visitors and audiences.
© Dzintari Concert Hall -
As part of the Foundation’s support for the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, newly built three-manual Romantic-style pipe organs were inaugurated at the Academy in 2014. These instruments are the first pipe organs in Latvia’s post-war history to be built entirely from scratch specifically for the country’s needs. The project was carried out by Latvian organ builders from the Ugāle Organ Building Workshop. As such, the construction of the new organ represents a rare and significant event in Latvia’s cultural history, contributing both to the preservation of the country’s musical heritage and to the education of future generations of musicians. In the photo: philanthropist Boris Teterev at the organ inauguration ceremony.
© Evija Trifanova, LETA -
The Ināra Tetereva Scholarship in the Arts has been awarded to 20 students of the Art Academy of Latvia. The scholarship supports talented young artists in their creative and professional development, helping them pursue excellence in the visual arts. In the photo: recipients of the Ināra Tetereva Scholarship in the Arts - 2019 graduates of the Art Academy of Latvia, Krišjānis Elviks, Agate Lielpētere, and Jānis Krauklis.
© Diana Bogdanova -
As part of its cooperation with the Art Academy of Latvia, the Foundation has also supported the LMA Award. The purpose of the award is to identify and recognize outstanding achievements in Latvian visual arts, design, and art scholarship, while promoting the development of artistic processes and encouraging the realization of new ideas and projects. The award was presented for the first time in 2011 to the painter Džemma Skulme, art historian Laima Slava, and painter Jānis Avotiņš, honoring their significant contributions to Latvian art and culture.
© Reinis Dzudzilo -
Over the years, numerous cultural events have been organized as part of the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation’s “Tête-à-Tête” Arts Program. The program was launched in 2013 and attracted an audience of approximately 75,000 people in its inaugural year. By 2015, events within the arts program had reached more than 200,000 people in Latvia, while international live broadcasts across the territory of the European Broadcasting Union reached millions of art enthusiasts. The Tête-à-Tête program has brought together distinguished artists from Latvia and abroad, creating unique opportunities for creative dialogue and artistic exchange. In the photo: opera singer Elīna Garanča and composer Raimonds Pauls during the creative evening “White Hide-and-Seek” at the Latvian National Theatre, held as part of Tête-à-Tête 2016.
© Kristaps Kalns -
The Foundation has provided support to the Latvian National Opera Academy, whose mission is to train young artists and help them begin their professional careers in opera. The Academy also promotes the continuing professional development of performers by offering opportunities for advanced training, artistic growth, and skills enhancement. Through this support, the Foundation contributes to the development of the next generation of opera talent and to the long-term vitality of Latvia’s operatic tradition.
© Gunārs Janaitis -
With the Foundation’s support, ten productions have been staged at the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre: Twelfth Night (2010), Tango with Strok (2012), The Bridegrooms (2013), The Lord’s Comedian (2013), Khanuma (2014), The Canterville Ghost (2016), Medea (2016), To Love (2016), King Lear (2017), The Keys of Magic (2018), created to mark the centenary of the Latvian state. These productions have enriched the theatre’s repertoire and contributed to the development of Latvia’s performing arts landscape. Photo: a scene from the production King Lear.
© Aigars Altenbergs -
Strengthening its long-standing cooperation with the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Foundation has supported the Academy’s Great Medal - its highest distinction, awarded to Latvian and international scientists for outstanding creative and scientific achievements - as well as the publication of several scholarly works. For example, in 2024, readers were introduced to Ojārs Spārītis’s book Academic Dialogues on Science and Life. In addition, the Latvian Academy of Sciences Yearbook was published in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The yearbooks offer readers collections of articles highlighting the most significant achievements and developments in Latvian and international science, providing an overview of key scientific advances and events. In the photo: Ojārs Spārītis.
© Jānis Brencis -
Soup kitchens were among the first social assistance initiatives supported by the Foundation, having been introduced at the very beginning of its operations. Since 2010, the Foundation has supported charitable meal programs through various initiatives, helping soup kitchens provide hot meals to thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable people every week. Special additional assistance has been directed toward children, senior citizens, and people with special needs, as well as toward improving and equipping charitable kitchen facilities. From 2021 to 2024, the Foundation’s “A Loaf of Bread – Support for Soup Kitchens” program enabled 15 charitable kitchens in 11 cities to purchase new equipment and appliances, helping them improve their services and continue providing essential support to those in need.
© Mercy Mission “Food for Life” -
The Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation has been Latvia’s leading promoter of community philanthropy since 2012. The Foundation has played a key role in strengthening community philanthropy across Latvia by supporting the work of existing community foundations and helping establish new ones in the country’s regions. The most frequently supported initiatives include educational projects, cultural events, neighborhood improvement activities, health and social welfare programs, sports initiatives, youth projects, and efforts to promote local communities and regions. Among the most popular and enjoyable fundraising activities are the Ball Rallies - charity lotteries organized by Foundation-supported community foundations to raise funds for local charitable projects. Each summer, these festive events generate several thousand euros in support of local communities. Community foundations acknowledge that such initiatives not only help bring outstanding ideas to life but also foster a strong sense of togetherness and community spirit.
© Valmiera Region Community Foundation -
Through the “Come and Do It! You Can!” program, the Foundation provided financial support to active non-profit organizations in both urban and rural areas whose initiatives enriched the lives of local residents and offered assistance to people in times of need. Between 2013 and 2016, a total of 160 projects received support. The range of activities was remarkably diverse, encompassing everything from Nordic walking and community beautification projects to animal-related activities and cultural events, as well as initiatives serving senior citizens, young mothers, and many other groups. In the photo: as part of a project implemented by the Šķaune branch of the Latvian Red Cross, the activities of an existing Mothers’ Centre were expanded and a playground for children was created. In gratitude, local children sent the Foundation a heartfelt photo greeting.
© From the Foundation Archives -
For several years, the National Library of Latvia and the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation collaborated on a project aimed at enriching the Library’s collections with high-quality books, exhibition catalogues, and films on art. As a result of this partnership, the Library’s holdings were expanded, providing readers and researchers with broader access to valuable cultural resources. Within the framework of this cooperation, the Foundation also helped bring seven unique publications to readers through public libraries in Latvia’s cities and regions. Their authors are well known to Latvian audiences and include Ojārs Spārītis, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, Imants Freibergs, Aija Odiņa, Ojārs Pētersons, Aivars Vilipsōns, Dita Rietuma, and Normunds Naumanis.
© Ieva Makare, LETA -
The guiding theme of the Foundation’s “Art in Public Space” program is “The Joy of Thinking” (Domātprieks), emphasizing the idea that contemporary art in urban environments can bring positive surprises, paradoxes, a sense of the wider world, and opportunities for reflection into everyday life. With the practical goal of creating lasting contemporary artworks in public spaces, the Foundation has supported the installation of a number of art objects in Riga. Among the first were Ojārs Pētersons’s environmental art installation “The Large Vase. 3/4”, located near the National Library of Latvia, followed by “The Large Vase. 1/4” near the main building of Riga Stradiņš University. Visitors to the University of Latvia Botanical Garden can also see “Still Life”, created by artists Brigita Zelča-Aispure and Sandis Aispurs, as well as “Girl with a Shoe”, a public art installation by Aigars Bikše. In the photo: Aigars Bikše’s artwork “Girl with a Shoe.”
© Ilmārs Znotiņš -
On 18 November 2021, Latvia’s Independence Day, the three gilded stars atop the Freedom Monument began to shine brightly thanks to the support of philanthropist Ināra Tetereva. Her donation made it possible to purchase two specially designed lighting fixtures that illuminate the monument’s golden stars, allowing them to be visible and radiant even during the hours of darkness. A year later, a tactile model of the Freedom Monument, created with the Foundation’s support, was unveiled. The model was designed by sculptors Kārlis Alainis and Ivars Miķelsons to enable blind and visually impaired people to experience one of Latvia’s most important national symbols through touch. These initiatives continued the Foundation’s long-standing support for projects connected with the symbols of the Latvian people’s freedom and independence.
© Diana Bogdanova -
Since 2014, the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation has provided regular financial support to the rehabilitation and medical assistance program for veterans of the Latvian National Armed Forces and the families of fallen soldiers. The program is implemented by the Namejs National Defence and Patriotism Foundation. In October 2022, the Foundation received a formal commendation from the Namejs Foundation in recognition of its ongoing support for these initiatives. In the photo: Raimonds Graube presents a certificate of appreciation to philanthropist Ināra Tetereva.
© Armīns Janiks / Ministry of Defence of Latvia. -
From 2013 to 2025, the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation invested €1.545 million in the development of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden. Significant improvements were made to the garden’s infrastructure, helping transform it into an attractive destination for the general public - a place to relax, satisfy curiosity, spend leisure time, engage in research and education, and enjoy exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events. In 2022, marking the Botanical Garden’s centenary, the Foundation presented a special gift: an automatic irrigation system for the plant collections. This system now enables the garden to care for and preserve its diverse plant collections more efficiently throughout the entire territory. Through these long-term investments, the Foundation has contributed to the Botanical Garden’s development as an important center for science, education, nature conservation, and public engagement.
© Lauma Ķeire, University of Latvia Botanical Garden -
The philanthropists’ contributions have been commemorated through several symbolic tributes. Among them, the Babīte Rhododendron Breeding and Trial Nursery of the University of Latvia registered an outdoor rhododendron cultivar named ‘Teterevi Latvijai’ (“The Teterevs for Latvia”), expressing gratitude to the philanthropists for their support of culture, education, and science. This cultivar is one of the outdoor rhododendron varieties developed by the distinguished Latvian plant breeder Rihards Kondratovičs.
© Diana Bogdanova -
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