In an open competition for the post of the Director of Rundāle Palace Museum the tender commission appointed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia nominated Dr Laura Lūse as the most suitable candidate amongst 16 applicants.
‘The commission positively appraised Laura Lūse’s professional knowledge and experience, including her work on the Board of the Latvian Society of Restorers, at the Art Academy of Latvia and the State Inspection for Heritage Protection, as well as her experience in managing international projects and, of course, her current role at the Rundāle Palace Museum. Whilst managing the Museum, she will be able to draw from her knowledge as a restorer and utilise conclusions and contacts gained from international collaboration, in addition to understanding everyday tasks at the Rundāle Palace Museum’, concludes the chair of commission Dace Vilsone, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, whilst emphasising that in this competition Laura Lūse offered the most considered and farsighted vision for the development of the Rundāle Palace Museum over the next five years.
Laura Lūse graduated from the Department of Art History and Theory at the Art Academy of Latvia and was awarded a PhD in Art, she completed postgraduate and undergraduate studies at the same institution. The first level higher professional education in polychrome wood restoration speciality was attained at the Riga Building College’s Restoration Department. Her education was further enhanced at the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property in Italy, the Institute for Art History in Germany and the UNESCO International Restoration Camp in Norway.
The new director’s most current work experience has been gained from her roles as Head of Art Research Department at the Rundāle Palace Museum, board member of the Latvian Society of Restorers, lecturer at the Art Academy of Latvia, Estonian Academy of Arts and Riga Building College, as well as previous roles at the State Inspection for Heritage Protection and Architectural Research Group (limited liability company). Laura Lūse has participated in international research projects and conferences, and is the author of research publications, lecture curriculum and exhibitions.
The current Director of Rundāle Palace Museum Imants Lancmanis – an art historian, restoration specialist of heraldry, art and architecture monuments, painter and author of several books, employed at the Museum since 1964 and as its Director since 1975 – has announced his decision to retire.
