“Craft + Design” public online guest lecture with Sarmīte Poļakova

The second public online guest lecture of the “Craft + Design” project explores materials research, its application in design, and sustainability.

The second guest lecture in the “Craft + Design” series will be led by designer Sarmīte Poļakova, founder of the material design and research studio “Studio Sarmīte”. The studio focuses on transforming industrial waste and various by-products into innovative closed-loop design solutions. A key aspect of the studio’s approach is the life cycle of materials and products, placing greater value on sustainability and circularity rather than simple durability.

The studio’s design practice is rooted in hands-on experimental research and the creative adaptation of existing design and manufacturing methods. This playful and exploratory process often leads to unexpected discoveries that challenge conventional approaches to production, consumption, and waste.

The materials and processes developed by “Studio Sarmīte” are used both in the studio’s own projects and in collaborations with clients, continuously exploring the connections between materials, art, science, and design. Previous collaborators include Adidas, Universal Design Studio, Hirsch, Vitra, Levi’s, and others.

Register for the lecture by June 5, 2026 by filling out the online form

Additional information about the project: lmmdv.edu.lv/amats-plus-dizains-2026

Organisator: Liepāja Music, Art and Design Secondary School (www.lmmdv.edu.lv)

“Craft + Design” is implemented within the programme “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” with funding from the Ministry of Culture, the City of Liepāja, and the municipalities of Dienvidkurzeme and Kuldīga.