Alegria exotic dance centre director, lawyer Ilze Zariņa is appointed as the new director of Ogre History and Art Museum.
She was the sole candidate for this post. 19 out of 20 city council deputies voted in her favour.
One city council deputy was against her as a candidate.
According to information available to LETA, Zariņa did not attend the meeting of the Latvian Museums Association, during which she was evaluated for the aforementioned post. Because there was no opportunity to interview the contender about topics related to the museum’s professional operations, Ogre County Council voiced concerns about the candidate’s academic education and lack of professional experience in managing a museum.
However, members of the municipal committee found the contender’s education in the field of law, experience and knowledge as valid and appropriate to give the post to her with a three-month test period.
During her interview, Zariņa was asked what the national museum collection is. She could not answer.
Deputy executive director Dana Bārbale stressed at the meeting that she has taken into account the recommendation of the Council of Museums of Latvia and has set a number of tasks important for the operation and development of the museum and the results to be achieved during the test period. These tasks are aimed at both long-term planning of activities and provision of the museum’s existing functions.
Zariņa is given time until the 1st of December to develop a reorganisation plan for museums in Ogre as well as an action plan in accordance with the municipality’s order “On exhibitions and events for 2023-2024”.
Zariņa also has until the 10th of November to develop a plan to increase qualification and wages for workers of employees of Ogre Municipal Museums and Cultural Heritage.
Zariņa graduated from the University of Latvia as a lawyer. She also graduated from Riga Stradins University with a Master’s degree in law. She has worked in multiple organisations and state administration-related institutions. She currently serves as a member of Ogre County Orphans’ Court. During the meeting with Ogre municipal deputies, Zariņa said she will not be able to combine posts as museum director and member of the court. This is why she plans to leave the court.