Celebrating Creativity, Identity, and International Education at the International School of Riga
At the International School of Riga (ISR), we proudly offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)—a globally respected, academically rigorous programme for students aged 16–19. One of the most distinctive elements of the DP is the way it encourages students to blend academic knowledge with creativity, critical thinking, and personal inquiry.
The IB DP Visual Arts Exhibition is a powerful example of this philosophy in action.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year academic curriculum recognized by universities worldwide for its high standards and emphasis on holistic development. Students take six subjects across various disciplines, complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay, engage in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and participate in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects.
The DP doesn’t just aim to prepare students for exams—it prepares them for life. It nurtures curious, compassionate, and globally-minded individuals who are equipped to think independently and act with integrity in a complex and interconnected world.
The Arts, including Visual Arts, are an essential part of the IB curriculum. While some academic systems view the arts as extracurricular, the IB recognizes them as core to a well-rounded education. Visual Arts is one of the six subject groups within the DP, and students who choose it as a subject engage in a rich, research-based, and studio-driven experience.
What is the IB DP Visual Arts Exhibition?
The Visual Arts Exhibition is the final, externally assessed component of the course. Over two years, students research, experiment, and create a cohesive portfolio of 8–11 original artworks, all based around a personal theme, inquiry, or conceptual focus. Students select their own media—painting, sculpture, installation, digital art, mixed media, photography, or a combination—and develop a curatorial narrative that ties the pieces together.
What makes this exhibition particularly meaningful is that it showcases the entire artistic and academic journey of each student. It demonstrates not only technical skills and aesthetic decision-making but also deep critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal voice.
According to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), students are evaluated on:
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Technical competence and craftsmanship
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Conceptual clarity and coherence
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Personal engagement and reflective writing
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Communication of artistic intentions
Through this process, students learn to work independently, manage long-term projects, analyze art in a global context, and express their ideas visually and verbally—skills that serve them far beyond the art studio.
The IB Visual Arts Experience at ISR
At ISR, the Visual Arts course is taught by passionate educators who guide students through this transformative process. Our students are encouraged to explore their cultural identity, personal experiences, and global issues through visual language. They also learn curatorial skills by planning and presenting their final exhibition to a public audience.
This year, we are excited to feature the work of two talented Grade 12 students:
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Amina has developed a series of artworks exploring the visual representation of African tribal life. Her pieces are rich in symbolism, texture, and cultural narrative, offering insight into traditions and daily experiences.
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Lūkass invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of the ordinary. Through a collection of thoughtful and sometimes minimalist works, he encourages us to notice and appreciate the things we often take for granted.
Both exhibitions reflect the personal journeys of these young artists and embody the values of the IB—inquiry, reflection, international-mindedness, and authentic expression.
You’re Invited to the ISR IB DP Visual Arts Exhibition
We invite our community—and all those interested in IB education, creativity, and youth expression—to experience this year’s Visual Arts Exhibition.
Location: Rietumu Banka Gallery, Riga
Dates: April 10 from 15:45 to April 11 at 16:00
Come and explore the artistic journeys of our students. Discover how education at ISR empowers young people not only to succeed academically but also to express themselves meaningfully and confidently in a global society.
About the International School of Riga
The International School of Riga is Latvia’s only IB World School offering the full continuum of IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Located in the heart of Riga, ISR is known for its small class sizes, international faculty, inclusive community, and commitment to developing globally engaged, lifelong learners.
To learn more about the IB Diploma Programme at ISR, visit our High School page.
Sources
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International Baccalaureate Organization. Diploma Programme Visual Arts Guide. https://ibo.org
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IB Visual Arts Subject Brief: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/the-arts/visual-arts/
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“What is an IB Education?” IBO. https://ibo.org/benefits/what-is-an-ib-education/
