The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural and leisure industries: evidence from Riga, Latvia

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the creative-cultural and leisure-entertainment industries in Riga, Latvia. Socialising of individuals is one of the main factors in the success of these industries, and therefore, epidemiological restrictions posed a threat to their further operation. The study was conducted using a qualitative research methodology, namely, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with representatives of creative quarters in Riga. The findings suggest that restrictions imposing social distancing affected the whole industry, yet individual experiences were neither completely different nor identical: the preconditions and characteristics of certain venues were key factors in their successful operation during the pandemic, e.g., establishments with vast outdoor premises were able to adapt to ever-changing requirements easier than venues with limited outdoor space or which were mainly indoors. Likewise, it was found that introducing new services amongst the usual cultural consumption during the pandemic paved the way for developing new, multifunctional quarters in Riga.