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MASA  is an art and jazz club that draws inspiration from classical salon traditions and reimagining them in a contemporary form.


The art gallery primarily hosts group exhibitions built around socially relevant and current themes, inviting artists from different generations and geographies to reflect on them using the visual language. The artworks are arranged according to the salon principle — closely positioned next to one another, creating a dialogue between the works and the viewer. This method of display fosters a visually rich and expressive composition.

The culture bar is a central meeting point and a platform for live music. Concerts take place here every week, featuring both established musicians and emerging talents. The programme is largely focused on jazz and related genres, which naturally resonate with the salon idea — a free, nuanced, and interaction-based form of expression.

MASA is inspired by historical salons — secret spaces where philosophers, artists, and musicians exchanged ideas, uniting aesthetics with intellectual depth. Our drink menu is also part of this narrative: each cocktail is named after an art movement and carefully crafted to embody its aesthetic and spirit.

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MASA has a story

In May 2020, the project "Con-Non-Con" was launched in a 316 m² space located on the grounds of a former factory. After completing the necessary construction and renovation work, we opened the space with the first group exhibition. Throughout the summer of 2020, the venue hosted three major events, featuring large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, and media art. In total, 71 artists from Latvia, Russia, Estonia, and Cyprus participated in the exhibitions.

In 2021, after a brief pause, we resumed our activities under a new identity — MASA. This name symbolizes the interdisciplinary approach we have chosen as the foundation of our practice

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From October 2021 to October 2022, eleven more group exhibitions took place at our former location on Alauksta iela 7, Rīga. 

At that time, we were learning and gradually entering the art world — it was a period of experimentation and gaining experience that laid the groundwork for our next ambitious project.

Since February 10, 2023, MASA relocated to the new premises and established a cultural space, which includes an art gallery, event space, bar and workshop rooms for local craftsmen.

 

 It is not a coincidence that we settled in a historic building erected in 1881 and designed by the architect Victor de Grabe. The house is built in an eclectic style, which combines some elements of various architectural historical directions. The interior of MASA is created following the philosophy of eclecticism, harmoniously combining the styles of three generations in one space.

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My goal is to create an environment where every guest feels comfortable, inspired, and eager to return. Since 2020, I have been involved in promoting art, and since 2024, organizing music events. Contemporary art, jazz, and classical music hold a special place in my heart. My greatest strength is the ability to learn quickly, and organization and working with people have always been my true calling.

I believe that true success is about creating something meaningful and impactful for others. This belief drives me every day to continue developing MASA. I hope that by visiting our gallery and cultural bar, you will feel the same inspiration and share my values.

Interview with me: Jazzin.lv   

Meet Ksenija Afanasjeva — Founder and Director of MASA

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