NEW EAST TEAM
We have assembled a proactive, active and creative team of young professionals with diverse backgrounds and competences, united by a common goal. They are involved in administration, project monitoring, selection, project writing, planning, logistics and all the processes that make New East work.
For some projects, additional specialists are brought in on a project-by-project basis. This improves the quality and professional approach of the programmes. Journalism, entrepreneurship and media literacy specialists, curators, mentors are actively involved in educational programmes and workshops, young directors and actors are involved in theatre projects, historians, interpreters, orientation game developers, etc.
Head of New East
Joren Dobkiewicz
Human Rights | Cultural Policy | International Collaboration Joren provides visionary leadership for New East, shaping its long-term strategy, institutional partnerships, and impact-driven programming. With a deep background in cultural policy, transnational networks, and critical media studies, he spearheads initiatives that bridge partipative innovation with civic activism, human rights adocacy, ensuring that New East remains a vital force for cultural transformation in the EU border region and beyond.

Board Member, Senior Project Curator
Alina Hachetlova
Program Curation | Non-Formal Education | Civic Engagement As a senior curator, Alina is responsible for developing and overseeing flagship projects that foster social resilience, media literacy, and participatory democracy. With extensive experience in NGO leadership, educational program design, and cultural activism, she ensures that New East's initiatives remain responsive, inclusive, and impactful. An important part of Alina's experience is creating playful (gamification) methods in New East's educational programs.

International Program Curator
Viktors Andruškevičs
Global Partnerships | Cross-Border Media Literacy Programs | Policy Advocacy Viktors specializes in building transnational alliances, expanding New East’s reach through international collaborations, EU-funded programs, and global cultural diplomacy. His expertise lies in advocacy for independent cultural ecosystems, ensuring that New East serves as a critical bridge between grassroots activism and international cultural discourse. Victor's important role is working on international media literacy research and education programs across Europe.

Culture and Education Program Curator
Marina Ivanova
Curatorial Research | Artistic Pedagogy | Community-Based Learning Marina designs and curates education-driven cultural programs, merging artistic expression with critical pedagogy. Her work focuses on creating accessible, interdisciplinary spaces for knowledge exchange, engaging artists, educators, and local communities in dialogues on social justice, heritage, and contemporary artistic practice. Marina is a producer of various educational and cultural initiatives of the New East Institute of Culture in Latvia and abroad.

Technical Administration, Director
Eduards Beļnikovs
Infrastructure Management | Theatrical Innovation | Event Production Eduards oversees the technological and operational aspects of New East, ensuring seamless execution of its multimedia events, digital platforms, and performance-based projects. His expertise spans event logistics, production management, and technological integration in cultural programming. Eduard also directs some of the productions at New East, working with some of the most difficult to publicly discuss topics in our society. He also specializes in forum theater for local and vulnerable communities.

Project Coordinator
Elīna Veinšteina
Program Execution | Grant Management | Youth Outreach Elīna ensures the smooth execution of New East’s multifaceted programs, handling grant writing, logistical coordination, and stakeholder relations. With a strong background in project management and cultural administration, she facilitates collaboration between artists, funders, and partner institutions. Her role is critical in engaging and working with youth through New East's participatory programs and cultural projects.

Multimedia Content Creator, Project Coordinator
Jegor Afonich
Visual Storytelling | Film & Digital Media | Audiovisual Production Jegor is at the forefront of New East’s media strategy, producing documentary films, visual narratives, and interactive content that amplify marginalized voices. His work bridges cinematic storytelling, investigative journalism, and digital activism, ensuring that New East’s initiatives reach broad and diverse audiences.

SMM and Strategic Communication, Project Coordinator
Alisa Pukhalska
Digital Campaigns | Public Relations | Narrative Strategy Alisa leads strategic communication efforts, crafting compelling narratives that resonate across social and traditional media platforms. She develops and implements engagement strategies that bolster New East’s visibility, audience outreach, and community mobilization efforts.

Designer
Anna Jurevich
Visual Identity | Experiential Design | Brand Development Anna shapes the aesthetic and visual language of New East, ensuring coherence across branding, print, and digital assets. Her expertise lies in translating complex socio-political themes into visually engaging experiences, making activism and cultural discourse more accessible and immersive.
