VEF District- (Latvia)

VEF is an old transistor and car factory, a big industrial complex created in 1919, called  “Valsts elektrotehniskā fabrika” (the State’s electrotechnical company) since then it’s become an art space, for creativity and for events. Back then, phones, and even planes were built here.

You can go and walk around with no particular aim, just to appreciate the atmosphere of the place, to enjoy the skate park or a bike ride, enjoy an event, or to check out the Zeima gallery if it’s open.

The Soviet regime considered the possession of a “Spīdola” radio built by VEF as proof and anti-Soviet activities, as it was known for detecting Western radio frequencies bypassing the filters put in place by the authorities.

It’s of a rare beauty..even though other areas are already very hipster, there are a lot of start-ups and other “cool” studios.

There are numerous artists that keep this place going: here’s the link for the events