Marika Svīķe (Bogdanova) was born in May 1968 in the homestead “Pakalnes” in Palsmane Rural Territory. She began her education at Palsmane Primary School, later studied at Smiltene Secondary School, and graduated from the University of Latvia, Faculty of Philology, Department of Journalism. After completing her studies, she worked for the Valka District newspaper “Mūsu zeme”, the newspaper “Ziemeļlatvija”, and managed the Smiltene office of SIA “Radio Trīs”. As a poet, Marika was deeply involved in the cultural and civic life of Smiltene. She served as a member of Smiltene City Council, led the association “Smiltenei un Latvijai”, sang in the choir “Pakalni”, performed with the LVM men’s choir “Silvicola, took part in productions by the Smiltene People’s Theatre and the Palsmane Amateur Theatre, volunteered extensively, and helped realise many community-supported and loved projects.

Her poetry was published in seven poetry collections, but her work extended far beyond the printed pages. Together with musician Jānis Žagariņš, she performed at more than 120 poetry and music events across Latvia. Songs with her lyrics and music have been performed by groups such as “Kaimiņi”, “Kantoris 04”, “Sestā Jūdze”, “Zeļļi”, and others.

After Marika’s passing, many expressed the wish for a place where her memory could be honoured and her poetry and music could continue to be enjoyed. Responding to this call, the association “Smiltenei un Latvijai”, in cooperation with the poet’s husband, undertook the creation of such a space.

Smiltene Municipality allocated a site in the Old Park for creating the Marika Svīķe Cultural Space. Encouraged by musician Jānis Krūmiņš, local artists created a special concert programme to raise funds for the creation of the cultural space. Residents of the city contributed time, donations, and voluntary work, demonstrating strong community support.

 

A butterfly was chosen as the central symbol of the cultural space during the Smiltene City Festival celebrations and other events, drawing on residents’ memories and feelings associated with the poet and her creative work. It symbolises the soul, joy, freedom, hope, immortality, rebirth, transformation, and the connection between heaven and earth.

Legend has it that butterflies can carry human wishes to heaven. Visitors are invited to whisper their wishes to the butterflies here as well.