Liepāja 2027 Calls for Exhibition Concepts Reflecting Liepāja

The Liepāja 2027 Foundation (Liepāja 2027) invites curators to take part in the opening programme of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027. The curators are encouraged to submit concepts via an open competition, with a particular emphasis on proposals that focus on artists with a connection to Liepāja. The exhibition should explore the city’s landscape, history, cultural memory, and changing identity. The opening is scheduled for January 2027 at the Roman Garden Gallery (galerija “Romas dārzs”).

The aim of the competition is to select a strong and well-developed exhibition concept that presents the work of Liepāja artists in a contemporary and multivocal way, while also putting it into a bigger European and global picture. Curators are invited to consider how local artistic practices relate to the central Liepāja 2027 concept of “(un)rest”. The exhibition should be contemporary, of high artistic quality, and meaningful for international audiences, while showcasing the variety and creative strength of Liepāja’s art scene. The Roman Garden Gallery holds a large collection of works by Liepāja artists, which curators are welcome to use in their proposals.

Applications must meet the following conditions:

• a clear and convincing curatorial idea focusing on artists from Liepāja, artists living in Liepāja, or artists with a strong connection to the city;
• a thematic or contextual link to the Liepāja 2027 concept “(un)rest” or to Liepāja’s cultural, historical, ecological, or social environment;
• a thoughtful use and interpretation of the exhibition space and architecture of the Roman Garden Gallery;
• a contemporary approach and high artistic quality;
• solutions that ensure accessibility and reach different audiences, including local residents and international visitors;
• a clear implementation plan, including installation, technical needs, and a timeline.

The exhibition will take place in Hall 1 of the Roman Garden Gallery, marked in yellow on the gallery plan: galerijaromasdarzs.lv/par-mums/zalu-plani

The total competition budget is EUR 40,000. This budget must cover all costs, including production, exhibition design, development of artworks, curator and artist fees, and other related expenses.

Materials to be submitted:

• a description of the curatorial concept, including a list of proposed artists with short biographies, descriptions of the works, and an idea for the exhibition layout (recommended but not required);
• a preliminary budget estimate;
• the curator’s CV;
• the curator’s portfolio.

Applications can be submitted until 25 February 2026, 23:59, by completing the application form.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• originality, clarity, and relevance of the curatorial concept;
• artistic quality of the proposed works and their connection to the theme;
• alignment with the artistic programme of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027;
• feasibility within the given space, budget, and timeframe;
• the curator’s experience and professional background;
• contribution to the visibility and development of Liepāja’s art scene.

Curators are welcome to visit the gallery space by calling +371 25 769 991. Visits are free of charge during opening hours; please indicate that the visit is related to a competition application. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 18:00, Sundays from 12:00 to 15:00.

For questions, please contact Liepāja 2027 creative producer Tīna Pētersone at tina.petersone@liepaja2027.lv