The European Capital of Culture is an initiative by the European Union designed to emphasize the role of culture in the development of cities. Its aim is to foster a shared European cultural identity, celebrate Europe’s diverse heritage, and promote cities internationally through a rich programme of cultural events. This initiative also strengthens the sense of belonging to a common cultural space, while highlighting the shared values that unite Europeans.

Since its inception in 1985, the title of European Capital of Culture has been awarded to over 70 cities across Europe and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on their cultural, social, and economic landscapes.

Liepāja was selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2027 by an international jury thanks to its compelling and imaginative application. The city presented a clear vision that showcased its rich cultural heritage and future aspirations. Among nine Latvian cities that applied for the title, Liepāja, together with Kuldīga and the South Kurzeme region, stood out by offering a diverse and engaging cultural programme.

The selection process involved 12 independent experts – two appointed by Latvian authorities and ten by European institutions including the European Parliament, Council, Commission, and Committee of the Regions.

• Diversify and expand international and mutual cooperation.
• Encourage public involvement in shaping the local environment.
• Enhance digital user experiences through technological innovations.
• Define and promote the cultural identity elements of the “Land of (un)rest.”
• Increase citizens’ participation in societal processes.

The Liepāja 2027 programme is based on the city’s Bid Book, Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027: (un)rest. The Liepāja 2027 programme “(un)rest” is structured around five thematic lines that respond to issues relevant to Liepāja and neighbouring regions, while also engaging with broader European questions.The Liepāja 2027 programme is being created through projects developed by core partners, initiatives selected via open calls, and events produced by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation in cooperation with local and international curators. Several hundred professionals and organisations are involved in shaping the programme. In total, the programme consists of more than 500 events, ranging from exhibitions, concerts, performances and conferences to the creation of urban installations and new cultural tourism products, all aiming to boost the region’s international visibility while nurturing local creative potential.

A first (in)sight of the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 (un)rest programme is available here.

The full programme will be publicly available in the autumn of 2026.

While programme-related activities have been taking place since 2023, the European Capital of Culture year will officially begin on 22 January 2027 with opening events in Kuldīga and South Kurzeme, followed by a large-scale opening programme in Liepāja on 23 January. Preparations for the opening celebrations are already in place. Under the artistic guidance of film director Matīss Kaža, an outdoor concert performance “City Symphony” is in development. Theatre director Laura Groza is preparing the indoor concert ceremony “Wind Symphony”, while composer Ēriks Ešenvalds is creating a new musical work for the particular occasion. Alongside these flagship events, cultural venues across Liepāja will host a variety of events designed to appeal to diverse audiences.

Liepāja 2027 brings a personal exhibition by Chiharu Shiota (塩田千春), one of the most internationally recognised figures in contemporary art. The programme also features the internationally acclaimed Lithuanian contemporary opera Sun & Sea (“Saulė ir jūra”), which was awarded the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale. An international concert series, Stars in Amber, will bring world-renowned artists to Liepāja’s Great Amber Concert Hall. In August 2027, Liepāja will host one of Europe’s largest amateur choir festivals “Europa Cantat”. Also planned are the Liepāja Opera Festival Opera by the Sea, organised by the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, the international theatre festival Theatre in Close-Up, organised by Liepāja Theatre, the discourse event series Agora of Values, Liepāja Art Forum 2027 and other events. A first (in)sight of the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 (un)rest programme is available here.

South Kurzeme and Kuldīga are integral partners in the Liepāja 2027 initiative. Their involvement represents an opportunity to amplify regional identity, reinforce local and international cooperation, and promote European values across a significant portion of Latvia. By securing this title, the entire Kurzeme region, along with Latvia as a whole, benefits from renewed cultural and cross-sectoral connections.

The official cultural programme will take place throughout 2027. However, preparatory and warm-up events have been ongoing since 2023. To ensure a lasting cultural legacy, some activities will continue beyond 2027, with certain projects extending into 2028 and beyond.

In addition to cultural and artistic events, the Liepāja 2027 Community programme “Neighbourliness” and the Liepāja 2027 Youth programme have been running since 2024. To develop the skills of local cultural professionals, a lifelong learning course has been organised in collaboration with the RTU Liepāja Academy. On the “Skills Exchange” platform, participants learn traditional crafts and how to adapt them to 21st century requirements. The ‘Genius Loci Programme’ has also been introduced to preserve the cultural and historical environment, as well as the spirit of place, in the cities of Kurzeme. The programme also includes environmental, educational and community engagement projects which will continue as sustainable solutions beyond 2027.

For local residents, the European Capital of Culture title brings heightened attention to cultural activities, new opportunities for creatives and entrepreneurs, and increased international visibility for the city and region. Residents can take part in a broad range of cultural and cross-sectoral projects, thus making their own contribution to community involvement and development.

If you are a resident who wishes to promote cultural activities in your neighbourhood, you can get involved in the Liepāja 2027 Community programme, “Neighbourliness”. You can participate by volunteering, attending educational programmes or entering open project competitions with your initiative. A survey conducted by the market and social research centre “Latvijas Fakti” in autumn 2025 shows that 25% of Liepāja residents are already involved in preparing the city for its role as European Capital of Culture.

The European Capital of Culture title will significantly boost Liepāja’s economy. It is expected to increase tourism, create new job opportunities, and attract investment. With more visitors attending cultural events, the local hospitality and creative industries will benefit from a rise in demand. This economic impact will help not only Liepāja but the entire region to grow and prosper.

Yes, many of the events will be free or affordable and designed to be accessible to diverse audiences, including families, seniors, people with disabilities, and other social groups. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of people can enjoy the events.

Yes, the Liepāja 2027 programme has strong links with artists, organisations and partners in other European countries. By 2026, 16 international projects had been implemented and 81 foreign artists, creative professionals and 11 collectives from 26 countries had taken part in events as part of the “(un)rest” programme. This provides an opportunity for Liepāja, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions to become an international cultural hub. Other European Capitals of Culture are also our key international partners.

The long-term impact of Liepāja 2027 will include increased international visibility, cultural infrastructure development, and enhanced investment and tourism. These factors will contribute to the growth of both the cultural sector and the local economy, while also strengthening the sense of community and belonging among residents.

The costs specified in the application for the six-year period from 2022 to 2028 are as follows: Liepāja City Municipality: €7.5 million; South Kurzeme and Kuldīga Regional Municipalities: €500,000 each; National funding: €10 million; European Union (Melina Mercouri Prize): €1.5 million.

Private funding, sponsorship, proceeds from ticket sales and funds from various other sources are also planned. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 437,157 euros of foreign funding was secured and participation in 16 international projects was implemented. Cooperation has also been initiated with the main partner in the field of environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa” JSC, and with the mobility partner, the transport company SIA “Lux Express Latvia” Ltd.

The foundation’s annual budget will be reviewed and approved in the same manner as state and municipal budgets are – once a year – taking into account the overall economic situation in the country.

Anyone aged 13 or over who is interested is invited to apply for the Liepāja 2027 volunteer programme, “Mission (Un)Rest”. Volunteers will be needed to assist with a variety of activities, from organising events to welcoming guests and providing information.

See: Liepāja 2027 Volunteer Programme: “Mission (un)rest”

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact the Liepāja 2027 Volunteer Coordinator, Izabella Džeriņa, by email at izabella.dzerina@liepaja2027.lv

The programme is set to include over 500 events, including exhibitions, concerts, performances and conferences, as well as the creation of urban art installations and new cultural tourism products. Among the globally recognized will be Japanese contemporary artist Chiharu Shiota (塩田千春), Jozef Wouters, Hito Steyerl, Ibrahim Quraishi, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Pierre Jodlowski, Anton Vidokle, Alina Bliumis, Joan Jonas, IRCAM and Ensemble Intercontemporain, Kurt Stallaert, Ryoichi Kurokawa, Patrick Borgeat, Fabian Van Sluijs, Sasha Waltz & Guests, Anna Barlik, Laura Gozlan, Robin Levy, Raimundas Malašauskas, the artist collective “Action Hero,” “HÖR Berlin,” international opera artists, theaters from the Baltic Sea region, Nordic countries and Europe, and local and international visual artists and sculptors.

Businesses can participate by becoming sponsors or partners, either through financial support or by offering services. Additionally, businesses can engage in creative and business initiatives that align with the Liepāja 2027 programme. For more information regarding corporate issues, please contact Zita Lazdāne, Head of Public Relations and Marketing Department, at zita.lazdane@liepaja2027.lv.

Youth engagement is promoted through a special Liepāja 2027 programme for young people, which has a set number of participants and specific selection criteria. Educational and creative workshops are organised to encourage young people to participate in cultural events. Upon completing the programme, participants can join the European Capital of Culture Youth Club to further develop their skills and become organisers of youth activities for Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027.

For more information about the programme, please contact our Community Engagement Manager, Justīne Rusakova, at justine.rusakova@liepaja2027.lv.

Tickets for paid events will be available on the website, as well as on other ticketing platforms. For the latest news and ticket sale dates, please visit the “Liepāja 2027” website: liepaja2027.lv/en/

Job vacancies for the Liepāja 2027 team will be announced through open calls. Information on available positions can be found on websites such as liepaja2027.lv and www.liepaja.lv and on major national vacancy advertising websites. Stay updated by following these platforms for the latest job postings.

We invite individual professionals and self-employed persons interested in cooperating with the Liepāja 2027 team on individual assignments (“piecework” basis) and contributing to the implementation of the European Capital of Culture program. To apply, please fill out the application form.

Yes, you can apply for an internship by sending your application to birojs@liepaja2027.lv. Each application will be evaluated individually.

If you’d like to stay close to the action and follow the journey as it unfolds, you’re warmly invited to join the Liepāja 2027 newsletter for monthly updates.

Liepāja is easily accessible by land, air and sea. Alongside road and rail connections, the city has its own airport serving charter flights, while Palanga Airport, with regular commercial flights, is located approximately 70 km away. From Latvia’s capital Rīga, Liepāja can be reached comfortably by LUX Express coach services. Regular ferry connections link Liepāja with Travemünde in Germany several times a week, and visitors arriving by yacht can moor directly in the city centre, in the Trade Canal.

Wherever you’re coming from, plan your destination Liepāja!

One may enjoy Liepāja’s hospitality within five-star promenade apartments and avant-garde art hotels or perhaps opt for our distinguished business-style suites and bespoke dwellings. From city guest houses to youth hostels and campsites, do ensure you secure your booking well in advance! Our ethos of hospitality is simple: find warmth within our walls so that you may step out into the wind!

Seek your perfect repose in one of Liepāja’s many hotels!

The Liepāja 2027 Bid Book is available online and can be accessed here: Liepāja 2027 Bid Book.

The upcoming European Capitals of Culture are:

• 2024: Tartu (Estonia), Bodø (Norway), Bad Ischl (Austria)
• 2025: Chemnitz (Germany), Nova Gorica (Slovenia)
• 2026: Trenčín (Slovakia), Oulu (Finland)
• 2027: Liepāja (Latvia), Évora (Portugal)
• 2028: Bourges (France), Budweis (Czech Republic), Skopje (North Macedonia)
• 2029: Lublin (Poland), Sweden (Kiruna)
• 2030: Nikšić (Montenegro), Larnaka (Cyprus)