In April 2026, two significant cross-border cooperation and programme presentation events of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” took place in Tallinn, strengthening ties with Estonia’s cultural and tourism sectors, as well as a broader international audience.
On Saturday, 11 April, “Liepāja 2027” participated in the city stage programme of Tallinn Music Week in the Telliskivi Creative City, where two European Capitals of Culture – Oulu 2026 and Liepāja 2027 – came together. During the concert, Liepāja’s (un)rest story was presented in a musically diverse programme featuring SHIPSEA and the band “Alum Alu”, offering both emotionally nuanced and energetically driven cross-genre soundscapes.
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On Monday, 13 April, a presentation of the “Liepāja 2027” programme and the tourism offer of the Liepāja region took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Tallinn, bringing together Estonian cultural professionals, diplomatic partners, and representatives of the tourism sector.
The event was opened by the Ambassador of Latvia to Estonia, Kristīne Lauritsa: “It is especially great pleasure for me to open the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture” event here at the Latvian Embassy. I am proud of Liepāja for having received this important title. Liepāja is my favorite city in Latvia, which I have always recommended visiting right after Riga. Liepāja is about atmosphere. Free air, a feeling of vastness and freedom. Without ‘euro-repair’, but with strong character. Perhaps it is pure physics—the sea, more oxygen, but there is something about this city—otherwise, so many Latvian musicians and artists would not come from there. I am glad about the international perspective this project brings—the broader we think, the more perspectives we gain, the better we understand what is happening in the world and how to improve it.”
The “Liepāja 2027” programme was presented by Baiba Bartkeviča, Board Member for Artistic Matters of the foundation, who said: “Cooperation with Estonian partners is important to us not only because of geographical proximity, but also due to shared values and interests. The “Liepāja 2027” programme serves as a platform where different experiences, artistic practices, and perspectives on the region’s future come together. The events held in Tallinn confirm that the Baltic region has strong potential to create culturally significant international events that resonate in a broader European context.”
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In a panel discussion on international cooperation and the development of cultural events, representatives from Latvia and Estonia took part — including Estonian–American artist and co-curator of the “Atmospheric Waves” festival, John Grzinich, Head of Programme Line at Tartu – European Capital of Culture 2024 and representative of the Goethe-Institut Tallinn, Jaan Ulst, as well as co-curator of the “Embrace the Sound” programme and representative of “Dirty Deal Audio”, Kristaps Puķītis.
The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen regional cooperation and develop new formats for implementing international cultural projects.
Particular attention was given to Baltic cooperation projects that demonstrate the development of a shared cultural space and an interdisciplinary approach. Among them is the contemporary art exhibition “The Hypnic Jerk: An (un)rest Horizon”, curated by Lithuanian curator Raimundas Malašauskas and Latvian curator Zane Onckule, featuring Estonian artists Norman Orro and Jonas Timmi. Also presented was the festival project “Solar Punk Palace” within the “Nordic Solstice” festival, developed in cooperation with the MAAJAAM residency centre in Valga and Estonian storyteller Piret Paar. In contemporary music, participation of the Estonian band “Talbot” and the cultural venue “Paavli Kultuuriklubi” in the project “Rock the Rock” was highlighted.
The event concluded with a musical performance by Estonian–Latvian sound artist Eleonora Kampe, offering an insight into the upcoming programme event “Embrace the Sound”.
The “(un)rest” programme of “Liepāja 2027” brings together more than 500 events across Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga region, and is designed as a platform for international cooperation, artistic creation, and public participation.
Participation in Tallinn Music Week and the reception at the Embassy of Latvia underline the purposeful work of “Liepāja 2027” in strengthening international partnerships and the joint development of the Baltic cultural space.
The programme will feature several internationally important events. In 2027, Liepāja will host a solo exhibition by Japanese contemporary artist Chiharu Shiota, and the Concert Hall “Great Amber” will present the international Concert Series “Stars in Amber”, bringing together world-class artists.
From 9–15 August, Liepāja will host one of Europe’s largest amateur choir festivals, “Europa Cantat”, attracting over 3,000 participants from around the world. The programme will also include the Opera Festival “Opera by the Sea” by the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, the international theatre festival “Theatre Up Close”, the forum series “Agora of Values”, and the contemporary art festival “Liepāja Art Forum”.
The European Capital of Culture year officially begins on 22 January 2027 with opening events in Kuldīga and South Kurzeme, followed by a broad opening programme in Liepāja on 23 January.
The first insight into the “Liepāja 2027” programme is available here.
The project “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture” is implemented by the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027” with funding provided by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the City of Liepāja, and the municipalities of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga. The Liepāja 2027 programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa” JSC; its main partner in mobility and international communication, AS “airBaltic Corporation” JSC; and its mobility partner, transport operator SIA “Lux Express Latvia” Ltd.
Follow updates and ticket sale announcements on the Liepāja 2027 website.
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Released by
Liepāja 2027 Foundation
International Relations Project Manager
Elizabete Hartmane
Phone: + 371 25 99 33 99
E-mail address: elizabete.hartmane@liepaja2027.lv
