On Wednesday, October 28, a networking event was held at the cultural venue “Pegaza Pagalms” in Liepāja, to launch a new cycle of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” (Liepāja 2027) Community Strengthening and Support Programme “Neighbourliness” (Kaimiņu būšana). Participants learned about the programme’s planned activities for 2026/2027, shared experiences, gathered new ideas, and established contacts for future collaboration. To continue strengthening local communities and promoting resident initiatives, residents of Liepāja, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions, along with community representatives and foundations, are invited to apply for the Liepaja 2027 programme “Neighbourliness” by November 10, 2026.
The 2026/2027 cycle of the Community Strengthening and Support Programme “Neighbourliness” will empower communities to develop their own ideas, unlock the creative potential of local residents, and transform those ideas into tangible cultural initiatives and community-building activities. The programme will offer opportunities to gain new knowledge, explore innovative approaches, connect with like-minded people, and build partnerships that strengthen communities and enrich local cultural life, making it more diverse and accessible. From developing an initial idea to bringing it to life, participants will benefit from expert knowledge, practical tools, mentoring support, and the opportunity to learn from experiences of other communities.
Key activities of the Community Strengthening and Support Programme “Neighbourliness”:
We invite active residents, community representatives, and foundations from Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga region to apply for the Community Strengthening and Support Programme “Neighbourliness”. Even more – very welcome are communities or individual community representatives who wish to implement their community’s ideas for the first time but lack experience in project management. To apply, fill the online application form by November 10, 2026.
The project “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027” with financial support from the Liepāja City Municipality, the South Kurzeme Municipality, and the Kuldīga Municipality. Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture. The Liepāja 2027 programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “Air Baltic Corporation”, partner in financial literacy and business growth, AS “SEB banka”, land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, partner in legal matters, SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, maritime mobility and international communication partner, SIA “Stena Line” and car rental partner, “SIXT”. Media partners – VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, SIA “Žurnāls Santa”, SIA “Tvnet grupa”, AS “Kurzemes Radio”.
Foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027”
Public Participation Project Coordinator
Andra Strautiņa
E-mail: andra.strautina@liepaja2027.lv
As part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” program, world-renowned Canadian-American singer and composer Rufus Wainwright will perform at Liepāja Concert Hall “Great Amber” on January 30, 2027, at 6:00 PM.
Registration opens on 26 October 2026 for EUROPA CANTAT 2027, one of Europe’s major choral music events, which will take place in Liepāja, Latvia, from 9 to 15 August 2027.
The event brought together representatives of the Bārta, Suiti, Curonian Kings and Rucava cultural communities to exchange experiences and discuss how to preserve, pass on and continue developing living cultural heritage in a contemporary way, while strengthening cooperation among the traditional cultural communities.