On December 5, 2024, President Edgars Rinkēvičs, as the patron of the European Capital of Culture program “Liepāja 2027,” paid a working visit to Liepāja.
During the visit, President Rinkēvičs met with the Chairman of the Liepāja City Council, Gunārs Ansiņš, and the implementers of the European Capital of Culture project – the leadership and team of the foundation “Liepāja 2027.”
Marking International Volunteer Day, the President participated in a discussion with volunteers of the “Liepāja 2027” foundation who have applied to assist in carrying out various cultural activities.
“I am truly delighted to visit Liepāja on International Volunteer Day to meet with the team of the 2027 European Capital of Culture, ‘Liepāja 2027,’ and symbolically launch the volunteer program of this ambitious project. Successfully implementing the European Capital of Culture program is unimaginable without community involvement – without the active participation and support of the people of Liepāja, Kuldīga, and the South Kurzeme region. In my view, the volunteer movement provides an excellent foundation and opportunity for everyone – whether youth, seniors, or members of different interest groups – to enhance themselves and develop their skills. These are skills to collaborate and promote society’s understanding of the importance of culture in every individual’s life. Most importantly, as a volunteer program participant, one has the unique opportunity to be directly involved in and witness the creation of the European Capital of Culture program. Therefore, I invite everyone to join the ‘Liepāja 2027’ team and contribute to making 2027 a vibrant and unforgettable year for Latvia and Europe,” said President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
The President also met with representatives of the youth association “Development Platform You+,” one of the creators of the “Liepāja 2027” youth program.
Additionally, the President visited the Liepāja Museum, where he explored the exhibition on the Provisional Government’s time in Liepāja and a centennial exhibition, “Liepāja Silver.”
Video: President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ working visit to the city of Liepāja.
This seminar is designed for municipalities, cultural organizations, and civil society representatives interested in learning about EU programs “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values” (CERV) and “Creative Europe” (RE) and their funding opportunities for social and cultural projects.
The exhibition will run until the end of May, gathering a selection of established and emerging artists from Liepāja and Latvia, who will reflect on pressing contemporary issues while spotlighting the potential of unconventional venues in the city as platforms for contemporary art.
The first round of the “Liepāja 2027” Community Programme has wrapped up, bringing support to 12 different projects. Launched in collaboration with Foundation “Fonds Initium” and backed by the Ministry of Culture and the British Council Representation in Latvia.