Last weekend, on 27 September, Ambassadors of the 2027 European Capital of Culture initiative from across Latvia convened in Liepāja. The purpose of this gathering was to initiate the process of sharing insights on the programme of events that have been developed for 2027. These insights included discussions on the suitability of these events for various target audiences.
Nearly fifty ambassadors of Liepāja 2027 from across Latvia gathered at the Liepāja Museum, – professionals from fields as diverse as music, business, education, heritage, design, sport, governance, and community activism – stepped into the shoes of future audiences and discussed how the 2027 programme will speak to different age groups, regions, social backgrounds, and interests.
The Liepāja 2027 ambassador network brings together well-known personalities with strong voices, knowledge, and wide-reaching contacts, all committed to strengthening and championing Liepāja’s role as the European Capital of Culture. For the first time, they were introduced to the core programme: a broad spectrum of large-scale artistic events, participatory projects, educational initiatives, and creative experiences for both residents and visitors. Their reflections and evaluations will now play an important role in refining the programme, which will be presented to the wider public in spring 2026.
The meeting was opened by the chairpersons of the (un)rest Land – Gunārs Ansiņš (Liepāja), Inese Astaševska (Kuldīga) and Andris Jankovskis (South Kurzeme) – alongside Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, herself an Ambassador of Liepāja 2027. After an intensive working session in groups, the ambassadors explored the exhibition at the Liepāja Museum and the 17th – 19th century interior museum “Madame Hoyer’s Guest House”, before gathering at the Great Amber Concert Hall for Pierre Boulez 100, a performance by Sinfonietta Rīga.
As reported earlier, each ambassador takes on a voluntary role, guided by their own ideas and talents. Whether it’s using their professional expertise to contribute to project goals, spreading the word in their communities about the meaning and opportunities of Liepāja 2027, or taking part in events and initiatives, these individuals are now part of a shared mission: to raise the profile of Liepāja as a cultural capital not just in name, but in spirit and action.
The Liepāja 2027 ambassador programme now brings together 70 professionals, all contributing in their unique ways. To learn more about the programme, meet the ambassadors, or explore how to get involved, visit the Liepāja 2027 website: liepaja2027.lv/en/ambassadors
On Monday, 6 October at 16:00, a memorandum of cooperation will be formally signed at the Liepāja Museum (Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18) between the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, the British Embassy in Latvia and the British Council in Latvia. The agreement will strengthen collaboration in the fields of culture, community engagement and civic activity.
As part of the “Rokam roku” project, the ethno group “OGAS” creates arrangements of traditional Rucava songs in a rock music style, preserving the local dialect and highlighting the lives and experiences of the people of South Courland.
From September 23 to 25, Liepāja 2027 welcomes guests from Japan and the Netherlands, who represent the international network of arts organizations “Port Journeys”. The network brings together port municipalities from around the world to build relations based on cross-cultural exchange and to engage in creative community development, cultural facilities, and artists.
