Mēs Liepājai – a movement that united people through a unique co-creation process

During the event, there will be an insight into a study focusing on the “Mēs Liepājai” movement at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. As a result of this research, an archive of audiovisual materials documenting intangible cultural heritage has been compiled. People who were actively involved in the events of that time have been interviewed, and a range of photographs, videos, and artifacts has been identified.

“Mēs Liepājai” was a unique movement in Liepāja at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s that brought together the city’s restless and creative minds. Their activities were driven by a strong sense of freedom and a premonition of inevitable change. One of the key outcomes of their collective efforts was the creation of a true pedestrian street – just like in the West – symbolizing a sense of belonging to the free and democratic world. The wider public also participated in these improvements, contributing funds through music festival tickets and through work in various Liepāja enterprises that supported the city’s transformation.

The Liepāja Central Scientific Library’s event series “City Stories” invites you to explore Liepāja in all its diversity and (un)rest. Enthusiastic people from various fields – anthropologists, architects, linguists, historians, and other experts and enthusiasts – will share their experiences and research, offering perhaps a new perspective on the city’s processes and events.

The project is organized by the Foundation Liepāja 2027 within the framework of the “Rokam Roku” project competition, with the financial support of Liepāja 2027, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, and the State Cultural Capital Foundation.

Event partner: Liepāja Central Scientific Library
Photo for publicity: “Mēs Liepājai”, 1989, by Arturs Pērkons.