Cross-Disciplinary Ecological Forum “Nature Trouble”

On 12 July, Liepāja will become a hub of ecological reflection and brainstorming as it welcomes “Nature Trouble” – the first forum in the programme cycle “Agora of Values”, part of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027.

This day-long event, held at the “Kursa” Club from 10:30, invites the public to explore urgent questions about our evolving relationship with nature in a time of ecological (un)rest. Through lectures, discussions, performances, workshops and participatory activities, the forum will focus on nature’s agency and how it is experienced and imagined – especially in the face of intensifying climate disruption. All events are free and open to the public.

“For centuries, nature was treated as little more than a passive warehouse of raw materials for human industry,” says the forum’s curator, philosopher Igors Gubenko. “While thinkers rationalised man’s dominion over nature, history unfolded as unrelenting exploitation. Now, with the climate crisis breathing down our necks, the tables have turned – and nature is pushing back. “Nature Trouble” brings together some of the sharpest ecological minds in Latvia and beyond to help us reimagine nature’s agency and our place within it.”

The programme includes in-person lecture by geographer and University of Latvia senior researcher Anita Zariņa, and world-renowned ecological philosopher Timothy Morton, Professor at Rice University, who will join online.

Two expert panels, moderated by journalist and screenwriter Rita Ruduša, will frame the day’s discourse:

• Liepāja’s involvement in the EU’s “100 Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities” mission, drawing perspectives from politicians, environmental experts and civic activists.
• Reflections of nature and water by artists and researchers, including a discussion of “Flow”, the Oscar-winning animated feature by Gints Zilbalodis.

Artistic programme also includes:

• A participatory movement activity led by Agnese Krivade;
• An “Agora of Values” kite painting workshop, culminating in a ceremonial release into the sky, led by Atis Jākobsons;
• Vocal performances by Ansis Bētiņš and Artūrs Čukurs;
• Live acts by Ukrainian artist Rita Lira and French performer Eolx;
• All-generation workshops.

At 20:30, the forum will close with a special screening of “Flow” at 20:30. The screening will be introduced by the film’s producer and co-writer Matīss Kaža, who will be joined in conversation by Rita Ruduša.

“Nature Trouble” is the first in a planned cycle of five forums under the “Agora of Values”. Forums are aimed at gathering some of the most original minds from Latvia and abroad for a lively exchange of ideas through lectures, debates, workshops, performances and inventive new formats of shared thinking and learning. Each is designed not only to spark reflection but to edge us closer to the shared European dream. The remaining forums in the series will take place in 2027, each dedicated to peacekeeping, civic participation, digital transformation, and dignified ageing.

The forum is organised by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with support from the Liepāja City Municipality, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, and the European Union’s Creative Europe programme through the project CreArt 3.0 #STRINGING_TOGETHER.