International conference Cultural renovation

On Wednesday, 22 October, the Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepāja will host the international conference “Cultural Renovation”, organised by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation (Liepāja 2027).

In search of answers to the question – does culture divide or unite? – this year’s conference will explore how to shape a cultural environment that is not only technically accessible but also meaningful, inclusive, and emotionally resonant for people of all backgrounds. The conference programme will offer lectures and international experience stories, combined with hands-on workshops designed to give culture professionals practical tools for their daily work.

Among the keynote speakers will be Vigdis Jakobsdottir, Artistic Director of the Reykjavik Art Festival; Swedish choreographer Dalija Acin Thelander; Thibaut de Martimprey, Accessibility Manager for Bourges 2028 (France); and Anna Litewka-Anttolainen, Project Manager of Oulu 2026 (Finland). Latvian experts will include Ivars Balodis, Head of the association Apeirons; Baiba Baikovska, Head of the Agape LV association’s Ability Movement (Spēju kustība); Ints Teterovskis, Director of the choir Balsis and creator of the project Balsis zīmju valodā (Voices in Sign Language); Maksims Mihejevs, author of the project Neredzamā pasaule (The Invisible World); and director and actress Liena Šmukste. Speakers will address a spectrum of accessibility issues – from physical and digital access to cultural spaces, to mental and emotional accessibility, and the creation of inclusive cultural experiences for children with diverse needs. The conference will open with remarks by Aleksandrs Kalējs, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.

Programme also includes the discussion “Accessibility in Culture – From Policy to Experience”, featuring Aigars Apinis, Vice President of the Latvian Paralympic Committee and track-and-field athlete; accessibility expert Daiga Veinberga; Oulu 2026’s Anna Litewka-Anttolainen; and Paula Zvejniece, freelance adviser to the Minister of Culture on cooperation with non-governmental organisations. Workshops will be held on easy-to-read language and digital accessibility.

The event will be moderated by journalist Kristīne Garklāva.

Conference program (.pdf)

The conference is organised by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation. The event is co-financed by the Liepāja City Municipality, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, the Latvian Ministry of Culture, and the CreArt project. It is supported by the French Institute in Latvia and Lux Express – the largest bus transport company in the Baltic region.