Masterclass “Eco-design in Events”

What happens when culture and sustainability meet? How do the principles of eco-design translate into everyday practice? Can we balance the “all or nothing” approach with the real goals of an event? And what if, alongside our ecological footprint, we also began to measure our ecological handprint – the positive impact we leave behind?

These questions will take centre stage on 9 September, when the Liepāja 2027 Foundation hosts a thematic masterclass led by researcher Kitija Balcare, Ph.D. (c.).

Participants will discover how eco-design can contribute to cultural processes, explore practical guidelines and inspiring examples, and reflect on how both people and the environment can thrive together as Liepāja steps closer to its European Capital of Culture year in 2027.

The session will take place in the rooms of the Foundation, at Dārza Street 4/8, in Liepāja.

The session will combine a lecture with creative workshops and will lay the foundation for the forthcoming Eco-design Guidelines, prepared by Kitija Balcare. These recommendations are designed for cultural event organisers and will encourage the adoption of sustainable solutions, reinforcing Liepāja’s commitment to ecological responsibility as a defining feature of its Capital of Culture programme.

The guidelines will address key aspects such as the choice of sustainable materials and responsible production, a long-term design perspective, environmentally conscious communication, waste reduction and recycling, and the rethinking of transport and logistics.

About the lecturer

Kitija Balcare, Ph.D. (c.), is a researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art at the University of Latvia, a lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture, and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the European project STAGES (Sustainable Theatre Alliance for a Green Environmental Shift). Her work explores the intersections of culture and sustainability, art and environmental activism, environmental communication, and theatre criticism.

The event will last three hours.