In 2025, the Liepāja 2027 Foundation implemented its most extensive and diversified programme of activities to date as part of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027, developed under the overarching theme of “(un)rest”. Over the course of the year, a total of 192 cultural, cultural education and community-driven participation events were delivered across Liepāja, Kuldīga and the South Kurzeme region. On average, this meant that a unique event took place every other day in the city of the regions.
“Looking back at everything we’ve done in 2025, I really feel that it wasn’t just about checking boxes or finishing projects. It was about watching our (un)rest programme grow from separate events into a living process, with culture becoming a place where people actually meet, get involved, and change for the better. Whether it’s bringing different groups together or strengthening our local neighbourhoods, we’re doing it while showing the rest of the world what Liepāja is capable of. The results of 2025 prove that we’re on the right track. It gives confidence and excitement as we keep pushing forward toward 2027”, says Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Board of the Liepāja 2027 Foundation.
Throughout the year, Liepāja 2027 delivered events in a wide range of formats and fields. Community engagement and public participation initiatives accounted for 38 events, while 33 activities focused on capacity-building for cultural professionals. The programme also included 27 performances, 21 concerts, 23 youth-focused events, 6 conferences and forums, 4 exhibitions and 2 artist residencies. Alongside these, numerous other activities took place, ranging from photo pleinairs and performances to the creation of an art trail and the painting of a mural wall.
Interdisciplinary projects formed 35% of all events. Music-related activities followed with 23%, while performing arts accounted for 15% and visual arts for 13%. Events dedicated to strengthening the professional capacity of cultural workers made up 6%. Around 60% of all events were produced directly by the Liepāja 2027 team, with the remaining activities delivered in collaboration with ~ 25 partner organisations.
Throughout the year a total of 127,500 people attended events in person, while a further 124,594 followed the programme through digital formats. Approximately 30% of all events were held outdoors, 80% were offered free of charge. Five events were broadcast live, while more than 20 were digitally recorded, extending their reach both within Latvia and internationally.
In 2025, the (un)rest programme brought together considerable creative community. It involved 74 international artists and creative professionals, 11 international collectives representing 25 countries, as well as 279 Latvian artists and 39 local collectives. International cooperation also included welcoming 15 foreign delegations from 9 countries. During the same period, the Liepāja 2027 team undertook 15 working visits abroad, covering a total distance of approximately 100,000 kilometres. Between 2023 and 2025, the Foundation attracted 437,157 euros in foreign funding and implemented participation in 16 international projects.
The Liepāja 2027 volunteer programme “Mission(un)rest” continued to strengthen community involvement. In 2025, approximately 145 volunteers supported Liepāja 2027 partner events, contributing a total of 1,851 working hours, equivalent to 9 months of engagement. In recognition of its contribution to community development, Liepāja 2027 received the Volunteer Work Organiser of the Year award.
In the digital realm, Liepāja 2027 content reached more than 9,1 million users on Facebook and 1,53 million on Instagram. Media visibility was supported by 52 media releases and 1,645 publications in national media, alongside thousands of photos, more than 100 videos and advertising layouts. The Liepāja 2027 Ambassador movement welcomed 70 new ambassadors over the course of the year.
Work on the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme continues, with new events, collaborations and opportunities for public involvement planned for the coming years.
Everyone is welcome to join the Liepāja 2027 journey and walk this path with us, by subscribing to the monthly digest of all the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Foundation “Liepāja 2027”
Public Relations Specialist
Kristiāna Paula Lībiete
Phone: + 371 22 355 771
E-mail: kristiana.libiete@liepaja2027.lv
The Liepāja 2027 Foundation has concluded its co-financing competition for international contemporary and multi genre art events, which was announced in June 2025. As a result of the competition, 11 projects with a total value of EUR 640,000 will be supported and implemented across Liepāja, South Kurzeme and the Kuldīga regions in 2027.
From December 3 to 12, the CreArt Contemporary Art in Schools project continued at Liepāja Piemares Primary School. During the workshops led by artist Maija Demitere, students gained hands-on experience in photography, digital image editing, and printing techniques.
On Friday, 12 December, members of the Liepāja 2027 community programme “Neighbourliness” gathered at the Kuldīga Art House for a workshop titled “Forum Theatre for Community Solutions”, facilitated by forum theatre expert Agnese Lapiņa.