Under the theme “Cultural Growth: People”, the fourth Kurzeme Culture Forum will take place on 10 September at the Kazdanga Parish Cultural Centre as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. The event will bring together cultural professionals, enthusiasts and everyone interested in the development of culture.
The Kurzeme Culture Forum has become an annual regional gathering where representatives of the cultural sector can share their experiences, gain new knowledge and inspiration, and discuss current developments in the field. This year’s forum will focus on people – both those who create culture and work in the sector, and those who experience, engage with and co-create culture.
“This year’s theme centres on people. We will explore it from various perspectives – both emotional and technological. This time, the programme features fewer lectures, as we have designed the forum to encourage interaction through discussions and parallel workshops. The Kurzeme Culture Forum is about meeting and drawing inspiration from one another. It is truly gratifying to see the whole of Kurzeme represented more widely each year, demonstrating that what we are creating is meaningful to all of us working in the cultural sector,” emphasises forum organiser Daina Vanaga.
The forum programme will feature experience stories, addresses, engaging and informative mini-lectures, discussions and workshops. A diverse range of professionals will address current topics, including linguist and head of the Rucava Cultural Space Development Association Daiga Straupeniece; cultural project manager Māris Valtenbergs; Head of Public Relations and Marketing at Liepāja City Municipality and the Foundation Liepāja 2027 Zita Lazdāne; public speaking and communication coach and Riga Technical University lecturer Iveta Graudiņa; co-founder of the Imants Ziedonis Foundation “Viegli” and musician Jānis Holšteins-Upmanis, also known as Goran Gora; and software engineer Elvis Strazdiņš, who has 20 years of experience in the IT sector.
Entrepreneur and head of the “Mālpils iedvesmo” association Kristīne Jonīte-Jurkēviča will also share her experience of working and living outside the familiar urban environment.
Forum participants will have the opportunity to explore topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the role of people in the digital environment, social media communication for cultural organisations, as well as personal energy and productivity.
Participant registration and morning coffee will take place from 9 am to 10 am.
The participation fee is EUR 10. Prior registration is required by 4 September by completing the registration form.
The detailed forum programme will be published closer to the event.
The forum is organized within the framework of GENIUS LOCI programme and with financial support from the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027.” The programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with funding allocated by the City of Liepāja, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, and the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, legal partner: Sorainen Law Office, Ltd., Jsc; and its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd. Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd. and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.
Daina Vanaga
Phone: +371 26 107 720
As part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra’s annual summer musical journey – the South Kurzeme Festival “Rimbenieks” – concluded on Sunday, 16 August, with a spectacular concert at Kazdanga Culture Centre.
The Liepāja 2027 Foundation is seeking a Lawyer and a Volunteer Coordinator Assistant to join its team. To apply, please send your CV and covering letter by 30 August 2026.
Liepāja 2027 continues to implement the project “Fact. Fiction and Democracy” and invites young people aged 14 to 30 to apply for the Summer Academy, which will take place in Liepāja on 22 and 23 August. The training sessions will take place at the Promenade Hotel.