On November 4, the Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepāja hosted the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 (Liepāja 2027) international conference Cultural Renovation, this year with the theme ‘All My Relations’, focused on art’s ability to build relationships, strengthen a sense of belonging, and promote public participation. For the third year, the conference gathered Latvian and international artists, cultural professionals, researchers, and community representatives.
Through keynotes, panel discussions, and practical workshops, participants explored various approaches to co-creation and artistic initiatives that foster collaboration between people, communities, and the environment.
During the morning session, ‘Context’, social anthropologist Agnese Cimdiņa emphasized that the basis of community is not formal belonging, but rather meaningful relationships and participation. She urged not to romanticize communities, but to focus on how to strengthen people’s opportunities to be heard and involved.
Architect and cultural expert Ariane Bieou, who participated in directing the 2019 European Capital of Culture program in Matera, Italy, invited participants to view the city as a space for co-creation where artists, residents, and cultural institutions become equal changemakers. She stressed that the most significant legacy of a European Capital of Culture is not only the events implemented, but also the partnerships and relationships that continue long after the cultural year.
Curator Filipa André presented the experience of the Azores, speaking about the international Walk & Talk art biennial, which is grounded in close collaboration with local communities and the environment.
The afternoon program focused on specific examples of collaboration between art and society. British artist, writer, and curator Andy Field spoke about involving children in artistic processes and the need to take their ideas seriously. Contemporary dance dramatist Laura Stašāne presented the project Physical Evidence Museum, revealing art’s potential to raise awareness of domestic violence experiences and other silenced topics in society. Representatives of the artistic research collective Fabula Rūta Jumīte and Tīna Alise Kalēja called for expanding the concept of community to include other living beings and the natural environment.
Special attention was paid to the participation of Liepājnieki in shaping the European Capital of Culture program. The panel discussion ‘Liepājnieki – Co-authors of the European Capital of Culture’, moderated by dramatist and participatory project expert Linda Krūmiņa, introduced two Liepāja 2027 initiatives – ‘How to Garden Community’ and ‘Karosta Children’s Symphony. An Orchestra’s Guide to the Life of a Young Person’. In the discussion, artists and local community representatives shared their experiences of collaboration, emphasizing the role of residents in shaping the cultural program and strengthening long-term relationships.
In the practical part of the conference, participants tried out methods of co-creation across five workshops, focusing on exploring the urban environment, youth participation, the experiences of underrepresented social groups, and collaboration between the fields of art and health.
“The conference highlighted the value of professional dialogue, the sharing of experiences, and the exchange of fresh ideas. Guided by the theme ‘All My Relations’, it invited us to understand culture as a living, evolving process of forgoing connections – between people, communities, art, and the environment around us. In shaping the programme, we sought to create a space where diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives could come together, while opening up a broaden reflection on the ways in which art can build trust, nurture a sense of belonging, and inspire meaningful participation,” says Baiba Bartkeviča, Artistic Director of the Liepāja 2027 Foundation.
The conference concluded with a screening of the documentary film ‘Visages, Villages’ (2017) by French director Agnès Varda and photographer Jean-René (JR).
The conference was supported by the French Institute in Latvia and the British Council.
The conference Cultural Renovation is implemented as part of the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme, with funding provided by Liepāja State City Municipality, South Kurzeme Municipality, Kuldīga Municipality and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia. Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia. 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 communication, AS Air Baltic Corporation, Jsc; its promoting financial literacy and business growth partner AS SEB banka, Jsc; its land mobility partner, SIA Lux Express Latvia, Ltd.; its legal partner, SIA Sorainen ZAB, Ltd; its water transport mobility and international communication partner, SIA Stena Line, Ltd.; car rental partner SIXT and Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027. Media partners: VSIA Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, Ltd., SIA Žurnāls Santa, Ltd., SIA TVNET GRUPA, Ltd. and AS Kurzemes Radio, Jsc. Media partners: VSIA Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, Ltd., SIA Žurnāls Santa, Ltd., SIA TVNET GRUPA, Ltd. and AS Kurzemes Radio, Jsc.
Released by:
Foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027”
Public Relations Specialist
Anita Smilkts
Phone No.: +371 25 408 337
E-mail: anita.smilkts@liepaja2027.lv
