Invitation to participate in a research study on the sense of place, implemented by the Latvian Academy of Culture and Liepāja 2027.

The Institute of Culture and Arts (KMI) of the Latvian Academy of Culture (LKA) has launched a study on the sense of place among residents of Liepāja and surrounding regions, within which audiovisual diaries will be created.

The study is part of the evaluation of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027,” and is commissioned by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation.

The aim of the research is to explore in-depth the sense of place among residents of Liepāja and surrounding regions. Researchers are interested in how residents feel connected to their home in Liepāja and nearby municipalities, how they highlight their everyday experiences, emotions, and relationships with the surrounding environment. The research will employ an unprecedented methodology – participants will create digital audiovisual diaries for one month, responding to questions about their sense of place.

Participants are being sought from Liepāja, the South Kurzeme region, and Kuldīga, with various sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, residence, etc.), professions, and lifestyles. It is important that the participant has a smartphone and the ability to use an English-language app. All information and questions regarding the research will be provided in Latvian.

Filling out the diaries requires regular and everyday engagement, so we are looking for responsible individuals who enjoy reflecting on their experiences and have time to make entries at least 5 times a week.

Participants will receive compensation in the form of gift cards. In addition, this is a great opportunity to systematically look at your own sense of place from the researchers’ perspective.We will appreciate any application from those who wish to participate in the study or from those who can suggest suitable candidates.

More information about the study: here. Application form: here.

Research project leader: Professor Dr. Anda Laķe. More: here.

The sense of place diary study is led by Līga Vinogradova. For any questions, contact: liga.vinogradova@lka.edu.lv.‍