The Democracy Foundation, based in Kuldīga, Latvia, invites applications for the international Democracy Residency “European Dream”, organised as part of the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme. The residency will take place in Kuldīga in August 2027.
Six participants from different fields and European countries will be selected to bring together diverse experiences, knowledge and skills, and to explore new, unexpected and meaningful ways not only to talk about democracy, but to experience it.
“Democracy can sometimes feel like something that belongs in parliamentary chambers and official documents. During the residency, it will move beyond these formal settings and into the city, becoming part of people’s everyday lives. We are interested in one central question: how can democracy be made tangible? How can we explore participation, power, trust, difference and the challenges of living together in ways that speak not only to the mind, but also to emotions, imagination and the body? We are not looking for ready-made solutions to the challenges facing democracy today. What matters most is curiosity, a willingness to experiment and collaborate, and the ability to turn personal experience into something others can take part in,” emphasise the organisers.
Over the course of three weeks, residents will develop activities to be included in the programme of the Kuldīga Democracy Festival. These might take the form of a game, workshop, performance, a new format for conversation or participation, or something that does not yet have a name. We are looking for ideas that invite festival visitors to become active participants rather than simply spectators. The festival will take place at the end of the residency, on 20–21 August 2027.
People from a wide range of fields, places and backgrounds are invited to apply – civic activists, artists, researchers, journalists, educators, designers, architects, athletes, entrepreneurs, social workers, chefs, programmers, marketing and communication professionals, and people from many other walks of life. Residents will be encouraged to develop activities together, although individual work will also be possible. Local people will be involved in the planning and development process, creating opportunities for experiences from across Europe to meet local perspectives from Kuldīga.
Each of the six participants will receive accommodation in Kuldīga’s Old Town and a EUR 1,000 stipend to cover everyday expenses during the residency. In addition, each participant will have access to a separate budget of up to EUR 1,000 for developing and implementing their activity.
The selection process will take place in two stages. Applications will first be reviewed, and shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview.
Following the interviews, six residents will be selected. When forming the group, we will consider not only the quality of the applications and the potential of the ideas, but also the diversity of the participants – including their professional backgrounds, countries, ages, genders and other aspects. Democracy depends on hearing different voices, and the residency therefore aims to bring together people with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.
Key information
The Democracy Residency “European Dream” 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. The Liepāja 2027 programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS CleanR Grupa; its main partner in air mobility and international communication, AS Air Baltic Corporation; its legal partner, SIA Sorainen ZAB; its land mobility partner, SIA Lux Express Latvia; and its water transport mobility and international communication partner, SIA Stena Line. Media partners: VSIA Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, SIA Žurnāls Santa, SIA TVNET GRUPA and AS Kurzemes Radio.
Photo credit: Sintija Šlēgels
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