Last weekend, on 27 September, Ambassadors of the 2027 European Capital of Culture initiative from across Latvia convened in Liepāja. The purpose of this gathering was to initiate the process of sharing insights on the programme of events that have been developed for 2027. These insights included discussions on the suitability of these events for various target audiences.
Nearly fifty ambassadors of Liepāja 2027 from across Latvia gathered at the Liepāja Museum, – professionals from fields as diverse as music, business, education, heritage, design, sport, governance, and community activism – stepped into the shoes of future audiences and discussed how the 2027 programme will speak to different age groups, regions, social backgrounds, and interests.
The Liepāja 2027 ambassador network brings together well-known personalities with strong voices, knowledge, and wide-reaching contacts, all committed to strengthening and championing Liepāja’s role as the European Capital of Culture. For the first time, they were introduced to the core programme: a broad spectrum of large-scale artistic events, participatory projects, educational initiatives, and creative experiences for both residents and visitors. Their reflections and evaluations will now play an important role in refining the programme, which will be presented to the wider public in spring 2026.
The meeting was opened by the chairpersons of the (un)rest Land – Gunārs Ansiņš (Liepāja), Inese Astaševska (Kuldīga) and Andris Jankovskis (South Kurzeme) – alongside Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, herself an Ambassador of Liepāja 2027. After an intensive working session in groups, the ambassadors explored the exhibition at the Liepāja Museum and the 17th – 19th century interior museum “Madame Hoyer’s Guest House”, before gathering at the Great Amber Concert Hall for Pierre Boulez 100, a performance by Sinfonietta Rīga.
As reported earlier, each ambassador takes on a voluntary role, guided by their own ideas and talents. Whether it’s using their professional expertise to contribute to project goals, spreading the word in their communities about the meaning and opportunities of Liepāja 2027, or taking part in events and initiatives, these individuals are now part of a shared mission: to raise the profile of Liepāja as a cultural capital not just in name, but in spirit and action.
The Liepāja 2027 ambassador programme now brings together 70 professionals, all contributing in their unique ways. To learn more about the programme, meet the ambassadors, or explore how to get involved, visit the Liepāja 2027 website: liepaja2027.lv/en/ambassadors
From 29 September to 1 October, representatives of Liepāja 2027 took part in an ECOC Echo project partner meeting in Chemnitz, Germany.
On October 9, 2026, in Liepāja, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, an open-air photography exhibition titled “One Day in Liepāja 1987–2007 – 2025,” which, through images taken in three different years, will reveal the life of the city and its people over the course of half a century.
On Wednesday, 30 September, the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 Supervisory Board held its latest meeting, during which Board members were updated on progress to date, the implementation of the programme and preparations for the key events of 2027. Particular attention was given to the opening programme for the European Capital of Culture year in January.
