On Wednesday, 21 May, at the Great Amber Concert Hall, the Liepāja 2027 Foundation and the French Institute in Latvia officially launched a new strategic partnership by signing a memorandum of cooperation, laying the common groundwork for long-term collaboration that will shape the European Capital of Culture programme in Liepāja.
The newly signed memorandum outlines a comprehensive cooperation model focused on the creative and cultural sectors, with a shared ambition to support professional development, stimulate international exchange and foster innovation across disciplines. The initiative will place special emphasis on capacity-building in both the cultural and educational spheres, with a particular focus on youth engagement, digitisation, creative industries and cultural accessibility. This cooperation will also foster socio-economic growth by enhancing Liepāja’s reputation as a creative and internationally engaged city.
“Our partnership with the French Institute in Latvia is a really special moment for us, as we get to create a European Capital of Culture programme that’s both international and diverse. And, the timing couldn’t be more perfect! It just goes to show how much of a great fit this is, as Bourges, France, will be hosting the title in 2028. This collaboration is so meaningful, and I’m so happy we’re all working together to make it happen. This connection will breathe new life into our cultural scene and create so many opportunities for artists, schools and local communities. But the best thing of all might be the chance to create projects especially for young people, who’ll shape the future of culture in ways we can hardly imagine yet”, says Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Board of Liepāja 2027.
One of the key initiatives under the agreement is the development of youth exchange programmes between Liepāja 2027 and the French city of Bourges, which will hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2028. French partners will also be actively involved in co-creating and implementing elements of the cultural programme in Liepāja.
“We firmly believe that culture is not just a place for beauty and emotion – it’s a catalyst for understanding, transformation, and lasting connections in our society. With Liepāja 2027, we are shaping a European cultural space rooted in dialogue, creativity, and openness. In 2027, France, Latvia, and Europe will come together for a moment of unity, expression, and shared vision,” said Mathieu Leporini, Director of the French Institute in Latvia.
In addition to joint programmes, both institutions are committed to ensuring a steady exchange of information about open calls and funding opportunities to encourage wider participation from the creative sector.
This cooperation builds on an already rich history of collaboration. In recent years, the French Institute in Latvia has been actively working on different projects with Liepāja’s institutions – from the Liepāja Museum and the Great Amber Concert Hall to the Liepāja Music, Art and Design High School and other educational establishments.
But the roots of this partnership run deeper still. As far back as the 17th century, active trade links between the ports of Courland and France fostered early exchanges. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Liepāja became a focal point of French diplomatic and military presence in the Baltics. Historical figures such as Princess Dorothea of Courland, Duchess of Dino – a diplomat, socialite, and daughter of the Duke of Courland – and Miķelis Valters, Latvian diplomat and former Minister of the Interior, reflect the longstanding ties between the two nations.
This cultural and historical foundation now serves as fertile ground for a new chapter of strategic cooperation between Liepāja, Kuldīga, and the South Kurzeme region with the French Institute in Latvia in framework of Liepāja 2027.
Elizabete Hartmane
Foundation “Liepāja 2027”
Digital Communications Project Manager
Phone: + 371 25 99 33 99
E-mail: elizabete.hartmane@liepaja2027.lv
On 14 May 2025, the Liepāja 2027 team took part in the second monitoring meeting organised by the European Commission, where we presented the project’s level of readiness to the European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) Expert Panel online.
Over the weekend, 30 young people from Liepāja, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga took to the stage to present their culture venue development ideas as part of the Liepāja 2027 youth development pilot programme.
On 10 May, the European Capital of Culture – Liepāja 2027 – gathered its newest addition to the ambassadors’ team for their very first meeting. Thirty-two energetic and inspiring individuals from Liepāja, Kuldīga and South Kurzeme came together, having earned their title through a highly competitive selection process.
