The Liepāja 2027 Foundation has concluded its public participation competition for the creation of environmental art installations in Kuldīga and Aizpute, first announced in April 2026. Entitled “Creation of Environmental Art Installations in Kuldīga and Aizpute”, the competition summoned artists and creative teams to design contemporary, sustainable environmental artworks for Kurzeme. Installations “Cloud Collector” (“Mākoņu kolektors”, Kuldīga) and “Passage” (“Virze”, Aizpute) were named the winning designs.
The competition aimed to encourage artists to explore both the shared heritage and distinct character of Aizpute and Kuldīga, resulting in two permanent environmental art installations forming part of the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme. Entrants were asked to interpret the theme of (un)rest, reflect the region’s identity, and strengthen cultural dialogue across Kurzeme, while ensuring designs would integrate naturally into the urban landscape. In total, 19 entries were submitted for evaluation.
“Cloud Collector”, designed by SIA “DJA”, is an environmental art installation and a gathering place that captures the essence of (un)rest at the heart of the Liepāja 2027. Its reflective surface continually mirrors the surrounding environment and passers-by, evoking change and movement, while the sheltered space beneath the pavilion offers a setting for rest, social gathering and cultural activity. The wooden lattice structure reminds Kuldīga’s architectural traditions, while polished steel cones visually anchor the installation within its surroundings. The project has been awarded funding of 34,999.01 euros.
“Passage”, designed by the AHU collective, is a multifunctional public space and meeting point in Aizpute, interpreting (un)rest as a balance between movement and rest. Its elliptical form suggests direction and passage, positioning Aizpute symbolically as a link between Liepāja and Kuldīga. The structure also functions as a seating area, a meeting point, and a small stage for community and cultural activities. The project has been awarded funding of 19,800 euros.
Alongside the two winners, the competition awarded money prizes for the strongest creative concepts: 700 euros for first place, 500 euros for second place, and 300 euros for third place. These prizes recognise the quality of the ideas submitted and are separate from the funding awarded for the making and installation of the winning artworks.
In the Kuldīga competition, first place and the title of competition winner went to SIA “DJA” for “Mākoņu kolektors” (Cloud Collector). Second place was awarded to Kristaps Gulbis for “NE/MIERA MĀKONIS” (UN/REST CLOUD), and third place to Kristaps Andersons for “BURBULIS” (THE BUBBLE).
In Aizpute, first place and the title of competition winner went to the AHU collective, represented by Uģis Traumanis, for “Virze” (“Passage”). Second place was awarded to Monta Andersone and Uldis Kurzemnieks for “Asns” (“Sprout”), and third place to Olga Šilova for “Laiks.Telpa.Kustība” (“Time. Space. Movement”).
Environmental art installations will be opened for public display in Kuldīga and Aizpute in spring 2027.
The Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, the City of Liepāja and official partners – the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, with the co-founding from the Ministry of Culture. 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 communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, Jsc; its partner in legal matters SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, Ltd; its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd; alongside its maritime mobility and international communication partner SIA “Stena Line”, Ltd;
The Foundation’s media partners are: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd; SIA “Žurnāls Santa”, Ltd; SIA “Tvnet grupa”, Ltd; and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.
Released by:
Ilze Elbere
Foundation Liepāja 2027
Public relations specialist
Phone number: + 371 25 951 515
E-mail address: ilze.elbere@liepaja2027.lv
