The Liepāja 2027 Foundation has opened a call for project proposals under the “Neighbourliness” community programme, summoning residential associations, foundations and small businesses across Liepāja, Kuldīga and South Kurzeme to put forward ideas that bring communities together. The selected projects will become part of the official Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme.
“Neighbourliness” was created to strengthen bonds within local communities, encourage cooperation between residents, and give people a more active role in shaping the spaces they share. At its heart lies a simple but powerful idea that neighbourly relationships matter, and that they are worth nurturing deliberately. It’s an opportunity for people of different generations, social groups and organisations to meet, work together and build more connected neighbourhoods.
The competition encourages people to step beyond their usual circles and team up with others who live and work in the same area – older people and young people, families, representatives of ethnic minorities, local businesses, associations and other organisations. Particular attention will be given to projects that promote inclusive participation and engage groups that are often less visible or under-represented, including those who face discrimination.
Applicants have considerable freedom in how they bring their ideas to life – neighbourhood get-togethers, courtyard festivals, healthy-lifestyle or educational activities, alternative sports events, cocreation, neighbourhood clean-up days, networking, and other creative initiatives. Projects may be implemented as single events or as a series and must be delivered in either February 1 till June 13 or July 1 – 31, 2027.
Sustainability will also be a key assessment criterion. Funding will support projects that create lasting value for neighbourhoods, strengthen local communities’ ability to organise similar activities independently, and build a foundation for long-term cooperation among residents and organisations.
Associations of local communities, foundations and small businesses based in Liepāja, Kuldīga and South Kurzeme are all welcome to apply. All events must be free of charge, open to the public, and take place within a neighbourhood in one of these three areas.
“Neighbourliness” offers a chance to create an environment where people don’t just live side by side, but truly get to know one another, collaborate and grow stronger as communities. As part of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture programme, it serves as a platform for civic participation, environmental care and sustainable local initiatives – work whose impact is designed to continue after 2027.
- Application period: 13 August – 14 September, 2026
- Total funding available: 84,000 euros
- Funding per project: up to 4,000 euros
- Eligible locations: the city of Liepāja and neighbourhoods of Kuldīga and South Kurzeme
- Project implementation period: February 1 till June 13 or July 1 – 31, 2027
Full details of the competition terms and conditions in English language, along with instructions on how to apply, are available upon request.
The Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme is delivered 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.
For more information about the application process, contact:
Andra Strautiņa
Foundation Liepāja 2027
Public Participation Project Coordinator
E-mail: andra.strautina@liepaja2027.lv
