On Monday, 6 October at 16:00, a memorandum of cooperation will be formally signed at the Liepāja Museum (Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18) between the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, the British Embassy in Latvia and the British Council in Latvia. The agreement will strengthen collaboration in the fields of culture, community engagement and civic activity.
The memorandum will be signed by Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Board of Liepāja 2027, Kathy Leach, British Ambassador to Latvia, and Zane Matesoviča, Head of the British Council in Latvia. It sets out the main directions for future cooperation, with particular emphasis on building the professional capacity of cultural organisations, developing exchange programmes for professionals and specialists, and organising cross-sectoral events to encourage public participation and civic activity.
Already in 2024/2025, the British Council office in Latvia supported the Liepāja 2027 neighbourhood initiative “Kaimiņu būšana” (Neighbourliness), designed to foster community spirit, strengthen residents’ sense of belonging and encourage civic engagement. The new memorandum will build on this foundation by offering expert consultations, attracting specialists and enhancing the capacity of Liepāja 2027 partners to carry out community-driven projects. It also foresees closer links between Liepāja 2027 partners and organisations in the United Kingdom, as well as regular information on open project competitions.
The British Council is an international organisation headquartered in the UK that focuses on the promotion of cultural relations and educational opportunities in over 100 countries worldwide. For the tenth consecutive year, the organisation is implementing the “People to People” programme in Latvia, thereby supporting the consolidation of a cohesive and civically active society. The collaboration with Liepāja 2027 represents a continuation of the British Council’s existing support for arts, culture and education initiatives in Liepāja, including the transition of schools and preschools to Latvian-language education, the “Lāčplēša dārza svētki” festival (Lāčplēsis Garden Festival) and activities for children and young people in Karosta, as well as community-involving art projects.
Elizabete Hartmane
Foundation “Liepāja 2027”
International Relations Project Manager
Phone: + 371 25 993 399
Email: elizabete.hartmane@liepaja2027.lv
Laura Kristapsone
British Council Office in Latvia
Communications Manager
Phone: +371 26 109 445
Email: laura.kristapsone@britishcouncil.lv
www.britishcouncil.lv
From October 19 to 21, actors from the Liepāja Theatre, the Liepāja Puppet Theatre, and the Latvia Puppet Theatre are participating in inspiring masterclasses led by choreographer and researcher Dalija Aćin Thelander.
To support the personal growth and skill development of Liepāja 2027 volunteers, a training session for volunteer team leaders was held on October 18, focusing on information-gathering techniques and team-building methods. The training was led by non-formal education trainer Staņislavs Babins.
The Skills Exchange Platform “Skill Market” goal is to promote the preservation, development, and mutual exchange of craft skills among masters from different generations, industries, and communities. Project activities will take place from October 2025 to May 2027.