This spring, participants in Liepāja will have the opportunity to take part in a series of traditional craft workshops as part of the “Skills Laboratory” series. The initiative is one of the strands of the “Skills Exchange Platform – Skills Market” project, which aims to promote the learning of diverse skills, the exchange of experience, and the preservation of traditional crafts.
The workshops will take place at the Liepāja Folk Applied Arts Studios “Zītars” and “Liepava” (Dārza iela 4/8, Liepāja) and will be led by experienced master craftsmen.
On 14 and 28 March at 11:00, the “Women’s Head Ornaments – Crown Making” workshop will be held at the “Zītars” studio, led by master Liene Kņūta. Participants will create a crown using amber and glass beads, producing a unique headpiece. The master also invites participants to bring along a personal piece of jewellery or amber to incorporate into the crown. The workshop lasts approximately 6–8 hours.
Meanwhile, on 14–15 March and 11–12 April, the “Weaving Belts” workshops will take place at the “Liepava” studio, led by masters Ingrīda Kalna and Ilze Škuberte. Participants will learn the traditional belt-weaving technique called “celu aušana” and make “celaines” – traditional woven belts that have long been part of Latvian folk costume.
On 28 March and 18 April at 10:00, the “Knitted “Mauči” – Pulse Warmers with Beads” workshop will be held at “Liepava”, led by master Sandra Brūna. “Mauči” have been part of Latvian costume since the late 18th century. They are knitted from wool or semi-wool yarn, decorated with glass beads, and serve both as practical hand warmers and elegant accessories.
All necessary materials will be provided, and participation in the workshops is subject to a fee. Places are limited, so prior registration is required by emailing daina.vanaga@liepaja.lv, stating the chosen workshop and date.
The “Skills Laboratory” workshop series is organised by the Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Centre.
The project “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, the Liepāja City Council, and official partners – South Kurzeme Municipality and Kuldīga Municipality. Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture. The project is supported by JSC “CleanR Grupa” as the primary partner for environmental education and sustainability, while “Lux Express Latvia” Ltd serves as the mobility partner.
Daina Vanaga
Project Manager, “Skills Exchange Platform – Skills Market”
Phone: +371 26 107 720
E-mail: daina.vanaga@liepaja.lv
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