On Monday, 6 October, the Liepāja Museum became the stage for a moment of international partnership as the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, the British Embassy in Latvia and the British Council in Latvia officially signed a memorandum of cooperation. The agreement confirms a shared commitment to strengthen culture and education, foster professional growth, build international exchange, and deepen civic engagement in the run-up to Liepāja’s year as European Capital of Culture.
The document was signed by British Ambassador to Latvia, H.E. Kathy Leach, Liepāja 2027 Board members Inta Šoriņa and Baiba Bartkeviča, and Zane Matesoviča, Director of the British Council Latvia.
“The United Kingdom is proud to strengthen its partnership with Liepāja at this pivotal moment, as the city prepares for its role as the European Capital of Culture in 2027. The memorandum reflects our shared European values of openness, creativity, and mutual respect that underpin cultural exchange. It also outlines our commitment to cooperation in culture, community engagement, and civic participation – areas that we believe are essential for vibrant, inclusive societies,” said British Ambassador Kathy Leach at the signing ceremony.
The memorandum sets out directions for future collaboration, with a focus on enhancing the professional capacity of cultural organisations, creating exchange opportunities for professionals and specialists, and organising cross-sectoral events that encourage public participation and civic activity.
“Our cooperation with Liepāja 2027 grows from a shared belief in the strength of communities. For ten years now, the British Council’s “People to People” programme has shown that when communities are cohesive and civically active, they can transform not only their surroundings but also their future. I am truly delighted that Liepāja 2027 is placing citizen engagement at the very core of its journey to the European Capital of Culture title – and that we can bring our experience to the table. I believe that every seed we plant together in these communities will take root and flourish long after 2027, leaving the city enriched with new ideas, resilient networks, and voices that carry far beyond its borders,” said Zane Matesoviča, Head of the British Council in Latvia.
The British Council’s support for Liepāja 2027 is already visible. In 2024-2025, it backed the neighbourhood programme “Kaimiņu būšana” (Neighbourliness), which helps residents foster a sense of belonging, build active communities, and encourage civic participation. The new memorandum provides for deepening this cooperation by offering consultations, involving experts, strengthening partner capacity, and connecting Liepāja 2027 with cultural professionals in the United Kingdom.
“The British Council has already proven itself an invaluable ally in helping us bring the Liepāja 2027 vision to life, especially through strengthening our community programme and nurturing public participation. Today’s memorandum feels like a natural next chapter – but also a leap forward – as it now brings the British Embassy into this circle of trust and collaboration. Together we are opening new doors in culture, art, education, and international relations. I am convinced this agreement will make Liepāja not only a proud European Capital of Culture but also a place that beats with a stronger international pulse – a city more open, connected, and prepared for lasting growth,” said Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Board of Liepāja 2027.
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.
The partnership between Liepāja and the United Kingdom also has historical roots. During Latvia’s War of Independence in 1919, a British military mission operated from Peldu Street 56, coordinating political and military support for the Latvian Provisional Government while British warships patrolled Liepāja’s port. In spring 2025, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at this building to honour the UK’s role in securing Latvia’s freedom. More recently, a beech tree was planted by the British Ambassador on Horse Island (Zirgu sala) in 2022 to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Today, British soldiers regularly take part in joint exercises in Liepāja alongside the Latvian National Guard, strengthening regional security and further weaving ties of trust and cooperation.
Elizabete Hartmane
Foundation “Liepāja 2027”
International Relations Project Manager
Phone: + 371 25 99 33 99
Email: elizabete.hartmane@liepaja2027.lv
Laura Kristapsone
British Council Office in Latvia
Communications Manager
Phone: +371 26 10 94 45
Email: laura.kristapsone@britishcouncil.lv
www.britishcouncil.lv
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.
Last weekend, on 27 September, Ambassadors of the 2027 European Capital of Culture initiative from across Latvia convened in Liepāja. The purpose of this gathering was to initiate the process of sharing insights on the programme of events that have been developed for 2027. These insights included discussions on the suitability of these events for various target audiences.
As part of the “Rokam roku” project, the ethno group “OGAS” creates arrangements of traditional Rucava songs in a rock music style, preserving the local dialect and highlighting the lives and experiences of the people of South Courland.
