The creative residency “Piezīmes uz malām / Notes on the Margins”, organised as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, has concluded in Kuldīga Municipality. In August, five artists from Latvia and abroad worked in Alsunga, Padure, Nīkrāce, Skrunda and Rudbārži, exploring local stories, cultural heritage and the surrounding environment. The artworks created during the residency were presented at closing events held in September and October, and can still be viewed at four locations across Kuldīga Municipality until the end of October.
During the residency, the artists met with local residents and explored the history, traditions and everyday life of the towns and villages, transforming their experiences into a variety of artworks – from illustrations and photography to a composition of wooden objects and a piece of jewellery.
In Alsunga, French artist Martine Lafon explored Suiti culture and traditional clothing, paying particular attention to the significance of the colour red. During the residency, she created linocuts and a mixed-media drawing scroll depicting the people she met and the local traditions she encountered in Alsunga.
In Padure, artist Eva Strazdiņa researched the history of local pottery, gathering residents’ memories, photographs and documentary evidence. Her research resulted in a photographic series and a video work exploring the history of Padure pottery and the continuation of this tradition today.
In Nīkrāce, Estonian artist Sasha Tishkov drew inspiration from the local landscape, history and residents’ stories to create a composition of wooden objects combining motifs characteristic of the area’s natural, cultural and historical heritage.
In Skrunda, writer and artist Andra Manfelde created illustrated stories and legends inspired by the banks of the River Venta, the town’s history and stories shared by local residents. The works are displayed at Skrunda Bus Station.
In Rudbārži, Spanish artist Blanca Prieto created a necklace featuring 17 pendants, each dedicated to a particular local person, place, event or story.
Local residents, parish administrations, cultural institutions and project partners played an important role in the residency, helping the artists explore the area, sharing their stories and providing practical support. We thank everyone for their responsiveness, hospitality and contribution to the project.
The creative residency “Notes on the Margins” will continue in 2027, when Liepāja, together with Kuldīga and South Kurzeme municipalities, implements the European Capital of Culture programme, continuing to foster creative collaboration and the involvement of local communities in cultural activities.
Residents and visitors to Kuldīga Municipality are invited to discover the artworks created during the residency, offering the artists’ perspectives on the area’s places, people and stories.
The project was developed in cooperation with municipal cultural-sector specialists and independent curator Maija Rudovska.
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; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS Air Baltic Corporation; its legal partner, SIA Sorainen ZAB; its land mobility partner, SIA Lux Express Latvia; and its partner for maritime mobility and international communications, SIA Stena Line. The Foundation’s media partners are VSIA Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, SIA Žurnāls Santa, SIA Tvnet grupa, and AS Kurzemes Radio.
Juta Ozoliņa
Project Specialist
Kuldīga Municipality
Phone: +371 29 638 612
Email: juta.ozolina@kuldigasnovads.lv
On January 23, 2027, at 9 p.m., the opening concert of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027, entitled Wind Symphony, will take place in the Great Hall of the Great Amber Concert Hall.
On October 9, at Jānis Čakste Square, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, the open-air photography exhibition “One Day in Liepāja 1987–2007–2025” was opened, inviting visitors to travel through time and see Liepāja and its people across different decades.
On October 9, 2026, in Liepāja, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, an open-air photography exhibition titled “One Day in Liepāja 1987–2007 – 2025,” which, through images taken in three different years, will reveal the life of the city and its people over the course of half a century.