The first stage of the project “Skill Market” has concluded

On Wednesday, 26 November, the first training cycle for masters of applied studies in Liepāja — the “Master in the Classroom” stage of the project “Skill Exchange Platform “Skill Market”” — concluded at Liepāja Secondary School of Music, Art and Design.

Under the guidance of Liepāja Secondary School of Music, Art and Design teacher and professional photographer Ritvars Sproģis, as well as communication specialist and teacher Nils Kuncītis, the master artists from the Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Centre learned how to tell their story in a contemporary way, showcase their skills and creations, and use technologies that are readily available in everyday life.

“The relevance of the training topic, in line with modern trends, really appealed to us.
We appreciated the instructors’ teaching style — their ability to keep our attention and involve us so that the best possible results could be achieved. We enjoyed the group atmosphere and the high level of interest. We gained new opportunities to promote our work. We also enjoyed discovering new possibilities for creating new pieces and exploring the potential of technology,” say the masters of the Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Centre applied arts studio Zītars.

“The classes in the project “Master in the Classroom” were excellent, especially those with instructor Nils. We liked how complex topics were explained in a way that everyone could understand. Our daily creative work was enriched by learning new technologies. Our key takeaway: creative handmade work and artificial intelligence can coexist,” say the participants of the applied arts studio Liepava.

As the project continues, a series of workshops titled “Skill Laboratory” is planned for early 2026 — masterclasses for the wider public — along with a workshop cycle “Master to Master.” In May, a symposium on the importance of traditional crafts and the export of artisan products is planned during the “Līva Village Festival,” while the “Master in the Classroom” classes will resume in the autumn. The aim of the project is to promote the preservation, development, and exchange of craft skills among masters of different generations, sectors, and communities. Project activities will take place from October 2025 to May 2027.

The project “Skill Exchange Platform “Skill Market”” is being implemented as part of the “Liepāja 2027” programme with funding from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the City of Liepāja, and the municipalities of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga.