On Thursday, 9 April, the Latvian Embassy in Vilnius hosted the international presentation of the “(un)rest” programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027”, with a special focus on collaboration with Lithuanian artists and cultural organisations.
The event offered an insight into the diverse programme, which will feature more than 500 events in 2027 across Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga district – including exhibitions, concerts, performances, interdisciplinary projects, and community initiatives. The “(un)rest” programme is structured around five thematic strands, addressing both regional and European-scale issues.
Particular attention during the presentation in the Lithuanian capital was given to the participation of Lithuanian artists and curators, highlighting the close cultural collaboration and interplay of artistic processes in the Baltic Sea region.
Participants included Sigita Bagužaitė-Talačkienė, curator of the exhibition “Baltic Amber Surprises the World”; Raimundas Malašauskas, curator of the exhibition “The Hypnic Jerk: An (un)rest Horizon”; and choreographer/director Birutė Banevičiūtė, who will create an inclusive visual theatre projects in collaboration with Liepāja Puppet Theatre and the Liepāja Theatre International Festival “Theatre Up Close”.
One of the most significant Lithuania-based projects complementing the “Liepāja 2027” programme is the internationally awarded opera-performance “Sun and Sea”, recipient of the Golden Lion at the Venice Art Biennale. The performance will be staged in Liepāja Concert Hall “Great Amber” in multiple shows from 8–11 April 2027, marking the first time this highly acclaimed production will be shown in Latvia.
Introducing the upcoming performance in Liepāja, the opera’s creator Vaiva Grainytė states: “Liepāja’s proximity to the Baltic sea brings the piece back to its native shore. The opera-performance Sun and Sea was developed from both our childhood memories and our present-day experiences of the Baltic shoreline and its characters. The remnants of military presence add another layer, emphasizing the fragility voiced by the beachgoers. We are very excited for the piece to meet Latvian audiences.”
Opening the event, the Ambassador of Latvia to Lithuania, Solveiga Silkalna, emphasised: “Today is a special day at the Latvian Embassy in Vilnius – we are unveiling the Liepāja 2027 programme. I invite you to discover Liepāja as if you were already by the sea – through music, architecture, a sense of openness, and the unique feeling of freedom this city offers its visitors. Liepāja is not just a destination – it is a feeling, where traditions meet new ideas, creativity interacts with the vastness of the sea, and culture becomes a living experience. We are especially proud to present paintings by Liepāja artist Dace Dēliņa-Lipska depicting Suiti women – they bring into the space the colours, strength, and identity of Latvian culture that also characterise Liepāja. I invite you to feel this wonderful seaside city, to discover and experience it – because Liepāja 2027 will be not only a programme of events, but also a story of creativity, courage, and the power of culture.”
The Chair of the Board of “Liepāja 2027”, Inta Šoriņa, emphasises: “Lithuania is an important partner for us, and Kaunas’ experience as the 2022 European Capital of Culture shows that the title is far more than a series of events – it is a complex, long-term process that strengthens the image of a city and region. ‘Liepāja 2027’ creates a platform where diverse art forms, experiences, and perspectives meet, generating significant cultural events on both regional and European levels.”
The programme will feature several internationally important events. In 2027, Liepāja will host a solo exhibition by Japanese contemporary artist Chiharu Shiota, and the Concert Hall “Great Amber” will present the international Concert Series “Stars in Amber”, bringing together world-class artists.
From 9–15 August, Liepāja will host one of Europe’s largest amateur choir festivals, “Europa Cantat”, attracting over 3,000 participants from around the world. The programme will also include the Opera Festival “Opera by the Sea” by the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, the international theatre festival “Theatre Up Close”, the forum series “Agora of Values”, and the contemporary art festival “Liepāja Art Forum”.
The European Capital of Culture year officially begins on 22 January 2027 with opening events in Kuldīga and South Kurzeme, followed by a broad opening programme in Liepāja on 23 January.
The first insight into the “Liepāja 2027” programme is available here.
The project “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture” is implemented by the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027” with funding provided by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the City of Liepāja, and the municipalities of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga. The Liepāja 2027 programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa” JSC; its main partner in mobility and international communication, AS “airBaltic Corporation” JSC; and its mobility partner, transport operator SIA “Lux Express Latvia” Ltd.
Follow updates and ticket sale announcements on the Liepāja 2027 website.
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Released by:
Liepāja 2027 Foundation
Public Relations Specialist
Kristiāna Paula Lībiete
Phone: + 371 22 355 771
E-mail address: kristiana.libiete@liepaja2027.lv
