Become a Participant of the Liepāja 2027 Community Programme “Neighbourliness”

The Liepāja 2027 Foundation is announcing the launch of its Community Strengthening and Support Programme, “Neighbourliness” that aims to foster a sense of belonging among residents, promote civic engagement, and encourage active participation in community life.

“Neighbourliness” is designed as a set of activities utilizing community art methods, thus leveraging artistic, cultural, and social tools to inspire and mobilize residents to create vibrant, supportive communities, strengthen friendly and helpful behaviour, especially between people who live near each other, care for their environment, learn to better cooperate with each other, etc., across the Land of (un)rest (Liepāja, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions).

The programme is open to anyone interested in invigorating their community – no prior experience is necessary. All that is required is a willingness to “stir up” your neighbourhood, village, or housing block, and a desire to engage with like-minded individuals while also reaching out to those who may be less active.

Participants will engage in monthly in-person training sessions and collaborative meetings from September this year through June next year. These sessions will provide valuable insights into community arts methodologies, empowering you to enhance your local area and fill it with enriching activities. Together, participants will brainstorm, develop, and plan the implementation of various community-focused ideas, while also exploring potential funding opportunities.

Local and international experts will assist in crafting detailed project plans. The most promising ideas will receive initial funding of up to €1,000 to help bring them to life. Additionally, a key goal of the programme is to prepare participants for future Liepāja 2027 open calls for proposals, aimed at further strengthening neighbourhoods and securing additional funding.

First workshop is set to take place on 14 September from 11:00 - 17:00 at the “Pegasus Courtyard” cultural venue (Kuršu iela 20, Liepāja)

Workshop Agenda

• Introduction and Talk: What are communities? Why to do need them vibrant and active? How active communities contribute to broader societal and national processes?

• Practical Tasks: Engage in group networking and community-building exercises led by representatives of the Baltic Community Theatre School.

• Lecture: “How cultural tools can activate communities”, featuring insights from community experts like Ieva Niedre, Head of INITIUM Foundation and community work expert, Sandra Feldmane, Head of Čiekurkalna Development Association in Rīga and Maija Jankovska, creator of Democracy Festival in Kuldīga and community outreach expert of Liepāja 2027.

• Task: Map and identify current and future community groups in your neighbourhood. Participate in the Skills and Resources Buffet.

Participation in the “Neighbourliness” programme is free, but registration is required by 12 September 2024. To secure your spot, please fill out the registration form here:

https://ej.uz/Liepaja2027kopienas

The programme “Neighbourliness” is organized by the “Liepāja 2027” Foundation and made possible through the support of the City of Liepāja, South Kurzeme Municipality, Kuldīga Municipality, and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia.

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