Government Allocates Funding for Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 events

The Cabinet of Ministers on its 9 July meeting has approved* a €10 million allocation from the state budget to support the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. This significant investment will be supplemented by an additional €12.5 million sourced from EU funds, external financial sources, and revenue generated through economic activities, partnerships, and supporters.

The Liepāja – European Capital of Culture’s “(un)rest” programme, a collaborative effort by local cultural organizations and various partners, is structured around five thematic lines encompassing 28 project sets. These projects tackle crucial issues pertinent to both Liepāja and Europe. Among them, the “European Dream” that will set the stage for exploring the European dream; “Port Paradox” with an invitation to all adventure-seekers to a city of intriguing paradoxical contradictions; “New Eyes!” encourages rediscovery of personal and communal identities through a new set of ‘eyes’ focused on European perspective; “Deliberate Modesty” addresses climate and sustainability, reflecting on the Baltic Sea and our environment; and “Creative Foresight” that explores the integration of innovation and technology in art and education.

A key component of the programme is the public participation initiative “Mission (un)rest,” designed to engage citizens through a wide range of events and activities aimed at broadening audiences, enhancing capacities, and fostering public engagement. Special emphasis will be placed on involving communities, young people, and volunteers. The “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” project is anticipated to feature over 500 events, promoting social activity and growth while fostering peace and tranquillity. Through the extensive and diverse cultural programme of 2027, the three municipalities – Liepāja, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga – are seeking to create a responsive roadmap for better understanding both each other and our common habitat, injecting community activity and growth with a healthy and balanced dose of rest and unrest.

The national budget allocation will be distributed as follows: €5.5 million for the implementation of the 28 projects within the (un)rest programme, €1.3 million for reinforcing Latvia’s image and international campaigns, €2 million for programme administration, €1 million for program-related activities planned by other public institutions, and €160,000 for research and monitoring.

Cities designated as European Capitals of Culture have leveraged this status to drive comprehensive urban revitalization and development, aligning with city strategies and priorities to promote cultural and economic growth, enhance tourism, and improve city image and citizen well-being.

Economic targets for Liepāja 2027 include generating a return of €3-5 for every euro of public funding invested. The project aims for a minimum 15% increase in overnight stays compared to previous years, with an additional 20% increase when including short-term rental accommodations. Enhancing transport connections with Rīga and nearby Lithuanian cities Klaipeda and Palanga is also a priority, alongside municipal efforts to boost the tourism sector through new hotel openings and increased investor interest. The goal is to expand accommodation capacity in the region from an average of 3,827 beds to at least 5,000 by 2027.

To strengthen the visibility of Liepāja and Latvia, five large-scale advertising campaigns will be launched both nationally and internationally. These campaigns aim to boost regional tourist numbers by approximately 15%, reach at least 1.3 million people in Latvia and 30 million internationally, increase attendance at cultural events by about 20% in the region, and enhance public participation in various regional events by roughly 15%.

In preparation for this project, the Liepāja City Municipality established the “Liepāja 2027 Foundation” in 2023. Additionally, on March 25, 2024, the President of Latvia established the Supervisory Board for the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” project, which includes representatives from municipalities, ministries, and public organizations involved in the project.

*- after reviewing the information report prepared by the Ministry of Culture “On State co-financing for the implementation of the project “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 (Liepāja 2027)””

Background on European Capital of Culture

The title of European Capital of Culture has been awarded annually since 1985, with Athens, Greece, being the first recipient (then known as the European City of Culture). Each year, one city from two EU Member States is chosen based on a specific calendar sequence. In 2027, Latvia and Portugal take their turn, having already nominated their cities, with Liepāja and Evora as awarded with this prestigious title. These cities are selected based on recommendations from an international and independent jury and must notify of the decision the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, and the European Committee of the Regions at least four years prior to the designated year.

Since its inception in 1985 until 2024 inclusive, 71 cities across Europe have been awarded the status of European Capital of Culture, making it a significant event in European cultural life and promoting international cultural exchanges and cooperation. The Latvian capital, Rīga, held the title in 2014.

The newly selected Capitals of Culture are also eligible for the €1.5 million Melina Mercuri Prize, awarded by the jury.

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