"Liepaja 2027″ returns from a study trip to "Tartu 2024" within the Interreg Estonia - Latvia funded programme

From October 17 to 19, 2024 as part of the Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme funded project “ECoCs together" "Liepāja 2027 Foundation" had an opportunity to visit  "Tartu 2024 Foundation". During these three days our team had an inspiring study trip where we explored how to create a more efficient European Capital of Culture programme, focusing on key themes like regional cooperation, foreign marketing, social inclusion, and accessibility.

From diving deep into regional partnerships with Kuldar Leis to hearing how Sille Talvet-Unt and Saile Mägi tackle international marketing and foreign funding—it was an invaluable exchange of ideas. Indrek Kornel’s session on volunteering stood out as one of the most inspiring, highlighting the power of community engagement in cultural projects. Lee Saarsen’s insights into accessibility and Angela Ader’s sessions on youth involvement opened up new perspectives for us, offering fresh approaches to inclusion and participation.

The Liepāja team also had the opportunity to visit the Tartu 2024 office, where they learned about Tartu's developed environmental sustainability strategy alongside Triin Siimer, gaining further insights into this year’s European Capital of Culture work environment.

As part of the "EstLat ECOCs together" project, the "Tartu 2024 Foundation" and "Liepāja 2027 Foundation" are working together to increase the knowledge base and foster collaboration and networking between artistic and local communities (with a special focus on youth), and culture sector professionals. The project's duration is from July 2024 to December 2025, with a series of activities planned. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund: €69,935, partner co-financing: €17,483.75. https://estlat.eu/en

We thank the Tartu 2024 team for their time and invaluable knowledge! Liepāja 2027 is committed to implementing the practices and insights gained in our journey towards Liepāja—European Capital of Culture 2027!

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