Join “Raise the Sails” Initiative for Europe Day on 9 May

“Raise the Sails” initiative is a community engagement program designed to celebrate Europe Day (May 9th) and foster active participation in the European Capital of Culture 2027 project. This program aims to identify and connect with residents across Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga who are passionate about contributing to the cultural development of the region.

“In our vision for Liepāja 2027, the European Capital of Culture designation is more than a calendar of events. It's a catalyst for collective creation, a chance to build something truly special together.  We believe that by fostering a sense of shared ownership and purpose, we can cultivate a more engaged citizenry, one that's passionate about environmental stewardship and community well-being.  Through our innovative "(un)rest" program, we're actively seeking out the most dedicated individuals in our region.  These are the folks who inspire others, who share our commitment to a brighter future.  By working together, by "mapping out a common road" to 2027, we can turn this ambitious undertaking into a reality that benefits everyone", says Maija Jankovska, Community Outreach Expert at Liepāja 2027.

One hundred symbolic white sails will be distributed throughout the aforementioned regions.  Residents and community groups are encouraged to express their unique spirit and identity by decorating their sails with creative designs, embroidery, or paintings.  Instructions for decoration and assembly will be provided.

The process of identifying communities and people is now underway. If you wish to join the Liepāja 2027 project and get your sail ready for the raising, please fill in the online questionnaire at https://ej.uz/buruakcija. Should you have any questions, please contact Liepāja 2027 Community Outreach Expert Maija Jankovska (phone: +37126516115; e-mail: maija.jankovska@liepaja2027.lv)

On Europe Day, at precisely 18:00, all participants are invited to raise their sails simultaneously.  This symbolic act will signify a shared commitment and collective energy towards achieving the European Capital of Culture 2027 designation. Participants are encouraged to capture photos of their raised sails and share them on social media using the hashtag #buras2027.  This will create a virtual tapestry of community pride and collaboration. Following the sail-raising, residents are invited to celebrate Europe Day within their own communities.  This could involve picnics, singalongs, or other activities that promote a spirit of connection and cultural exchange.

To further enrich the experience, an art exhibition showcasing diverse artistic interpretations of the "(un)rest" theme will be unveiled on May 9th in the shop windows of Tirgoņu Street.  Additionally, the winning projects from the Liepāja 2027 competition will be launched on the same day.

In the South Kurzeme Region, the Association “StrettaART” will run their project “European Discoveries: An Orienteering Game and an Acoustic Music Concert in Aizpute”. Participants in this engaging event will compete in creative tasks, culminating in a bonfire soup preparation and a concert featuring Aleksis Zariņš (guitar) and tenor Juris Jope.

In Kuldīga Region the project “United in Dance on the Banks of Venta River” by Association "Jautrie zābaciņi" will feature the joyous celebration of European Day and teach line dancing with the Venta community of Rumba municipality.

Events in Liepāja will include "Brainstorm, Verbatim Theatre Performance" performance by Liepāja Dzintars High School Theatre, co-created by young people, using applied theatre techniques to explore teenage dynamics. Also, "Active Exploration of Cultural Sites in Karosta" by Association "Libau Active", which foresees to embark on an active adventure through Karosta, combining sightseeing with a cultural treasure hunt. And "Europe and Me" by Association "Radi Vidi Pats". This multifaceted project offers a variety of activities, including concerts, quizzes, and lectures. Participants can also join a bicycle ride connecting the two project venues - the "Zaļā Birzs" neighbourhood library and the "Valters" library.

These events will be free of charge and will take place on 9 May. Please keep an eye on www.liepaja2027.lv/eng and the Liepāja City Council events calendar kalendars.liepaja.lv for more detailed programmes and times of the events.

In the coming months, the Foundation will announce training programs for community shapers and residents interested in activating their neighbourhoods.  Furthermore, a youth program and volunteer opportunities will be launched later in the year.

The project competition is co-financed by the Liepāja City Municipality, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, and the Creative Europe project “CreArt 3.0 #STRINGING_TOGETHER” of the European Union.

About Europe Day: Europe Day is celebrated across Europe on 9 May, with a diverse and wide range of events dedicated to peace and unity. It marks the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration. In his declaration, Robert Schuman set out the idea of establishing a new form of political cooperation in Europe that would make war between European nations unthinkable. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the origin of the current European Union.

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