European Capital of Culture - Valmiera 2027
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European Capital of Culture
INTRODUCTION – GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Q.1. Why does the city wish to take part in the competition
for the title of European Capital of Culture?
Valmiera wants to become the European brilliant result is based on hard daily
Capital of Culture to become the work over a long period, just like the
cultural heart of Vidzeme from the heart Olympians. They spend years putting
of Vidzeme's economy and achieve a themselves on the podium in the world's
significant transformation of the living most prestigious competitions.
environment through culture, becoming
an urban micro-city with a continuous The title of ECOC is our stimulus
symbiosis between culture and and guiding principle to achieve
pragmatic farming tradition / pragmatic the goal. The title will be a source of
tradition to care for the society and inspiration and strength for a long-term
economy. work that we will take step by step,
highlighting our cultural strengths and
We strive to become a model of strengths with the public while
an urban micro-city. This identifying gaps and painful areas and
municipality includes an industrial implementing an ambitious package
environment and rural areas and already in 2021.
can successfully address the
coexisting challenges in various We will create and implement a
dimensions of public life. micro-city cultural development strategy,
learning from the municipality's business
Valmiera is recognised in the and sports strategies and their best
international environment in economics practices and international partners.
and sports. Our achievements in the The new cultural development strategy
economy are highly valued - in 2019, The will allow to develop and improve the
Financial Times awarded Valmiera the ability of Valmiera municipality residents
third-best strategy for attracting foreign and cultural institutions to understand,
investment in Europe. Our companies create and consume world-class culture
have used the products of the fashion in its various manifestations, thus
Valmiera house Chanel, the rock band Rammstein, confirming and strengthening the
Candidate City Airbus Industries, the Finnish airport municipality's role as an attractive
operator Finavia and others. We are cultural place in the Vidzeme region,
European Capital of Culture 2027 proud of our worldwide excellence in Latvia, Europe and elsewhere.
the field of sports - the list of
achievements includes two-time The 2027 program will celebrate the
Olympic BMX cycling champion Māris work done in the previous six years for
Štrombergs and Olympic vice-champion both residents and guests of the
in walking Jānis Daliņš, the Bertāni municipality. However, the result will
brothers play in the world's elite continue during the festival because the
basketball teams. We organise development of culture takes place in a
1 Introduction international sports events, such as the continuous process. We have prepared a
8 Contribution to the long-term strategy BMX European Championship in 2019 plan to achieve our goals, and we have
and the Davis Cup tennis in 2014. This started working creatively and
16 Cultural and artistic content demonstrates our ability to act, to purposefully so that at the end of 2027,
40 European dimension succeed and to achieve excellence. we can say: “We did it! That was great!
44 Outreach We will continue!”
We strive to be recognised and If we can imagine it, we can
50 Management noticed in Europe and the world, make it happen.
58 Capacity to deliver including in the field of culture,
while being aware of the existing cultural
'gap' that needs to be bridged on the way
to the goal. It requires impetus and
perseverance. The achievements in
economics and sport clearly show that
we can do this, and it reminds us that a
1
Q.2. Does the city plan to involve its surrounding area? Q.3. Explain briefly the overall
Explanation of choice. cultural profile of your city 13th c.
1224/1226 The oldest known
Livonian chronicle is written in Rubene
VALMIERA - CITY OF GROWTH of culture - its silhouette is a source of
inspiration for artists and composers.
1283 The foundation
Valmiera is an industrial city with people stone is laid for St. Simon's Church
open to growth. From its inception in The city of Valmiera and the Gauja have a
1283, it has been constantly at the complicated relationship - the signs left
crossroads of economic and political by the socialist period on its banks are
still in stark contrast with the naturally 14th c.
events - since the 14th century. To the
Our ECOC program is a joint 17th century in the middle of the 18th formed landscape of the ancient Gauja
offer of Valmiera city and seven century, as a member of the Hanseatic valley. We intend to free the shores from 1323 Valmiera was first
towns - Burtnieki, Beverīna, League, it became one of the first all the ugly and redundant to create a mentioned in writings
cultural space. as a city with its own magistrate
Kocēni, Mazsalaca, Rūjiena, cradles of educational development in
Naukšēni and Strenči. Latvia In the 19th century, the path of
the city's industrial growth began, at the Giant whales do not support the cultural
1365 Valmiera is first mentioned
Until July 2021, Valmiera operates as a same time revealing its cultural potential ecosystem of Valmiera municipality - at in documents as a member
city of national significance without - the first theatre is established. During the moment, we cannot name a of the Union of Hanseatic Cities
rural territory. Within the framework of the Second World War, a third of the city European-wide orchestra, dance group
the administrative-territorial reform was utterly destroyed, but it or concert hall. Our cultural
implemented in the country, uniting experienced development dressed in environment is a collection of small stars 15th c.
Valmiera with the local councils of the the socialist post-war years. Although - beauty can be seen by looking at the 16th c.
named surrounding towns, on July 1, we this time has left deep scars in the city's light created by them altogether.
will become Valmiera municipality with features, there are also some benefits - 1554 Valmiera Landtag declares
the state city Valmiera as the the story of many of today's industrial THEATRE freedom of religion in Livonia
administrative centre. Please see the companies is based on the legacy of the
map of the newly created municipality! socialist period. However, this is only One of the most important cultural
one side of the face of Valmiera institutions of the municipality is the 17th c.
There are essential arguments and Area of Valmiera municipality Ethnic composition:
municipality. Valmiera Drama Theatre, which can be
considerations for our approach - to (from 01.07.2021): 2946 km2 - Latvians 85,36 %,
traced back to 1885. Today, it is one of
implement the ECOC program in the - Russians 9,39 %, 1632 A peasant school for
GREEN CIRCLE the most professionally high-quality
whole territory of the municipality: Distance to the farthest point - other nationalities 5,24 %. Latvians was opened in Valmiera
state theatres. Half a century ago, it
of the municipality: 67 km
The other side of the municipality or the became the incubator of modern
- Our path to a bigger goal - to become Number of businesses in
green circle is formed by the rest of the Latvian directing, experimenting with 18th c.
a high-culture urban micro-city - is our ECOC coverage: the municipality: 4743
territory, where small, picturesque contemporary forms and foreign
shared story. We will become such if we Valmiera municipality, which includes
towns and villages, manors and castles partners. Proposed by the theatre, the
create a united and robust cultural Valmiera as a city, four towns and 27 rural GDP per capita (2020):
that have survived for several centuries annual Valmiera Summer Theatre 1738 The first seminar
ecosystem open to European and world territories 16,917 euros, which is the 2nd for teachers of fraternal
can be found like spilt pearls Festival has been held since 2016 - a
culture. highest indicator in Latvia congregations is opened in Vidzeme
surrounded by beautiful forests, rivers unique outdoor theatre art event in the
Population: 54,642 (CSB, 01.01.2021),
and lakes. The Gauja National Park is urban environment, which in 2019 won
- More than half (54%) of the of which about 46% live in Valmiera, Unemployment rate: 4.6%
close to one side of Valmiera, and the the special prize of the ceremony 1783 Valmiera is becoming
municipality's population lives in the and about 54% live in the rest of the (on average in the territory of a
North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve is on “Spēlmaņu Nakts” organised by the the centre of the county
merging municipalities, and more than territory newly formed municipality)
the other side. The nature of the Latvian Theatre Workers' Union. This is
150 cultural groups operate dance the highest evaluation of professional
groups, choirs, theatres and others. The municipality, especially the landscapes,
Rūjiena
lakes and rivers, is a source of theatre activity in Latvia! 19th c.
cultural experience and skills of these Mazsalaca
people and groups are essential for the inspiration for cultural event organisers
and an absolute pleasure for visitors. PUBLIC CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
chosen approach - the involvement of Seda 1818 The first performance
the general public in the creation and
VALMIERA Strenči
AND TRADITIONAL CULTURAL in Latvian is taking place in Dikļi
implementation of cultural content. GAUJA GENRES
- There are 182 different cultural objects We also need to talk about the Gauja, a 176 public sector (municipal and state) 1864 The first Latvian Singing Festival,
the beginning of the Latvian
in the small towns and rural areas of the river that has a special place in our cultural institutions play an essential role Song Festival, takes place in Dikļi
municipality: manors and castles, cultural program. Its historical and in creating the cultural offer in the
churches, open-air stages, cultural industrial stories relate to the period of municipality. One of the largest groups
centres and others. They play a vital the Livonian Order, when the river served of cultural institutions in the 1865 The first bridge over
role in the implementation of the as a trade route, and to a more recent municipality is public sector cultural the Gauja River is being built
program as venues for cultural events. Vidzeme region time when in the 19th and 20th centuries, centres (26 in 2021 in total), which
The Gauja was used to float logs into the organise and offer adults and children
Valmiera county Baltic Sea. But the river is also a creator music and dance groups, theatre
2 3
studios, art classes and other events. In other cultural places where exhibitions ago and known throughout the Baltic
2021, 124 different cultural and amateur of works by artists of the municipality Sea region. This outdoor festival 1882 Approves the establishment and craft houses, 23 general education CULTURAL PLACES
art groups and programs will be offered. and Latvia are organised. Several combines culture, history and an
of the Valmiera Latvian Association schools, one vocational education
The most significant interest of the contemporary art exhibitions have taken active lifestyle. institution - Valmiera Technical School Valmiera municipality has more than 100
population is folk dance and choral place in recent years, and art Plein airs and Vidzeme University of Applied cultural and historical objects of local or
singing - 39 choirs and 79 dance groups are organised in the municipality. The Culture is also closely intertwined
1885 A theatre is established at the Sciences. Pupils and students can be national significance, including 28
Valmiera Latvian Society involved in 122 different cultural groups.
(adults and children) operate in the process of creating visual art in the with the activities of modern manors and castles and 16 churches of
municipality, keeping alive and passing municipality is concentrated in art companies - the Ice Cream Festival in Valmiera Secondary School of Design and various denominations used for cultural
on to future generations almost a schools, and the most diverse Rūjiena, the annual market “Gardu 1889 The Riga-Valka railway line Art prepare professionals for the needs events, such as sacred and chamber
century and a half of Latvian cultural opportunities are offered by Valmiera muti” in Valmiermuiža, Vaidava is opened, which was later of creative industries, such as multimedia music concerts and festivals, craft
traditions. Secondary School of Design and Art. It “Mālēdiena festivāls” with ceramics
extended to St. Petersburg and advertising design specialists. events, active recreation and other
has been operating for 45 years with a and dozens of other yearly events events. Valmiera Castle, Dikli Manor,
tradition-based education that alternates harmoniously combine culture and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences Rubene Lutheran Church - these are
SONG FESTIVAL TRADITION is the region’s centre of education,
with modern technologies. The school management, gaining a tremendous 20th c. just a few places where culture and
science and research. It was founded in history meet. Neikenkalns Nature
Choir singing in Latvia began in the also offers art courses for adults. public response.
1996 on the initiative of Vidzeme region Concert Hall, Valmiermuiža Park,
second half of the 19th century, 1908 The women's gymnasium is opened municipalities and in cooperation with municipality manor and castle gardens -
transforming the choir singing of the An important cultural institution of the CRAFTS the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic places where culture merges with
European Church into a new form. It is municipality is also the Valmiera of Latvia, the Norwegian Ministry of nature. Industrial heritage - Art Deco
essential to tell that the first Latvian Museum, which offers a permanent 311 craftsmen of the municipality - Foreign Affairs and Lillehammer
1917 The first People's University style water tower and rail bike in Kocēni.
singing festival took place in 1864 in the exposition, educational programs, jewellers, blacksmiths, weavers, in Latvia is opened in Valmiera University. It currently has the status of a
lectures and other services. Currently, Everything described for Valmiera
Dikļi rectory park of Valmiera weavers, culinary masters and others state university. In 2021, the university
the museum is transforming - the municipality is already ready today to
municipality, laying the foundations for - are active creators and participants offers 17 study programs at the faculties
cultural environment centre of Valmiera provide a great cultural experience.
the modern General Latvian Song of cultural events. Every year, many 1920 The first music school of Social Sciences and Engineering,
Festival tradition, which unites Castle is being created with an craft fairs take place, where, in is established in Valmiera
including master's level study programs WHERE DO WE SEE THE
thousands of people of different interactive exposition. addition to trade, theatre, music, “Media and Information Literacy” and CULTURAL GAP?
generations. In 2003, this tradition was dance, and other forms of culture “Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies”.
recognised as a UNESCO Masterpiece of NGO AND PRIVATE SECTOR play an important role. Simjuda Fair 1940-1990 Years of occupation.
In World War II, Valmiera is destroyed. The gap in our culture may not be so
Humanity's Oral and Intangible Cultural CULTURAL INITIATIVES has become a cultural and craft There are 34 libraries available to the noticeable. However, it exists, and there
Heritage. performance covering North municipality residents, the largest of is no reason for complacency. Where do
About 25 NGOs and private sector Vidzeme, attracting thousands of which is the Valmiera Integrated Library, we see the gap? The existing
1976 Establishes Valmiera
MUSIC cultural institutions bring new cultural visitors from Latvia and neighbouring Children's Art School which unites the Valmiera City Library cultural ecosystem lacks a
trends to the municipality by creating countries every year. and Vidzeme University Library, creating broader perspective - a vision of
Professional music in Valmiera and implementing an alternative cultural a shared and democratic public meeting the depth of culture and the
municipality is associated with several offer and organising events to develop EDUCATION AND LIBRARIES 1990 Latvia restores its independence
place and community centre. The library breadth of possibilities. Culture
festivals. Traditionally, the Winter Music creative abilities. For example, music is home to the European Commission's rarely asks society questions and does
Festival and the Small Opera Music concert hall of different genres "Valmiera", There are 32 educational institutions Europe Direct information point and is a not initiate discourses, allowing thinking
Festival are organised, which brings cinema "Gaisma", Valmiermuiža cultural in the municipality: professional art Latvian National Commission's UNESCO to remain in the categories of personal
together music professionals from Latvia society, association "Oleru manor" and and music schools, three folk schools 1996-2006 Valmiera
rock festival takes place
Story Library network member. desires and needs. The cultural offer
and abroad. Both classical music others. Based mainly on the initiative of Municipality libraries are micro-cultural lacks modernity, interdisciplinarity and
professionals and music school students cultural enthusiasts, the life of the places - they organise literary readings, creativity, and part of society allows
demonstrate their performance. municipality has been complemented 1996 Establishes Vidzeme
meetings with book authors and other culture to be experienced superficially
Valmiera is also home to a cappella music by cultural forms such as contemporary Cultural events. by engaging in processes that do not
University College
festival organised by the internationally dance, outdoor film and theatre organisations, require critical thinking. The gap is in
known vocal group Latvian Voices. festivals, contemporary visual arts facilities TOTAL CREATIVE INDUSTRIES vision and attitude, and bridging
festivals and exhibitions, acoustic and Cultural organisations, it is our most vital intention to
27
Music events of other genres are also jazz music events and others. For facilities 21st c. There are about 50 creative industry achieve a higher goal.
organised, for example, the alternative example, the outdoor bicycle film Theatres 1 organisations and companies operating
music stage "Harmony in the open air", festival “Kino pedālis”, the light in the municipality, mainly in design,
Art and culture schools 7
the rock festival "Vērte", the music performance “Night of Magic Senses” 2007 Valmiera Integrated Library audiovisual, multimedia. It must be
festival "Tinte", the ethno-festival and others. However, these are just Craft centres and
3 starts operating acknowledged that the cooperation and
"Sviests". The Valmiera Culture Centre some of the cultural initiatives that need folk schools
interaction of the cultural sector and
and other cultural centres of the more support, especially in music and Libraries 34 creative industries are one of the weak
municipality play an essential role in the the arts. Open-air stages used aspects of the cultural ecosystem of the
23 2016 The beginning of the tradition
musical life of the municipality, for cultural activities municipality, as well as the collaboration
of Valmiera Summer Theatre
providing professional music and art In Valmiera municipality, culture has Significant local Festival and Cinema Pedal Festival of the creative industries with
events daily. always gone hand in hand with and national cultural 72 educational institutions is ineffective.
management, closely linking areas and heritage sites.
The industry is supported by the
VISUAL ARTS, MUSEUMS AND creating a new, unique and socially Manors and castles 28 Valmiera Business Incubator, which acts
recognised cultural offer. For example, 2021 Valmiera in the running as a platform for the creation of
EXHIBITION HALLS the Rafters' Festival in Strenči, historical Museums, exhibition halls 9 for the title of ECOC in 2027 creative industries companies, and the
memory of floating logs along the Gauja 2 association “Valmiera Development
Contemporary art exhibitions in the to the Baltic Sea. Or a bicycle festival in Cinemas
Agency” with the co-creation
municipality are mostly related to the Mazsalaca, honouring the bicycle
TOTAL 206 laboratory “DARE”.
Valmiera Museum Exhibition House and "Ērenpreiss" created about 100 years
4 5
Q.4. Explain the concept of the programme which would be launched
if the city is designated as European Capital of Culture.
“Conversion – the process of converting We will seek and create solutions to critical
something from one thing to another, a place challenges of the municipality, which are
for living in that has been changed from its relevant in many parts of Europe and the world.
previous use” Cambridge dictionary Our achievements and achievements will be a
strong message about the power of culture in
The guiding principle of the Valmiera program is the the transformation of society (please see the
CONVERSION, initiating a series of processes in which programme in Chapter 11).
we will experience significant changes in
thinking and attitudes, developing Valmiera as
a micro-city, which is an excellent place to live
for a person interested in culture, economy
and sustainable environment.
We will ask awkward questions and find answers together,
seek and learn from the perspective of the depth and
breadth of culture and the opportunities it offers, address
sustainability issues so that current actions provide a
good and secure foundation for the future society. Our
cultural program is based on three pillars, which are also
higher goals.
NOTICE AND RECOGNISE US!
We strive to be noticed and recognised as a cultural place
in the country, in Europe and worldwide. Being seen and
recognised means acknowledging ourselves, appreciating
and being proud of our cultural traditions and
achievements, and building empathy and tolerance for
diversity and being open to other cultures. We will build
self-confidence and transform our vision and attitude.
BRIDGE THE CULTURAL GAP!
We recognise that we are currently at a cultural "gap". Our
intention and goal are to fill the "gap" with a new, diverse
offer and content of contemporary culture, based on
traditional culture and formed in creative partnerships
with the European and world cultural space participation.
We will create a qualitatively new cultural space, where
there is a place for creative expression and creativity.
Everyone can become a creator of culture and a recipient
of the adventure it brings.
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT!
Through cultural processes, we will build awareness and
responsibility for sustainability and seek answers to 'big'
environmental and future issues by interacting with
different groups in society. This is especially important for
the municipality because we are the brightest example of
the combination of industry and nature - the industrial city
is surrounded by the Gauja National Park, the North
Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve and rural areas. In this unique
form, the micro-city must be able to interact profoundly
and honestly with nature.
Photo from Ilze Kurte personal archive, Strenči.
Photo: Uģis Brālēns
7
Section No.1 CONTRIBUTION TO THE LONG-TERM STRATEGY (Q5-Q9) Q.6. Describe the city's plans to strengthen the
capacity of the cultural and creative sectors,
Q.5. Describe the cultural strategy in place in the city at the time of the application, including through the development of long term
including the plans for sustaining the cultural activities beyond the year of the title?
links between these sectors and the economic
and social sectors in the city.
Our efforts to win the title of European develop creative industries, (6) will ensure to create a constantly functioning, widely
Capital of Culture (ECOC) are not only a research, preservation of cultural heritage, branched network of cultural
matter of the image of a quality and its modern interpretation, transmission to organisations interacting with individuals, Strengthening the operational capacity, libraries, etc.), employees of more than
attractive living space but also a need various audiences, (7) Promote the organisations and institutions. The links, and interaction of cultural and 50 creative industries and
based on pragmatic considerations. transfer of creative potential and network will be the driving force behind creative industries are included in the organisations operating in the
innovation in education and business. the ECOC programme from now on. current Valmiera City Culture municipality, as well as more than 20
Creating and ensuring a high-quality Development Strategy objectives. cultural NGOs. Training in the creation
cultural offer and cultural environment An action plan has been developed to - We have identified the ECOC However, it must be acknowledged that of cultural offerings, organisation of
for Valmiera is not only a task. This is the implement the strategy, which audience and developed a plan for its the measures taken so far have been events, cultural marketing, design and
mission in which we make Valmiera a includes 79 tasks, the positions and development. The wider society thinks sporadic, with relatively little impact. provision of digital solutions for cultural
modern, constantly evolving city of responsibilities of the institutions about culture, participates in its Still, the involvement of the creative offerings, and foreign language training
culture together with all the inhabitants. responsible for them, deadlines and development, and supports it as industries in the overall cultural will be provided.
financial sources for the functions. consumers of culture, the more process has been limited. We plan to involve the Latvian Academy
The ECOC program for Valmiera straightforward, higher, more direct the of Culture, the Latvian Academy of Arts,
has an opportunity and impetus We can confidently say that the measures demand for quality cultural offerings. A plan has been prepared that as the leading implementers of creativity
to fulfil this mission to achieve included in the plan will contribute most We have started to establish dialogue includes measures that will development measures and providers
its vision of growth - to become a directly to the development of cultural and cooperation between cultural and help strengthen the operational of cultural marketing knowledge. In turn,
mentally and materially strong city and content and the environment, including other sectors. This has already yielded capacity of cultural and we plan to involve Vidzeme University of
municipality and the centre of the the implementation of the ECOC the first results: a number of the creative industries during ECOC Applied Sciences in the implementation
contemporary and traditional culture in program. Please see the Valmiera City activities included in the ECOC preparation and implementation, of digital skills development measures
the Vidzeme region. Culture Development Strategy here: programme are joint initiatives between grouping the tasks into three and foreign language training. The
https://www.valmiera.lv/lv/kultura/. different sectors. blocks: creative workshops and camps will
A place that provides residents and its The importance of culture is also clearly - We have created a program, the involve foreign partners, such as
guests with diverse opportunities to identifiable in the strategic planning implementation of which will be to 1) improvement of the operational partners from the European Network of
create and receive cultural services, documents of all seven municipalities some extent in 2021-2026. performance skills of professionals and amateurs in Cultural Centres.
paying equal and balanced attention to with which Valmiera will merge. They set or manifestation of work performed the cultural and creative industries To promote the inclusion of
traditional culture and its heritage in goals and priorities for the development during the year. In these seven years sectors, contemporary culture in the cultural
these processes and supporting the of the cultural environment, including and developing the cultural offer, we will 2) development of cooperation in the processes of the municipality, in
development of contemporary culture. creating and providing a high-quality improve the skills of cultural field of culture and creative industries, cooperation with the Latvian National
The Culture Development cultural offer, preserving natural and organisations and creative industries 3) development of cross-sectoral Museum of Art, Latvian Centre for
Strategy 2018–2028 has been cultural heritage, preserving and using companies to create and implement collaboration. Contemporary Art, and their foreign
approved for the city of Valmiera. natural and environmental values for cultural events with a reasonable, partners (e.g. MO Museum (Lithuania),
It was updated in March 2021, including a cultural developments, and improving cost-effective budget. We call it the IMPROVING THE WORKING CAPACITY KUMU Art Museum (Estonia), KIASMA
vision and events that demonstrate the the necessary infrastructure. owner culture. OF PROFESSIONALS AND AMATEURS (Finland), MOMA (USA)), we will organise
political and strategic readiness to IN THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE events for organisations and employees
become the capital of the ECOC and the To ensure the sustainability of cultural What else will we do? INDUSTRIES SECTOR of the cultural sector - interactive
centre of traditional and contemporary initiatives and their subsequent - Improvement of the administration, exhibitions, discussions, seminars,
culture in the Vidzeme region. inclusion in the agenda of the new structure and mechanisms of the Creative development activities will be cultural workshops, etc. c., which will
municipality and its institutions, the cultural sector of the municipality. included as a cross-cutting element in help to develop the understanding of
The ECOC program will current plan includes a new task - to - We will review and improve the local the activities of each program cycle. cultural professionals about tolerance
contribute to the achievement develop and adopt a joint long-term government's current cultural support Over seven years, these events will to the types, forms and expressions of
of the objectives, defined in the cultural development strategy by 2024, program and the procedure for involve professionals, amateurs and contemporary culture, thus creating a
Culture Strategy, in the most which will be developed as an urban allocating funding, finding an individuals from the cultural and favourable environment for its
direct way. By implementation of micro-city cultural strategy. opportunity to increase support for creative industries of the municipality development in Valmiera municipality.
planned measures we (1) will ensure a contemporary culture, and promoting who are or want to be involved in the In theatre art, we will organise events of
precise positioning of Valmiera city and How will we maintain and international cultural initiatives. creation of artistic content, various formats for teachers of
municipality in the field of culture, (2) will ensure the sustainability of the - Gradually increase the budget of the preparation and implementation of amateur theatres and school theatres:
strengthen cooperation between cultural activities initiated and municipal sphere of culture and attract events. Operational skills will be theatre masterclasses, mentoring and
stakeholders in the field of culture both implemented within the ECOC additional public and private funding. developed through masterclasses, others, which, in addition to acquiring
locally and internationally, (3) will ensure programme? We have already - We will continue to create and creative camps, seminars, training new competencies, will promote
a balanced and high-quality offer of started taking care of the future! implement a cultural offer using the courses and other events. cooperation between professional
cultural products and services - We have involved various social groups existing cultural, recreational, tourism, Trainings will be organised for theatre and amateur theatres. Valmiera
throughout the year to different target from all over the territory of the newly sports and outdoor infrastructure built specialists of 26 cultural centres in the Drama Theatre, other Latvian theatres
audiences, (4) will provide competitive established municipality in the planning by 2027. We will develop a unified municipality and about 60 employees and their foreign partners, such as
culture education in art and creative of the ECOC program, creating a link network for various scales and formats of other public and private cultural Panta Rei Dance Theatre, will be
industries, (5) will attract talent and between the participants and groups of for the needs of the municipality institutions (museums, exhibition halls, involved in this process.
the cultural ecosystem, which will help cultural ecosystem.
8 9
To ensure proper and appropriate
integration of sustainability issues into
involved, such as the Latvian Investment
and Development Agency, the Latvian Q.7. How is the European Capital of Culture action
cultural content and activities, it is Academy of Culture, Birmingham included in the city’s cultural strategy?
planned to involve environmental STEAMhouse (Great Britain), Tartu Spark
organisations operating in the Makerlab (Estonia).
municipality, such as the association
"Balta daba", the association "Lauku Organising cultural and creative
partnerība Ziemeļgauja" and others, to industries co-creation events of various
educate about the values of green scales and contents will create and
lifestyle. It is planned to deepen implement joint projects. For example,
knowledge about the impact of the international multimedia and
lifestyle and consumption on nature audiovisual culture festival will be
and the environment, promoting or organised in 2027. Its participants will
reducing climate change, sustainable prepare lighting installations for another
production, reuse and waste-free use program event – “Manors and Castles
of resources, and other issues. Festival. Gardens of Light”. The most
important event planned within the
The planned measures will be ECOC program with the direct
implemented gradually from 2022, participation of the creative industries is
using the financing of the municipal the creation of a Industrial Design
culture budget for this purpose and Centre and Museum and an exposition
attracting funds from EU funds, EC of stories.
direct programs, and other sources.
DEVELOPMENT OF SECTORAL
DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATION COOPERATION
BETWEEN CULTURAL AND CREATIVE
INDUSTRIES The transformation of the municipality's
cultural ecosystem will be implemented
Cooperation plays a vital role in the in close contact with the business
Valmiera ECOC program. We have sector, whose involvement in cultural
identified about 50 creative industries processes has been small so far.
organisations and companies However, there are positive trends.
operating in the municipality in design, Thus, in the winter of 2020, a survey of
audiovisual, multimedia. However, it entrepreneurs' views on cultural
must be acknowledged that processes and readiness to participate
cooperation and interaction between revealed untapped potential. Namely, 35
the cultural and creative industries are companies have confirmed their
weak aspects of the municipality's willingness to participate in the
cultural ecosystem. Similarly, the development processes of the cultural
participation of the creative industries environment: 10 companies want to
sector in broader cultural processes participate in the establishment of the
and in providing jobs or internships for Industrial Design Museum, 13 would
aspiring and young professionals is low. allow the use of production facilities for
ECOC exhibitions and performances,
To change the situation, the Valmiera and 5 more - to provide financial territory development projects, for The City of Valmiera's Cultural Development Strategy This intention is also reinforced in the Culture Strategy
Business Incubator, which acts as a support for cultural events. example, identification and includes a clear message about becoming the European Action Plan, which provides for "the preparation and
support platform for the creation of The unique added value of the program development of the potential of the Capital of Culture, and the municipality takes submission of an application for a European
creative industries companies, and the is the actualisation of environmental Gauja riverbank in Valmiera. The responsibility for the quality of the program Commission initiative for the status of European Capital
association “Valmiera Development sustainability issues of public symbiosis of culture, sports, tourism and the sustainability of the tangible and of Culture". The deadline of 2021-2028 includes a
Agency”, under the auspices of which importance through the cultural and leisure is another unique aspect intangible cultural values created within it. preparatory phase, a year and a year after introducing
the creative industries co-creation dimension. Dialogue between cultural of the program. The interaction of the ECOC to assess progress, achievements, and impact,
workshop “DARE” operates, will be professionals, urban and spatial these areas is intended through the The strategy states that “the city is eligible for the develop a new cultural ecosystem development plan,
more actively involved in strengthening planners, architects, owners, operators organisation of interdisciplinary European Capital of Culture in 2027. As the European and implement measures relevant to ensure the
cooperation. and operators of sites, and other events. For example, the joint Capital of Culture, it will continue to develop its cultural sustainability of results. Assuming that a significant part
stakeholders is needed to communicate performance of music and offerings, cultural environment and cultural infrastructure of the ECOC programme costs will be covered by
A closer and more meaningful link will natural and environmental sustainability multimedia artists will be enjoyed in a during the period up to the year, involving the general municipal and state budget funding, other indicative
be established between companies of messages to the public in a skilful, multimedia performance at the public and strengthening the link between culture and funding sources will also be identified, which will be used
creative industries, vocational schools intelligent and precise way. Neikenkalns Nature Concert Hall , a other priority areas for development: education, tourism, to develop cultural offer, content and infrastructure.
of the municipality and Vidzeme Dialogue will be formed by organising symbiosis of active recreation, music the economy and the social environment. Valmiera is These are EU funds, NFI funding, CCF funding, sponsors,
University of Applied Sciences, which talks and discussions on environmental and dance - at the Festival of Street aware of and takes responsibility for the long-term values patrons, etc. c. (Strategy p. 46).
prepares professionals for the needs sustainability issues relevant to Latvia Culture and Alternative Music. created during the European Capital of Culture year”.
of creative industries. To achieve a and Europe. Until the ECOC in 2027, it is
more significant impact, national-level planned to implement several urban
and international institutions will be environments, as well as the whole
10 11
Q.8. If your city is awarded the European Capital of Culture title, Q.9. Outline the plans for monitoring
what do you think would be the long-term cultural, social and economic and evaluation briefly.
impact on the city (including in terms of urban development)?
The ECOC will be a catalyst for the transformations we have identified in 2021 as a process that can be implemented
together, and the results achieved by concluding the ECOC. We will assess the effect of the set of measures and activities
in four areas: culture, social sphere, economy and urban development, evaluate the impact on the urban environment
ECOC’s status impact will be assessed according to four different
together with the rest of the municipality. The table shows the impact indicators and measurable parameters or indicators.
criteria:
OBJECTIVES, IMPACT AREAS AND IMPACT INDICATORS 1. The European dimension;
2. Public involvement;
Culture Social sphere Economy Urban development Impact indicators: 3. Development of cultural ecosystem;
in context with the
rest of the 4. Sustainability of results.
1st pillar and goal: Notice and recognise us! municipality
Indicators are defined for each aspect (please see table below). The base and
Valmiera Increase of the Recognition and Participation and - Number of Latvian and foreign cultural and creative organisations and
municipality as a level of demand for involvement of participants engaged in the cultural events of Valmiera municipality, the realisable value will be determined by preparing an extended offer for the second
cultural space self-confidence products and professionals from impact of projects on the image of Valmiera District, socio-economic round of the tender. Following the award of the ECOC title, the evaluation
noticed and and tolerance of services in the field different areas and the impact
approach will be clarified by allowing the inclusion of additional criteria. A mobile
recognised in the residents of the of culture and general public in - Number of Latvian and foreign cultural and creative organisations and
Europe municipality, creative industries addressing participants involved in the cultural events of Valmiera municipality, the application will be created to obtain data and information, all of which will be
increase of pride in Latvia and abroad sustainability issues; result of projects on the image of Valmiera municipality, compiled in an ECOC database, created and maintained by the Valmiera ECOC
about the city and Recognition by the socio-economic impact
Executive Body, a non-governmental organisation established for this purpose
the municipality international - Increase in the number of foreign visitors, the effect of visits on the
community for the image of Valmiera municipality and the socio-economic impact (please see the governance structure in Chapter 31).
implementation of - Changes in the level of self-confidence and tolerance of the
sustainable solutions; population
Appreciation of the - Dynamics and socio-economic impact of joint projects of cultural and
micro-metropolitan creative industries with foreign partners
model, replication in - Recognition and recognition of cultural events and creative
other European cities endeavours of Valmiera municipality in the international environment
- Valmiera municipality urban micro-city approach and evaluation of
achievements in international competitions and ratings
2nd pillar and goal: Bridge the culture gap!
A range of diverse Involvement of Increase in Adequacy and - Satisfaction of residents and guests of the municipality with the
cultural events in the different groups of economic activity accessibility of the cultural offer: covered cultural and artistic directions, fields, diversity of
fields of traditional society in the and productivity of established events
and contemporary formation of cultural private enterprises infrastructure to - Increase in the range of contemporary cultural events, impact on the
culture, including an offer and in the field of cultural events; cultural ecosystem
offer that is created consumption of culture and creative Use of outdoor (nature - Increase in the range of interdisciplinary cultural projects and
and provided in culture; industries; and environmental) products, impact on the cultural ecosystem
cooperation with As the activity of objects for cultural - Existence and quality of digitally accessible cultural events, user
foreign partners; Accessibility of the cultural sector events; evaluation
Existence of cultural offer for and creative Accessibility of cultural - Valmiera municipality cultural fields and creative industries projects
opportunities to social risk groups, industries increases, sites for people with implemented with the participation of foreign partners, their impact on
develop creative especially children the economic disabilities. the cultural ecosystem
abilities and skills and young people activity of - Availability and quality of cultural education
(education, skills, from social risk companies of other - Number of children and young people involved in cultural events,
career); families, seniors, sectors increases in seniors, persons belonging to national minorities and people with
Cultural projects, people with special the municipality. special needs, dynamics of changes in the number, satisfaction with the
events and creative needs, and offer and opportunities
industries minorities. - Representation and participation of social risk groups involved in
cooperation cultural events, assessment of the impact of cultural events on the
initiatives quality of life of these people and provision of equal opportunities
implemented in - Performance and contribution of private companies in the field of
international culture and creative industries to the economy of the municipality
cooperation.
3rd pillar and goal: creating a sustainable environment
New sites for Knowledge and Improvement of The use of sustainable - Increased awareness and knowledge of the population of the
cultural events and understanding of various objects and solutions promotes municipality about sustainability issues
creative industries the population of territories creates more efficient use of - Number of inhabitants who have participated in environmental
created by the municipality opportunities for territories, improvement measures, the impact of implemented projects on the
transforming about sustainability, economic activity environmental objects quality of life of the society
historic industrial the role of for companies of and buildings owned - Increase in the number of buildings and facilities managed with
sites, brownfields individuals and other sectors and managed by the sustainable solutions
and developing communities in the (design, municipality; Better - Reduction of the amount and costs of resources used for building
cultural buildings efficient use of construction, accessibility by management and provision of transport services in the municipal
and outdoor natural resources construction of introducing sustainable budget
facilities (open-air and the buildings and mobility solutions (e.g., - Satisfaction of the population of the municipality with the changes
stages, parks, preservation and environmental interconnection of made in the environment and the impact on the quality of life
squares, etc.) using improvement of the objects, etc.); different modes of - Improvement of municipality development indicators
sustainable environment; New, attractive jobs transport, including - Increased recognition of Valmiera municipality and formation of a
solutions Involvement and created by the cycling); An attractive positive image in Europe and the world
participation of the development of living and business
inhabitants of the companies in the environment in line with
municipality in living cultural and creative the micro-metropolitan
environment industries concept contributes to
development increasing the
projects attractiveness of the
municipality. 13
Evaluation will be carried out Criteria Indicators
as an internally and externally
EUROPEAN DIMENSION
organised process:
- Initiatives implemented in the framework - Cultural and creative projects implemented jointly
of international cooperation with European partners, cultural areas covered, results,
The internal evaluation will be impact achieved
carried out periodically from 2022
(once every two years until the year of - Participation of Valmiera municipality cultural - The number of projects, number of participants involved
professionals and amateurs, involvement in ECOCs of in Valmiera municipality achieved impact: resonance in
implementation and in 2028). It will be other European cities foreign media, new cooperation projects, etc.
implemented by leading experts from
- Coverage of Valmiera ECOC events in foreign media - Information published in European media, audience
the ECOC Executive Board under the reached, impact on attendance at events and
direction of the Executive Director. recognition of Valmiera municipality
Appropriate external experts will be - Satisfaction of foreign guest artists and visitors with - The proportion of positive feedback, level of
involved to carry out certain parts of the ECOC program satisfaction, number
the evaluation. Quantitative data on
- Changes in the international recognition of Valmiera - Positive feedback in various reviews and ratings
event statistics, audience reached, municipality, increase of attractiveness
publicity, costs, etc. c. will be
accumulated and compiled by the staff - Increase in the level of self-confidence and tolerance - Measurements of self-confidence and tolerance level
of the executive body responsible for of the population (comparison of measurements before and after ECOC
implementation)
the field. Vidzeme University of Applied
Sciences and the Latvian Academy of
OUTREACH
Culture will be involved in obtaining
qualitative information. The obtained - Public participation in the planning, preparation and - Number and proportion of citizens and NGOs
data and information will be analysed implementation of ECOC activities involved in the process, range of cultural initiatives
implemented by them, satisfaction assessment
and included in the evaluation reports
and the conclusions and - Involvement of volunteers, especially seniors, young - Number of volunteers, the impact of their work and
people and students, in the preparation and time and calculation of the contribution in fiscal terms
recommendations . The final report implementation of the ECOC program
will also have a summary of lessons
- Involvement of social risk groups in the preparation - Range, quality of cultural events involving social risk
learned and suggestions for future and implementation of the ECOC program groups, the impact of participation on the quality of
ECOC candidate cities. life of these people and provision of equal
opportunities
The external evaluation will take - Public interest and activity in solving sustainability - Assessment of citizens' understanding and knowledge
place once - at the beginning of 2028. issues of sustainability challenges and their significance
(comparing data on the situation before and after the
A cultural expert with significant ECOC), number of citizens who have participated in
experience in preparing and managing the implementation of sustainability-related projects,
the impact of implemented projects
long-term, large-scale cultural events
will be involved in its implementation. - Public participation in ECOC events, especially in the - Numerical measurement of activity
Adequate funding is planned for this field of contemporary culture
purpose.
PROGRESS IN CULTURE ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
THE EXPERT WILL HAVE TWO TASKS:
- The overall progress of the development of the - Assessment of the cultural ecosystem: availability of
- Evaluate the impact of the cultural ecosystem in the assessment of the society in cultural events, diversity of events and genres, quality,
implementation of the ECOC program the municipality etc.
on the set goals and indicators. - Assessment of cultural infrastructure developments - Evaluation of cultural infrastructure: existence,
- To evaluate the impact of the ECOC in the municipality and the region quality and accessibility
on the development of Valmiera
- The diverse offer of contemporary culture - Diversity of genres, quality of events, level of public
municipality in general in the fields of interest, feedback
culture, economy, social and urban
- Activation and performance improvement of creative - The range of represented areas, forms of activity, the
development. industries number of implemented projects and the impact on
At least one international seminar will the economic performance of the sector in the
municipality
be organised to transfer the
experience and knowledge gained, - Significant increase in the level of education and skills - Growth in the range, diversity and quality of cultural
inviting a wide range of national and of professionals and amateurs in the cultural and events, improvements in the management of cultural
creative industries institutions and processes
foreign stakeholders, particularly other
cities involved in the preparation or - Increasing opportunities for cultural mobility - Number of exchange events for creative workers in
the field of culture, number of participants, impact of
candidacy of the ECOC. The evaluation the exchange on artistic processes
report will be submitted to the
European Commission within 12 RESULT SUSTAINABILITY
months after the end of the event and
- Financial sustainability - Increase of the culture budget in the municipal
to the Ministry of Culture of the budget, financing allocated by the private sector for
Republic of Latvia. The report will be the maintenance of ECOC results (new initiatives,
published on Valmiera municipality, cultural spaces), funding from the EU and other donors
ECOC and Vidzeme planning region - Institutional sustainability - The capacity of cultural institutions to preserve
websites. Additionally, a summary of results, continue changes and compete with their offer
in Latvia and abroad
the report will be published in the
national and regional media and other - Political sustainability - Political support, which is strengthened in strategic
and operational development planning documents,
information channels, as necessary. especially in the cultural strategy of the municipalitySection No.2 CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC CONTENT (Q10 - Q13) Q.11. General overview of the structure of the
cultural programme, including the range and diversity
Q.10. What is the artistic vision and strategy of the activities/main events that will mark the year.
for the cultural programme of the year?
Valmiera’s goal is to become the heart of the region’s We understand that a sustainable cultural environment can
culture, whose pulsations will launch an ever-increasing exist and continue to develop in places that integrate
number of significant transformations in the municipality. sustainability as a principle into all dimensions of societal
We are well aware that everything is not that simple. At the life: economic, social, environmental and natural
beginning of our path, we see a cultural "gap"– our preservation. Our strategy is to create a close cultural link
community's challenges – that the society can only and interaction with these dimensions, participate in
overcome by bridging the gap and creating and experiencing cultural events, and put the "big" questions on the agenda.
a cultural metamorphosis. They are questions that matter to society –societal and
environmental sustainability issues, the importance of
Our main challenges are: public engagement in addressing these issues,
- Thinking based on individual needs and wishes; developing an inclusive living environment with high living
- Cultural superficiality – the enjoyment of events that do not standards while simultaneously balancing economic
require us to engage our critical thinking; interests and social needs.
- Lacking the ability (at times – avoidance) to see the
interaction between societal processes;
- Polarisation of different groups of society;
- Lack of opportunities and knowledge for creative
expression, especially in contemporary arts ;
- Lack of sense of empathy and tolerance to differences.
These challenges are directly related to the untapped
cultural potential that manifests itself daily in diverse
cultural traditions, existing artistic developments and
cultural sites. So far, what we have lacked most is a broader
perspective, as well as a passion for cultural depth, a vision
of the breadth of possibilities and daring to change.
The ARTISTIC STRATEGY of our program is to The Valmiera ECOC program is a set of in the first three cycles: WINTER –
cultivate and strengthen the perspective of five consecutive interconnected cycles, NOTICE AND RECOGNISE US!
cultural depths and vastness of opportunities where the cycle PROCESS includes a SPRING - BRIDGE THE CULTURE
and to engage the entire cultural ecosystem of preparatory period during which we GAP! SUMMER - CREATING A
the municipality: various cultural genres and creative develop the program and the other four SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT!
industries, artists, artisans and cultural workers, diverse - events throughout the ECOC year. Special attention in the each cycle is
tangible and intangible cultural heritage and organisations Why exactly like this? Because we paid to one of pillars - strategic
that fulfil their cultural and educational mission. We are believe that the time of preparation and principles of the program, appropriately
excited enough to dare! waiting is an integral part of the process integrating it into the events of the cycle
and celebration. as a traversing element - a thought or a
We will build a more profound understanding in society and rhetorical question, a dance, or other
the local community about the various contemporary and The first cycle PROCESS or ways of cultural expression.
traditional cultural genres, the context of cultural CONVERSION is the period of
developments and their inseparable link to other areas of significant transformations. It The final cycle AUTUMN -
life. By involving society in the cultural processes, we will, should fulfil the great aim - a cultural REFLECTION, in turn, includes
together, learn to think critically and recognise the new, environment must be created and filled events associated with the
different. We will ensure that the community want to get with the supply, content, developments, autumn in nature and people's
involved in the discourse created through cultural cultural awareness, the participation of lives, in combination with new
developments. the public, new partnerships and events (e.g., industrial dance,
cultural sites. We will implement this multimedia festival), thus provoking a
We will create a new and diverse cultural offer and content between 2021 and 2026. paradigm shift and encouraging reflection
and space to express and develop creativity and creations. on past and future transformations.
We will make the culture understandable and accessible to The cycles of 2027 are connected with
every person of the municipality. These tasks will be carried the nature - seasons. The structure of
out by all of us – the society – together! Moreover, we have the events of 2027 was designed so that
already started!
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