Liepaja is looking for its cultural values

As the third largest city in Latvia, Liepaja has actively started to prepare for competition of acquiring status of the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) in 2014 by looking for its unique cultural values which could attract the interest of local and European inhabitants. Today the readiness to compete for the status of ECOC have expressed several cities in Latvia, namely Liepaja, Riga, Cesis, Sigulda, Jurmala, Daugavpils, Rezekne, etc. According to the rules of competition, cities located in Latvia have to submit their applications by November 7, 2008. Therefore, the most of the cities have already accepted their participation in this contest. Also, in Liepaja the process has started, explaining the idea of European Capital of Culture to the local society, organizing motivation campaigns, involving society in various cultural events, studying previous experiences, etc. The idea of participating in this contest have come from people connected with culture and non-governmental institutions years ago by creating the so called bottom-up process. Also, the private sector and mass media representatives have stated their readiness for this project. Several public persons have made their prognosis of chances for Liepaja, eliciting its advantages and disadvantages.

Silva Golde, Deputy Mayor of Liepaja City Council said, "this brave ambition, even if it does not succeed, gains more than loses. The high-minded goal inspires, creates success and develops self confidence. So, why not Liepaja with its bright and longstanding cultural traditions and future challenges?". Daniels Pavluts, expert of the culture management stated that one of the most significant aspects to become the European Capital of Culture was how much this project was welcomed in the city. The city prepares for this contest very seriously and timely. Various resources are consolidated for this goal. So far the status of the European Capital of Culture have acquired cities which are neither largest, nor metropolises in their countries - Kirk, Lille, Stavanger, Sibiu, Liverpool, etc. Ineta Stadgale, poetess, admitted that she had always felt Liepaja as the Capital of Culture. "But this is not because of number of museums and concert halls, she said, but due to the special artistry and creativity, which inspire for living, working, creating, celebrating and enjoying".

Since the mid 80s the Council of EU assigns one of the European cities as the European Capital of Culture for one year. Since enlargement of EU this status is assigned for two cities at the same time.