Ministry of Culture announces the call for submission of applications for the title of the European Capital of Culture for year 2027 in accordance with the Paragraph 2 of Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 464 of 28 July 2020 “Procedure for granting the title of the European Capital of Culture for 2027”, and Article 7 of the Decision No 445/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing a Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 and repealing Decision No 1622/2006/EC (hereinafter referred to as Decision).

The European Capital of Culture event is one of the most known European initiatives. The initiative has two objectives: to safeguard and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe and to highlight the common features they share as well as to increase citizens' sense of belonging to a common cultural area, to foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities in accordance with their respective strategies and priorities.

In accordance with the calendar set out in the Annex to the Decision, in 2027 the European Capital of Culture will be given the name of one Latvian and one Portuguese city. For Latvia, this is the second opportunity to give the name of the European Capital of Culture to one of the cities. In 2014, the name was given to two European cities – the capital of Latvia – Riga and Umeå in Sweden.

For the pre-selection stage:

Application including a declaration of honor shall be sent in paper format in English in 20 copies and electronic format (PDF file). In addition, an optional translation of the application in Latvian may be submitted in 5 copies and electronic format (PDF file). All printed copies shall be delivered to the Ministry of Culture in person or by post (K.Valdemara street 11a, Riga, LV-1364). Electronic applications shall be sent to pasts@km.gov.lv.

Applicants are invited to submit their application by 4 June 2021 5 PM at the Ministry of Culture (K.Valdemara street 11a, Riga, LV - 1364).

For the final selection stage:

Application including a declaration of honor shall be sent in paper format in English in 20 copies and electronic format (PDF file). In addition, an optional translation of the application in Latvian may be submitted in 5 copies and electronic format (PDF file). All printed copies shall be delivered to the Ministry of Culture in person or by post (K.Valdemara street 11a, Riga, LV-1364). Electronic applications shall be sent to pasts@km.gov.lv.

Applicants are invited to submit their application by 4 April 2022 5 PM at the Ministry of Culture (K.Valdemara street 11a, Riga, LV - 1364).

Documents:

Additional information:

More information on the initiative in the official website of the European Commission's European Capitals of Culture.

The recording of the seminar "European Capital of Culture in Latvia 2027" on September 23, 2020 is available on Youtube and Facebook. The seminar on 23 September 2020 was hosted by the Member of the European Parliament Ms. Dace Melbārde in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the NGO "Culturelab".

Information about the other seminars and their recordings is available on the CultureLab websiteSeminars have been hosted by Ms. Dace Melbārde, the Member of the European Parliament and financially supported by European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR Group), organized in partnership with NGO Culturelab and NGO ArtCēsis.

Contact person in the Ministry of Culture: