International Conference European Capital of Cultures

Riga 2014 is partner of the Connecting Cities Network and will host the European Capital of Culture Conference on September 12th. The conference will focus on the methodology and strategy of how to foster an intercultural dialogue between European citizens by connecting the European Capitals of Culture. Based on the experience from the previous and current European Capital of Cultures, we will discuss the potential of the future European Capital of Cultures and possible challenges we will face.

Riga 2014 - as European Capital of Culture 2014 - wants to encourage a local dialogue and exchange as well as present initiatives like 'Connecting Cities', which will furthermore involve the citizens in a translocal dialogue with other European citizens. 'Connecting Cities' is a EU funded artistic research project that builds up a European and worldwide network of media facades and projection walls as platforms and forums for the public audience.

More information on the programme & speakers to be announced soon!

Every year the European Union highlights two European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) to foster the cultural heritage and the future development of these designated cities on a European dimension.

Already in the preparatory period, the selected cities will analyze their outstanding features in terms of historical background and the environmental, economical and social context of the cities and the region. What are the ingredients for creating a special showcase of the cities' characteristics? What is the golden thread for the storytelling and creativity of these cities? What could have a sustainable, long lasting impact after the European Capital of Culture?

Riga, ECoC 2014 focuses on the diversity of the city by developing the concept of the 58 Rigas. 58 neighbourhoods of Riga will mark their identity and empower the citizens of Riga to participate in creative processes and take over an active role of creative city making. Which tools can digital cultures and technologies provide to facilitate the public involvement and to support a bottom-up infrastructure of the creative quarters in Riga?

The European community is divers and versatile, a contributing factor is the many different cities and their unique cultures. Nowadays, European cities have become global communities where each citizen understands his or herself as not only a national citizen but also as a transnational citizen. A core issue these cities face, is how to create a democratic and European understanding by empowering the citizens in participatory events.  Most people in this day and age are heavily reliant on their mobile devices, making urban screens and media facades serve as new community platforms that encourage city inhabitants to actively and conjointly shape the urban space into a common ground for active citizenship.