On 10 August, during a visit to the state city of Liepaja, President Edgars Rinkēvičs assumed the patronage of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027.
‘Liepāja is a special place in Latvia. Liepāja is not only a city of winds, but also a city of creative restlessness. Creativity has always sparked here, a freedom of spirit that has blown across Latvia with the strong winds. In one way or another, Liepāja is a city of inspiration! That's why I am even more delighted that Liepāja will be the European Capital of Culture in 2027!
I am particularly pleased that the European Capital of Culture programme is being developed together and in cooperation with the regions of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga. The title of European Capital of Culture is a great responsibility, a good foundation and also a great opportunity for the Kurzeme region to assert itself in the years to come and to prove itself to the whole of Latvia and the world with a vibrant programme of cultural events.
It is very likely that on the way to the European Capital of Culture 2027, new and lasting values will also be created in the cultural landscape of our country and the world. Today, I feel honoured and with great responsibility take on the patronage of Liepāja as the European Capital of Culture 2027.
I wish the whole team of ‘Liepāja 2027’ to keep the restless creative spirit and inexhaustible energy, building, creating, and leading us to Liepāja – the European Capital of Culture 2027,’ said President Edgars Rinkēvičs at the ceremony.