Great international interest in participation in conference dedicated to regional culture in Valmiera
From May 11 to 13, 2026 Latvian Academy of Culture together with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Valmiera municipality, and international partners are organising a conference “Culture Matters Here. Cultivating Creative Place-based Innovation in Non-urban Communities”. 92 applications have been received from researchers and creative professionals in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America for participation in the conference’s thematical sessions.
The conference has been envisioned as a dynamic platform for knowledge developments, networking, and experience exchange, promoting understanding of the challenges and opportunities of creative initiatives in rural and suburban areas. The international conference will also strengthen the creation of a supportive environment for representatives of the cultural and creative sectors in said areas. Participation calls are extended not only towards academic researchers, but also professionals and local cultural policy makers. Representatives from 92 different organizations from European countries, Canada, the US, Mexico, South Africa, China, and other countries have responded to the call for papers, thus ensuring broad geographical representation in discussion about the role of culture and creativity outside big urban centres.
The main themes of the conference are:
· The role of culture and creativity in increasing innovation based on distinctive local characteristics,
· Cross-sector collaboration strengthening and partnership establishment for local development,
· Planning and policy frameworks for the growth of creative industries in non-urban areas.
The conference is organised within the scope of the European Union programme “Horizon Europe” international research project “IN SITU – Place-based Innovation of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-urban Areas”. IN SITU is a four year long project that has combined research and experimental activities in order to promote innovative practice, skills, and potential in the cultural and creative industries, which are located outside the large urban centres of the EU countries. During the conference, the IN SITU project results will be presented – an overview of the factors that fosters competitiveness and innovation within the cultural and creative sector, as well as recommendations for local cultural policy makers.
Conference participants will also have the chance to learn about Valmiera municipality’s experience in cultural heritage preservation, developing contemporary art events, and developing innovative practices and new creative initiatives. Valmiera municipality was one of the six research areas or laboratories of the IN SITU project. Latvian Academy of Culture, in collaboration with Valmiera municipal council, conducted research on opportunities for introducing innovation in the cultural and creative sectors, strengthening mutual and international cooperation between the cultural and creative sectors in the Valmiera municipality.
Those who are interested in participation are invited to register for the conference from January 19 on the conference website https://insituculture.eu/culture-matters-here-cultivating-creative-place-based-innovation-in-non-urban-communities/