IN SITU

IN SITU: Place-based innovation of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas

01.07.2022. – 30.06.2026.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

IN SITU is a four-year project that combines research and experimental actions to advance the innovation-related practices, capacities, and potential of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) based in non-urban areas of the EU countries.

The IN SITU project goals focus on advancing knowledge of the forms, processes, and governance of innovation involving CCIs located in six non-urban areas of Europe (test sites - IN SITU Labs) and advancing the ability of nonurban CCIs to act as drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability for the locales in which they are located.

A core of the IN SITU project is the interlink between research and practice through these place-based IN SITU Labs: creative collaborative incubators – hubs for new projects, training, and networking initiatives.

The six IN SITU Labs are located in non-urban areas in countries located on the “periphery” of Europe and encompassing countries in both the south and north of Europe - Šibenik-Knin County in Croatia, the Azores archipelago of the mid-Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, Western coastal periphery in Ireland, West Region in Iceland, West Coast and Baltic Sea archipelago in Finland and Valmiera county in Latvia.

Participatory methodologies and place-based approaches inform the research to be conducted through the Labs.

Specific objectives of the project:

To identify and quantify the socioeconomic contributions of CCIs and their social and economic spill-overs in non-urban regions across Europe.
To elaborate the roles of place-based evolution and related activities in the trajectories and sustainable development of CCIs in peripheral places.
To assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemicon CCIs in non-urban regions.
To identify the innovation potential of CCIs based in non-urban areas of the EU and how CCIs act as drivers of innovation in other economic and social sectors.
To examine the needs and resources of CCI actors in six selected non-urban areas.
To monitor the development of 12 place-based CCI projects that embody creative responses to social, political, and environmental issues.
To design and implement a specific programme to foster cross-sectoral connections and horizontal networks, to build new skills and capacities, and to mentor new entrepreneurial social and business models and innovation among CCIs in six selected non-urban areas.
To assess how CCIs and cultural policies in certain places can be aligned with innovation policies and S3 (smart development) policies for non-urban regions.
To identify possibilities and potentials for future growth of CCIs in non-urban regions across Europe, and provide strategic policy recommendations for enabling this development.

The IN SITU project consortium comprises 13 partners from 12 countries, consisting of 11 research institutions, a European-wide CCI network, and a national cultural foundation:

Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra, Portugal (Coordinator)
University of the Azores, Portugal
Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
Bifröst University, Iceland
University of Galway, Ireland
University of Turku, Finland
Utrecht University, The Netherlands
University of Hildesheim, Germany
Mondragon Innovation & Knowledge, Mondragon University, Spain
National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, France
European Network of Cultural Centres, Belgium
National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov”, Bulgaria
Kultura Nova Foundation, Croatia

Project website: https://insituculture.eu

IN SITU Latvia Facebook website: www.facebook.com/INSITULatvia

More information:

project coordinator at the Latvian Academy of Culture Ilona Asare, tel.+371 26011102, Ilona.Asare@lka.edu.lv

IN SITU Latvia TEAM

Ilona Asare (Project coordinator)

Baiba Tjarve (Project participant)

Ieva Zemīte (Project participant)

Ilona Kunda (Project participant)

Laura Brutāne (Project participant)

Daiga Bokuma (Project participant)

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

IN SITU international conference gains Latvian media attention

16.05.2026.

The Latvian National Television report offers a brief glimpse into how things went at the international conference “Culture and Creativity: Place-Based Innovation in Non-Urban Areas” and what the key insights from the IN SITU project are!

The video in Latvian is available here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1661344071684086

ReTV has also published a report on the recent IN SITU project international conference “Culture and Creativity: Place-Based Innovation in Non-Urban Areas,” which was dedicated to the role of cultural and creative industries outside major urban centers!

The video in Latvian is available here: https://retv.lv/raidijumi/tiksanas-vieta-valmieras-novads/tiksanas-vieta-valmieras-novads-s1e205/...

IN SITU partner meeting takes place in Valmiermuiža

14.05.2026.

On May 14–15, an IN SITU partner meeting is taking place in Valmiermuiža, where we are both reflecting on this week's conference and discussing the work accomplished within the project over the past four years!

Conference organized by the Latvian Academy of Culture in Valmiera highlights the importance of cultural initiatives in regional development

13.05.2026

From May 11 to 13, a major international conference, “Culture and Creativity: Place-Based Innovation in Non-Urban Areas,” took place in Valmiera. The conference was organized within the framework of the international project “IN SITU: Place-based Innovation of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-urban Areas,” funded by the European Union’s (EU) Horizon Europe research and innovation program, and concurrently served as the closing event for the four-year project.

The main insights of the conference revealed that in non-urban areas, the development of cultural and creative industries, as well as creativity itself, is significantly influenced by place, geography, and cultural heritage. Mutual cooperation and informal networks strengthen the ecosystem, ensuring that small-scale initiatives can generate a substantial social and cultural impact. At the same time, common challenges are related to insufficient infrastructure and short-term, project-based funding. Participants highly appreciated the professional contribution of the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) in organizing the conference and pointed out that such discussions on the role of culture in regional development are essential but still insufficiently addressed at the European level.

Latvia was represented in the IN SITU project and the organizational work of the conference by the team from the LAC Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies (IACS): Ilona Asare, Ilona Kunda, Ieva Zemīte, Baiba Tjarve, Laura Brutāne, and Daiga Kovale. The opening speech of the conference was delivered by LAC Tenure Professor and Lead Researcher at the IACS, Rūta Muktupāvela. Panel discussions were attended/moderated by Ieva Zemīte, Ilona Asare, and Ilona Kunda. Meanwhile, Baiba Tjarve, together with IACS Research Assistant Inga Surgunte, participated in the conference with the presentation “Overcoming Rural Challenges by Integrating Cultural and Health Policies: Insights from the Implementation of the 'Museum Prescription' Model in Cēsis Municipality.”

130 experts from 26 countries to gather in Valmiera to discuss the role of culture and creativity in regional development

05.05.2026.

From May 11 to 13, the international conference “Culture Matters Here: Cultivating Creative Place-Based Innovation in Non-Urban Communities” will take place in Valmiera, gathering 130 participants from 26 countries. The conference will focus on the role of cultural and creative industries in shaping quality of life, community resilience, and innovative development paths outside major urban centers. At the opening of the conference, Susan Luckman, a leading researcher in creative industries from the University of South Australia, will deliver the keynote speech “Everything Old is New Again: Place-Based Innovation and Value Creation in the Age of AI.” Several international experts will also participate in the panel discussions: Timothy Wojan, an applied economics researcher from the USA whose work focuses on the impact of innovation, design, and art on regional economies; Jude Ortiz, a community development practitioner from the NORDIK Institute in Canada; and Nancy Duxbury, a researcher from the Center for Social Studies at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, who specializes in culture-based place development processes.

The main sessions of the conference will be available to follow online via the IN SITU project’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

The conference is organized by the Latvian Academy of Culture and the Center for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra (Portugal) in cooperation with the European Network of Cultural Centres, Culture Action Europe, as well as local partners - the Valmiera Municipality and ViA - Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. This is the closing conference for the EU Horizon Europe program project IN SITU, which over four years has carried out research and experimental initiatives to strengthen the innovation potential of cultural and creative industries in regions outside major urban centers.

Ilona Asare presents data on the Valmiera manor network

27.03.2026.

On March 27, the second day of the 32nd International Scientific Conference "Current Issues in Literary and Cultural Research" took place at RTU Liepāja Academy. As part of the conference, a paper session was held in which Ilona Asare, a research assistant at the Institute of Culture and Arts of LKA and a representative of IN SITU Latvia, presented her paper "Collaborative Heritage Governance in Practice: The Valmiera County Manor Network as a Platform for Rural Cultural Sustainability". The paper is based on the results obtained within the project "IN SITU: Place-based innovation of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas".

The IN SITU team of researchers and practitioners has prepared materials that may be useful for cultural policy makers, professionals in the cultural and creative industries, researchers, and other interested stakeholders. The three reports bring together cultural policy and innovation proposals for the cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas.

More information: https://insituculture.eu/new-in-situ-reports-support-the-generative-cultural-dynamism-of-europes-non-urban-areas/...

Strong International Interest in a Conference on Regional Culture in Valmiera

08.01.2026.

From 11 to 13 May 2026, the Latvian Academy of Culture, together with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Valmiera Municipality, and international partners, will host the conference “Culture and Creativity: Place-Based Innovations in Regions.” A total of 92 applications from researchers and creative professionals across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America have been received for participation in the conference’s thematic sessions. The conference is designed as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and experience sharing, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing creative initiatives in rural and non-urban areas.

Those interested in attending are invited to register via the conference website starting from 19 January: https://insituculture.eu/culture-matters-here-cultivating-creative-place-based-innovation-in-non-urban-communities/..

Webinar “Voices of the Place: A Tourism Industry–Academic Discussion”

06.01.2026.

On 22 January at 4:30 PM (Latvian time), the webinar “Voices of the Place: A Tourism Industry–Academic Discussion” will take place, featuring representatives of the IN SITU network, including Sabīne Vandāna, a participant of the Latvian case study. The seminar will explore the role of place-based experiences and local traditions in the context of cultural resilience, innovation, and community building. Researchers from the IN SITU project and case study participants will share their experiences and insights gained so far.

Participation is free of charge. We invite you to register here: https://scotwebinars.org/events/volume-76/

Webinar on Non-Urban Culture

03.11.2025.

On 17 December, an online webinar on non-urban culture organized by the European network of cultural centres will take place. Among the participants will be Ilona Asare, research assistant at the LKA Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies and researcher in the international project “IN SITU: Place-based Innovations of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-Urban Areas.”

More information: https://encc.eu/articles/new-cultural-geographies-revitalising-non-urban-creative-ecosystems?fbclid=IwY2xjawPMRI9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEerN2SNUGe1I8rBPBYJRy819Jb1d-keqgyRRjKiPj4jQeGlr7rt5jTXdGG7ig_aem_PbTpc_jCeHtCKrz563hB0w

Podcast “IN SITU Dialogues”

28.10.2025

IN SITU team has launched the podcast “IN SITU Dialogues: Place-based creativity from the ground up.” Within this podcast, project partners, experts, and representatives of the cultural and creative industries discuss current CCI topics and key research challenges. This week, the second episode has been released, featuring, among the speakers, Marta Vētra (LAUX), the representative of the Latvian case study project.

Listen: https://insituculture.eu/in-situ-podcast/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPMQ15leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0a1JUWXU3T0hsZjZ6c0xZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoGpKwDLFJ1jvDnzLzF-fD9DqBO3jNtnllBjtkobmv3Um2-aVIrF3KKE5qYi_aem_3LjG7DXwKwv_sTSuirsdxg

IN SITU partner meeting in the Azores

21.10.2025.

On October 15 and 16, the participants and researchers of the IN SITU case studies met in the Azores as part of the “IN SITU Camp” to discuss the progress made so far and take part in mentoring and monitoring workshops. The IN SITU Latvia team was represented by both Valmiera case studies – Sabīne Vandāne (Valmiera Manor Network) and Marta Vētra (LAUX)

The call for participation is open for the final IN SITU project conference

14.10.2025.

The call for participation is open for the final IN SITU project conference "Culture Matters Here. Cultivating Creative Place-based Innovation in Non-urban Communities", which will take place on May 11–13, 2026, in Valmiera, Latvia. The conference will provide an important platform for international knowledge and experience exchange, while deepening understanding of the challenges and opportunities of creative work in regional areas and fostering the creation of supportive environments for cultural and creative professionals outside major cities. Deadline for abstract submission: December 8, 2025, 23:59 CET.

Abstracts must be submitted in English via the IN SITU project website: https://insituculture.eu/abstract-submission-form-2/

More information: https://www.lka.edu.lv/en/featured/news/call-for-papers-for-the-in-situ-final-conference-in-valmiera/..

Planning of the IN SITU final conference continues

15.07.2025.

IN SITU Latvia project team – Ilona Asare, Baiba Tjarve, and Ieva Zemīte – together with IN SITU project leader, Professor Nancy Duxbury from the University of Coimbra, visited Valmiera, one of the international project’s research areas. In Valmiera municipality, there are excellent examples of creative organisations where new approaches are combined with the uniqueness of the local cultural environment, such as the network of manors in Valmiera municipality and LAUX. Many thanks to the local cooperation partners – Valmiera, Valmiera Municipality, and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences – for their support and assistance in planning and implementing the project’s final international conference in Valmiera. The conference will focus on the innovation potential of the cultural and creative sector in non-urban areas and will take place on 11–13 May 2026.

Participation in the 30th Congress of the European Society for Rural Sociology

11.07.2025.

From July 7 to 11, the 30th Congress of the European Society for Rural Sociology is taking place at the Riga Stradiņš University. As part of the congress, on July 8, Ilona Asare, a research assistant at the Institute of Art and Cultural Studies (IACS) of the Latvian Academy of Culture, presented a paper titled “The Role of Heritage Networks in Sustainable Revitalization of Rural Culture Heritage: Example of Valmiera Manor Network in Latvia.” Also the paper “Women as Change Agents in Non-Urban Settings: The Case of Cultural and Creative Initiatives” was presented by IACS leading researchers Ilona Kunda and Ieva Zemīte. Both papers were presented in the session “Can rural be the new creative centre? Place-based innovation and the transformative power of cultural and creative agents in rural areas.” Among the session chairs were representatives of the project “IN SITU: Place-based innovation of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas”: Nancy Duxbury (Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra), Ilona Asare, Ieva Zemīte (Latvian Academy of Culture), Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdóttir (Bifröst University), and Katriina Siivonen (University of Turku).

Planning of the IN SITU final conference has begun!

07.07.2025.

On July 7, representatives of the project “IN SITU: Place-based cultural and creative industry innovations in non-urban areas” met at the Latvian Academy of Culture. Participants included Institute of Cultural and Art Studies of the Latvian Academy of Culture research assistant Ilona Asare, lead researcherz Ieva Zemīte and Ilona Kunda; IN SITU project leader, The Centre for Social Studies at the University of Coimbra representative, Nancy Duxbury, Katriina Siivonen from the University of Turku, and Lāsma Krastiņa-Sidorenko from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia. During the meeting, the team planned the final conference of the IN SITU project, which will take place in the city of Valmiera from May 11 to 13, 2026!

IN SITU partners’ meeting in Iceland

04.06.2025.

From 2nd to 4th of June, Ilona Asare and Ieva Zemīte, were representing the In Situ Latvia research team and participating in the project “IN SITU: Place-based innovation of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas” partner meeting in Borgarnes, Iceland. During the meeting, the comparative research results of the cultural and creative sectors in non-urban areas across Europe were compiled. The project's final conference is planned to take place in one of the research areas – Valmiera Municipality – in May 2026.

A discussion on the development opportunities of CCIs has taken place in Valmiera

16.04.2025.

On April 16, a discussion was held at the Valmiera Culture Centre, focusing on the factors that have influenced the development of the cultural and creative sector in Valmiera county so far, as well as its future development opportunities. The session was led by IN SITU Latvia team researcher Ilona Asare. Many thanks to all the participants! Similar discussions are also taking place in other IN SITU project lab regions in Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, and Croatia, offering an opportunity to compare the conditions that foster the growth of the cultural and creative sector across Europe.

IN SITU conference and partner meeting in Šibenik

29.09.2024.

From September 25–27, the international project IN SITU: Cultural and Creative Industry Innovations Based on the Uniqueness of Place in Non-Urban Areas held its conference in Šibenik, Croatia, titled Horizons of Sustainability: The Power of Creative Innovation for Transformation of Rural and Non-Urban Futures. During the conference, Ieva Zemīte, leading researcher at the Latvian Academy of Culture’s Institute of Culture and Arts, presented case studies on the creative industries in Valmiera. Scientific assistant Ilona Asare, along with Sabīne Vandāne, the head of the Valmiermuiža Cultural Association, introduced activities and challenges of the Valmiera district manor network. Additionally, leading researcher Ilona Kunda led the conference session Vernacular Arts, Crafts, Music, and Placemaking.

On September 28 and 29, IN SITU partners held workshops and discussions about the project's progress, communication activities, and case study monitoring. Leading researchers Ieva Zemīte, Ilona Kunda, and scientific assistants Ilona Asare and Laura Brutāne participated. The project examines the Valmiera district as one of the six selected peripheral European regions. Valmiera's data is compared with data from regions in Ireland, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, and Iceland on the contribution of the creative sector to regional development.

At the Summer Culture Academy, we shared the results of our research

20.08.2024.

During the Summer Culture Academy organized by the Continuing Education Center of the Latvian Academy of Culture, titled Challenges of Shaping Regional Cultural Life Outside Urban Centers: Cross-Border Cooperation Opportunities, IN SITU researcher Ilona Asare gave a presentation titled Challenges of the Cultural and Creative Sector in Non-Urban Areas. The presentation included insights gained so far during the research process of the IN SITU project.

Training workshops for representatives of the cultural and creative sectors

25.04.2024.

In Valmiera and online, on April 24 and 25, a series of training seminars titled Collaboration and Innovation: Promoting Creative Potential in Regions for representatives of the cultural and creative sectors was held, organized by the Latvian Academy of Culture in cooperation with the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts of Bulgaria.

Participants had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about building collaboration, attracting European Union funding, positioning their creative offerings through storytelling, as well as improving networking skills.

On April 26, informal networking breakfasts were held at Valmiermuiža Brewery, where attendees learned about the latest developments in the Valmiera District Culture Department and the European Horizon project IN SITU: Culture and Creative Industry Innovations Based on the Uniqueness of Places in Non-Urban Areas implemented by the Latvian Academy of Culture.

Training seminars for representatives of the cultural and creative sector in Valmiera

08.04.2024

The Latvian Academy of Culture, in cooperation with the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts of Bulgaria, has prepared a series of training seminars titled Collaboration and Innovation: Promoting Creative Potential in Regions for representatives of the cultural and creative sectors. The seminars will take place in Valmiera, both in person and online, on April 24-25, 2024.

The seminars are organized as part of the international research project IN SITU: Culture and Creative Industry Innovations Based on the Uniqueness of Places in Non-Urban Areas, supported by the Horizon Europe program.

Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about building collaboration, attracting European Union funding, positioning their creative offerings through storytelling, and improving networking skills.

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Ieva Zemīte and Ilona Asare take part in the international partners' discussions at the University of Galway

22.02.2024.

From February 19-21, an international partner discussion on the innovation possibilities for the cultural and creative sector in the development of Europe’s non-urban areas took place at the University of Galway in Ireland. The discussion was attended by Ieva Zemīte, leading researcher at the LKA Institute of Culture and Arts, and Ilona Asare, research assistant.

As part of the project, there is an increased focus on studying Valmiera c

ounty, one of six selected European peripheral areas. The data from Valmiera is also being compared with data from regions in Ireland, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, and Iceland regarding the creative sector's contribution to regional development.

30 Vidzeme municipal cultural workers have completed a professional development course in cultural leadership

06.02.2024.

The Latvian Academy of Culture, in collaboration with the local governments of Cēsis, Limbaži, Smiltene, and Valmiera districts, has implemented a cultural leadership development training program designed by Dace Melbārde for 30 cultural workers from these regions, aimed at enhancing their personal and professional leadership skills.

Dace Melbārde's Cultural Leadership course was conducted as a continuation of the EU program Horizon Europe international research project IN SITU: Place-based Innovations in Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-Urban Areas, which is focused on strengthening the capacity of the cultural and creative sector in regional areas.

Available a video recording from the IN SITU webinar Creative vitality in non-urban areas?

06.12.2024.

On December 5, the final webinar of the IN SITU series Creative vitality in non-urban areas? took place online! The panel discussion was moderated by the IN SITU Latvia research team, Latvian Academy of Culture’s Institute of Culture and Arts senior researcher Ieva Zemīte!

The webinar recording is now available on the IN SITU YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHgAUDE9_cg&t=5su

Cultural workers of Vidzeme municipalities learn cultural leadership under the guidance of Dace Melbārde

20.10.2023.

The Latvian Academy of Culture, in collaboration with the local governments of Cēsis, Limbaži, Smiltene, and Valmiera districts, is implementing a cultural leadership development training program designed by Dace Melbārde for 30 cultural workers from these districts, aimed at enhancing their personal and professional leadership skills.

Dace Melbārde's Cultural Leadership course is being carried out as a continuation of the EU program Horizon Europe international research project IN SITU: Place-based Innovations in Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-Urban Areas, which focuses on strengthening the capacity of the cultural and creative sector in regional areas.

IN SITU Latvia researchers visited representatives of culture and creative industries in Valmiera

07.08.2023.

The IN SITU project team from the Latvian Academy of Culture (LKA) visited representatives of the cultural and creative industries in Valmiera – the Valmiera district manor network and the creative agriculture company LAUX!

LKA researchers will monitor the activities of both organizations over the next two years, analyzing their experiences in working towards growth and achieving their defined goals. We believe these will serve as inspiring examples of creative development in non-urban areas with the involvement of local communities on a European scale!

Valmiera region creative projects selected for further research in the international project IN SITU

17.07.2023.

The Latvian Academy of Culture, in collaboration with the European Cultural Centre Association, has conducted an evaluation of innovative initiatives submitted by organizations in Valmiera county for the creative development of non-urban areas. In line with the priorities of the announced competition, two initiatives were selected to be monitored over the next two years. The implementers of these initiatives will receive 5,000 EUR in financial support to implement and document their plans.

The two selected initiatives are the development of the Valmiera district manor network and the creation of the LAUX community, based on the garden as a functionally decorative resource.

A total of 11 cultural organizations from Valmiera county submitted their proposals, all of which will be included in the project's creative initiatives database at insituculture.eu, increasing their international visibility. These organizations will also have the opportunity to participate in training offered by the IN SITU project team, with the two selected organizations receiving additional consultations from international mentors.

The identification of creative initiatives was organized not only in Valmiera county but also in the other five European peripheral areas of the IN SITU project in Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, and Croatia. In total, 129 creative organizations submitted proposals. Two initiatives from each country were selected for further research. Descriptions of the 12 selected IN SITU initiatives can be found on the project's website: https://insituculture.eu/case-study-projects/

IN SITU international partners discuss innovation opportunities for the cultural and creative sectors in non-urban areas of Europe

31.05.2023

From May 31 to June 1, in Rauma, Finland, the international partners of the IN SITU project will discuss the possibilities of cultural and creative sector innovations for the development of non-urban areas in Europe. The leading researcher of the Institute of Culture and Arts at the Latvian Academy of Culture, Ieva Zemīte, and research assistant Ilona Asare are participating in the discussions.

In Latvia, participatory research activities on place-based innovations are being organized in Valmiera County, in collaboration with the Valmiera Municipality!

Call for information on creative projects in Valmiera for the development of the city and the region

11.05.2023

The Latvian Academy of Culture, in collaboration with the Valmiera Municipality's Cultural Department, invites representatives from the cultural and creative sectors of Valmiera county to inform about their creative initiatives by participating in the mapping of creative initiatives in non-urban areas within the framework of the international IN SITU project. Two initiatives that meet the project's priorities and are selected by the project team through a competition will receive €5000 in support for the implementation and documentation of their plans.

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A study on the socio-economic contribution and impact of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas

03.05.23.

Under the leadership of Utrecht University, a mapping of the resilience and socio-economic contribution of European cultural and creative industries has been conducted, with conclusions summarized in a research report.

Cultural and creative sector workers are often at the center of idea creation and have contributed to the formation of innovations in other economic sectors. The first part of the study analyzes the correlation between the share of cultural and creative professions and the number of patents and trademarks in regions. The second part of the study examines how collective trademarks could be used as original and complementary indicators to other available economic and innovation indicators.

The research report is available for download at IN SITU webpage

An overview of the drivers of innovation in the cultural and creative sectors in non-urban areas

12.04.23.

The Mondragon University Research Center Innovation and Knowledge has created a report on the driving forces of innovation in the cultural and creative sector in non-urban European regions.

In preparing this report, various forms of business and organizational activities and management, value-added creation chains, and collaboration network opportunities were examined. The study is based on an analysis of relevant scientific literature, as well as quantitative data provided by Eurostat and IN SITU project partners.

The report includes examples of innovation in the cultural and creative industries from various countries around the world, including Latvia.

The report is available for download at IN SITU webpage

Latvian Academy of Culture and Valmiera Municipality Culture Board invite you to participate in the future modelling of the new cultural space KURTUVE!

06.04.2023

On 17 April at 17:30 Valmierians are invited to a brainstorming session on the future of KURTUVE as an open cultural space in line with the needs of local residents.

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Latvian Academy of Culture and Valmiera Municipality Culture Board invite to participate in discussions on the development of Valmiera's cultural and creative sector

15.03.2023

On March 27 and 28, Valmiera will host seminars on innovation opportunities for the growth of the cultural and creative sector, which are open to all those working in this field.

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Latvian Academy of Culture researchers Ilona Asare and Ieva Zemīte participate in the first meeting of the project partners at the University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada

12.10.2022

Researchers of Latvian Academy of Culture Ilona Asare and Ieva Zemīte will participate in the first project partner meeting at the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada from October 11 to 12, where they will present the challenges of cultural and creative sector development in Valmiera Municipality and jointly plan participatory research activities for the project's laboratory areas.

Latvian Academy of Culture launches European research project on cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas

07.10.2022

Under the leadership of the Social Research Center of the University of Coimbra (Portugal), the Latvian Academy of Culture (LKA), together with 12 European universities and research centers, is launching the implementation of an international research project over the next four years, funded by the European Commission's Horizon Europe program with a budget of 4 million euros. The project IN SITU: Place-Based Cultural and Creative Industry Innovations in Non-Urban Areas aims to enhance knowledge about forms, processes, and governance of cultural and creative industry innovations, promoting the competitiveness and sustainability of various European regions.