The aims and objectives of Liepaja 2014 are the following:

1. To develop a creative and innovative programme for the year 2014 that asks global questions and provides local solutions, offering culture as an efficient frequency that unites Europe.

2. To “unleash” the individual and collective creativity of residents of Liepāja and Kurzeme region and to boost their self-confidence and sense of belonging.

3. To promote the involvement of various society groups in the sphere of culture by providing a balanced range of cultural products in all parts of Liepāja (suburbs in particular ), Liepāja region and Kurzeme region.

4. To develop and create a new, permanent infrastructure that would serve as basis for cultural participation, cooperation and experiments on the local, regional and international levels.

5. To develop and create new local, regional and international cooperation networks  for cultural as well as knowledge and experience exchange.

6. To promote the participation of residents of Liepāja and Kurzeme region in EU activities and to stimulate the interest of Europeans to participate in cultural and social activities in Liepāja and Kurzeme region.

7. To build tolerance and develop a dialogue among people in Liepāja, Kurzeme region, Latvia and Europe, regardless of their age, educational background, ethnic origin, religion, profession, social status and lifestyle.

8. To develop Liepāja and Kurzeme region as a strong cultural region, a model for cultural involvement, cultural education and cultural policy planning, that attracts the attention of the public, professionals and mass media.

9. To increase the understanding of the significance of culture and its influence on the mental, intellectual, economic and social growth of the city and its residents.

10. To promote the development of innovations in Liepāja and Kurzeme region.

11.To promote the interaction among various industries and the public, local government, private and non-governmental sectors.

12. To stimulate the growth of the role of creative industries in the economy of Liepāja and Kurzeme region.

13. To unveil the originality and uniqueness of the culture of Kurzeme region and Latvia in the context of cultural versatility in Europe and make it accessible and understandable all around Europe.

14. To promote the sustainability of traditions and historical cultural heritage and its inclusion in the modern life.

15. To increase public sense of responsibility towards the environment and to stimulate public involvement in maintaining the environment in good order

16.  To transform the internal and external image of Liepāja, to strengthen the sense of belonging to it of residents to Liepāja, the region, the country and Europe, and to promote the international recognition of Liepāja, Kurzeme region and Latvia.

MOTIVATION

The growth and development of a city is affected by a number of different factors, and now Liepāja is at a point where one or the other choice will determine the further course, direction and development of the city. One of the key factors that might affect this choice is, of course, the people.

The process of establishing of a city until it has its own face, its story, traditions and loyal residents, is a long one with cycles of both growth and decline.

Being granted the status of the European Capital of Culture will make this choice easier for those still hesitant to choose. For those who have already chosen it will confirm the correctness of their choice and it also might create assurance for those hesitant, since the project applicant is sure that in the current context of local and global circumstances culture has a decisive role to play in the intellectual, social and economic growth of the people living in this city as well as in the whole region.

CHALLENGE

Historically Liepāja has had its times of prosperity and those of decline. Openness to the world, international cooperation during the times of the Duchy of Courland and growth of industrialism during the turn of the centuries were the most significant times and have left traits still recognisable in the face of Liepāja. Although being called the capital of culture and music in Latvia, Liepāja is aware that it is not a culture metropolis on the European scale. Rather a pronounced industrial city with a dynamic culture life created by the rich culture and historic heritage and the creative people on the background  of a picturesque environment that is rich in unusual contrasts.

The key challenge for Liepāja if being awarded the title of the ECOC would be to create a foundation for a “new growth” – development of the creative economics. To mobilise the human and financial resources for a common goal.

In the context of Latvia the city of Liepāja and Kurzeme region has the most seeds of creative industry and the highest potential for development. The ECOC project that is promoting international cooperation, exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as public participation is a challenge for implementation of changes in the region of Kurzeme as well. The application is also an attempt at promoting decentralisation of culture policy.