To strengthen public participation in cultural life, support the delivery of a diverse events calendar, encourage international cooperation and exchange, and help people build new skills, the Liepāja 2027 Foundation is inviting to join its volunteer programme, “Mission (Un)rest”. Applications will be open from 8 to 28 September 2026.
“Mission (Un)rest” is the official volunteer programme of Liepāja 2027, running until the end of 2027. Taking part in this programme offers a chance to learn the ropes of event organisation, gain practical experience in staging cultural events, sharpen communication and teamwork skills, and live the European Capital of Culture year as an active participant. The programme currently counts 175 volunteers.
“It’s a super exciting time to jump on board with us, as a huge wave of events is just on the horizon, and we’ll need extra hands to bring them to life,” says Izabella Džeriņa, volunteering coordinator at Liepāja 2027. “Our volunteers get involved into a bit of everything – from massive international events to smaller concerts, exhibitions, residencies, official ceremonies, and local gatherings. Right now, we’d especially love to hear from people who feel right at home chatting in English and have a real feel for culture and music.”
Volunteers will play a part in some of the most significant events on the Liepāja 2027 calendar, including the opening of the European Capital of Culture year on 22 January 2027 in Kuldīga and Aizpute, followed by the official opening in Liepāja on 23 January; the international choral music festival “Europa Cantat”; a solo exhibition by the Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota 塩田千春; the “Eurovision Young Musicians” competition; the Riga International Film Festival (Riga IFF), which will bring a satellite programme to Liepāja; the Nordic Solstice celebrations; the “Seeburg” Living History Festival; and many other events throughout the year.
Taking part in the programme means access to volunteer training, all the information and materials needed for the role – including a volunteer uniform and handbook – and the opportunity to apply for shifts at the variety of Liepāja 2027 events. Exactly what each role involves will depend on the event, its venue and its specific requirements.
Anyone aged 13 or over, whether from Latvia or abroad, is welcome to apply. The foundation is happy to see both, the experienced volunteers and complete newcomers to event work.
Applications for the Liepāja 2027 volunteer programme can be submitted from 8 to 28 September 2026 by completing the online form on the Liepāja City Council e-services portal, epakalpojumi.liepaja.lv, where applicants can select the type of involvement that suits them best.
See also: Liepāja 2027 Volunteer Programme “Mission (Un)rest”
The Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 programme is delivered by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, the City of Liepāja and official partners – the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, with the co-founding from the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, Jsc; its partner in legal matters SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, Ltd; its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd; alongside its maritime mobility and international communication partner SIA “Stena Line”, Ltd;
The Foundation’s media partners are: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd; SIA “Žurnāls Santa”, Ltd; SIA “Tvnet grupa”, Ltd; and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.