IN SITU seminar in Valmiera proved the power of networking

IN SITU seminar in Valmiera proved the power of networking for catalysing the creative potential in non-urban areas

One of the key dimensions of the IN SITU project is the capacity building and skill development program, designed to foster entrepreneurial social and business models and innovation in each of the six LAB regions (Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Iceland, Azores, Croatia) and to correspond to the needs of the CCIs players in these regions.

Six training sessions were held in Valmiera, Latvia and online on 24-25 April 2024, in partnership between the Latvian Academy of Culture and the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov”, Bulgaria. The topics ranged from mastering storytelling, audience engagement, funding applications to tips and methods for strategic cooperation and networking locally and internationally. The seminar brought together an experienced team of presenters and facilitators – Dr. Ieva Zemite, Mg, Art. Elizabete Palasiosa, Mg. Art Ilona Asare, Mg. Art Liene Jakobsone, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ema Konstantinova  and Prof. Dr. Lidia Varbanova.

The organised networking brunch with local arts managers, artists, policy-makers, and experts, was a perfect opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, exchange of ideas and presentation of the innovative IN SITU case studies: “The garden as functional decorative resource in the formation of the LAUX community” and “Valmiera county manor network”.

The seminar was held online and offline, in a collaborative and open environment, assisting participants to gain various tips and techniques for managing creative organisations and projects in non-urban areas. The analysis of the feedback questionnaire shows that 76.9% of the participants answered that the workshops were “very good”, 23.1% as “good”. The competence and knowledge of the invited speakers/moderators, the program’s content design and discussed topics, the great atmosphere and the networking opportunity, were valued the most by the participants.

The next IN SITU CCIs workshops will be held in Borgarnes, Iceland and online on 30-31 May 2024. Stay tuned and join us then!