Measures and projects

The aim of the project is to promote a deeper understanding of the role of civil society by engaging and promoting NGOs working in the sector and jointly raising issues of importance to society through dialogue, thus fostering a broader discussion in the local community about values in a democratic society, human rights in Latvia, social responsibility, cooperation and solidarity in civil society.

To achieve this, two activities will be implemented: “Film series on themes and issues of relevance to society” and “Donation campaign for the association”. Five open-air cinema evenings - screenings of films produced in Latvia - will focus on themes of relevance to civil society: foreigners in Latvia, environmental accessibility and disability, young people, emotional domestic violence and gender equality. Each screening will bring together the filmmakers and invited experts from the NGO sector to discuss the relevance of the films and the issues they address, thus contributing to a wider debate in the local community. The donation campaign will highlight themes related to civic participation, with the aim of promoting public engagement and cooperation with the NGO sector, both as members and as volunteers, as well as contributing to the development of a culture of giving in Latvia.

Target groups of the project: the NGO sector, the audience reached during the open-air cinema evenings and talks, donors to the association, Latvian citizens, active citizens of Valmiera district.

Valmiermuiža, Latvia
01.01.2024.–30.09.2024.

The project is financially supported by the Society Integration Foundation from the Latvian state budget.

The Valmiera county manor network project is developed by Valmiermuiža Association of Culture (together with Oleri Manor) and addresses place-based issues such as, limited employment possibilities in rural areas, lack of recognition of Valmiera County as a cultural tourism destination on national and international level, limited opportunities to experience contemporary arts and culture, need for more opportunities for co-creation and creative lifelong learning in local communities, involvement of local unique heritage in tourism offer and rare use of artistic and design solutions in public space to make an attractive neighbourhood. The project covers the thematic strands of activating communities; and intra-sectoral collaboration and sustainability.

As for the innovation potential of the project, the owners, managers and enthusiasts of the cultural heritage of Valmiera region do not have a single platform for exchanging information and solving current issues, so the idea of the manor network is an innovation in the region to unite, promote cooperation, share experience and develop historical heritage. It is important that the network will include both the private sector, individuals, non-governmental organisations and the municipality. To strengthen and advance a common network of manors in Valmiera region in order to create a story that a manor is a place to gain knowledge and skills, realise long-term values, gain positive emotional pleasure, experience content and form, spiritual and physical harmony.

The association has received funding from the Active Citizens Fund (ACF) to implement a project with the aim of improving the capacity of the association, in order to strengthen the foundation of the organisation by creating the necessary tools, promote recognisability by favouring financial independence from project tenders.

During the project, a strategy of the association was prepared (a long-term document until 2030), which serves as a basis for the annual action plan, activation of local community involvement and effective management, including for financial management, of the organisation. The created website and support offer for cooperation partners promote the awareness of the interested parties about the association’s activities, current events and involvement. After the implementation of the project, by improving communication and information availability and various involvement possibilities, greater activity of donors and interest of supporters is planned, which increases the revenue of the association not related to project funding.

The Active Citizens Fund is a grant program of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway, whose operation has been funded in 15 European countries. The funding of the Fund in all countries is provided by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (donor countries funding the EEA and Norwegian grants), individually agreeing with each recipient country on the amount of the fund in the specific country. The aim of the AIF activities in all countries is to strengthen the participation of civil society and residents and to increase the abilities of vulnerable population groups.

The total funding of the project is EUR 14,211.72 and it is fully funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, using financial instruments of the EEA and Norway within the framework of the Active Citizens Fund program.

The project “Strengthening the capacity of Valmiermuiža Association of Culture” (No. AIF/2022/KAPAC2/54) is implemented from August 2022 to April 2023.

The LEADER program project “Diverse cultural events and activities in Valmiermuiža” has been implemented to improve the course of events, diversify public activities, as well as provide amenities for visitors.

Non-governmental organisations, local government, entrepreneurs and local residents are purposefully involved in the activities of revitalising Valmiermuiža cultural, historical and social environment. Both cleaning of the territory is carried out and content-rich and educational recreational, tourism, entrepreneurship-activating events are organised. The aim of Valmiermuiža Association of Culture in the project is to promote the diversification of the public events organised in Valmiermuiža by purchasing 4 tents and 16 light strings and to promote the improvement of the cultural life of Valmiermuiža and Valmiera Municipality, the diversity of the cultural offer in the long term by organising both entertainment events and cultural and educational activities, including handicraftsmen and artisan fairs, festivals, art exhibitions, musical and film events, creative workshops for mastering new skills.

The project “Diverse cultural events and activities in Valmiermuiža” (No. 22-09-AL29-A019.2204- 000003) has been created under the sub-measure of Latvian Rural Development Program for 2014- 2020 of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union: “Implementation of the activities in accordance with the community-driven local development strategy” within the framework of the action “Development of educational, cultural environment and sports activities”. The project is implemented by Valmiermuiža Association of Culture through the local action group – the association “From Salaca to Rūja”.

Currently, we especially appreciate if we can go for pleasant walks, as well as have a sit in pleasant and attractive places – such as Valmiermuiža Park. By creating specially designed benches matching the style of the manor, Valmiermuiža Association of Culture invites everyone to spend time lazily, read books and have snacks in Valmiermuiža – not only during events, but also on a daily basis.

Valmiermuiža Park is a gathering place for residents on a daily basis, during organised events, a place to spend free time, as well as a meeting and socialising place. The park also features a children’s playground in the style of the manor, as well as a shelter to hide from rain or too bright sun. There is also a book exchange house available there, where anyone interested can put a book they have already read and that is gathering dust at home or take one of the books brought by others to read. Every day, Valmiermuiža Park has many different visitors – from local residents, children from the nearby kindergarten and students of Valmiermuiža Riding School, visitors to Valmiermuiža brewery, kitchen and store, to visitors of cultural and sports events, lovers of cultural heritage and history, Latvian and foreign tourists. In order to welcome all guests more successfully, six new, specially designed benches matching the style of the manor have been installed in the park around the old trees – just like in the old days.

The project “Enjoying events and spending free time in the feelings of the manor” (No. 20-09-AL29- A019.2204-000005) has been created under the sub-measure of Latvian Rural Development Program for 2014-2020 of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union: 19.2 “Implementation of the activities in accordance with the community-driven local development strategy” within the framework of the activity 19.2.2 “Place potential development initiatives”. The project has been implemented through the association “From Salaca to Rūja”, the benches were manufactured and installed by SIA Zalas Pedas. The project was supported by Burtnieku Municipality local government and Valmiermuiža brewery.

With the onset of warm weather, Valmiermuiža Park is also decorated for the season of celebrations and lazy recreation. Within the framework of the project “Valmiermuiža Manor park as a sustainable and attractive place of culture, recreation and tourism” implemented by Valmiermuiža Association of Culture, a specially designed canopy was created, which organically fits into the landscape of the park.

The canopy was created in the park to make the environment more beautiful and accessible to every resident and guest of the municipality. It is available both during various events and on a daily basis – enjoying the magic of the park, hiding from heat or rain and looking after the children playing in the nearby playground.

Developing the infrastructure in the park is a possibility to create high-quality events without being afraid of adverse weather conditions and without thinking about additional costs for improving the place, as well as increasing the number of visitors and tourists in Valmiermuiža. The canopy is available free of charge after coordinating events with Valmiermuiža Association of Culture, which cares for its maintenance.

The project “Valmiermuiža Manor park as a sustainable and attractive place of culture, recreation and tourism” (project No. 16-09-AL29.2203-000013) has been created under the sub-measure of Latvian Rural Development Program for 2014-2020 of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union: 19.2 “Implementation of the activities in accordance with the community-driven local development strategy” within the framework of the activity 19.2.2 “Place potential development initiatives”. The project has been implemented through the association “From Salaca to Rūja”.