Daugavpils and Vitebsk: Cultural Cooperation and Development

Short title:  Cultural CoDe

Launching event Easter festival in Daugavpils Festival Kupalye in Vitebsk November Days of Latvia Dance Master Class FINAL EVENT - Closing seminar

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PRIORITY 1: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Measure 1.5: Strengthening of social-cultural networking and community development

Beneficiary: Latvian Centre of Culture (Daugavpils, Latvia)

Partner: State Institution «Centre of Culture «Vitebsk» (Vitebsk, Belarus)

PROBLEM: In the conditions of the increasing globalisation culture cooperation between cross-border nations that share similar history and traditions is one of the key factors for sustaining own ethnic identity. Long-term cooperation in the cultural field between the cities of Vitebsk and Daugavpils is crucial for preservation of the common cultural heritage of the Latvian-Belarusian border region.

OBJECTIVES: The overall objective of the project is to promote the knowledge of Latvian and Belarusian traditional culture and folklore and their cross-border distribution, as well to encourage cooperaton between Latvian and Belarusian culture professionals.

RESULTS&OUTPUTS: The project strengthened the cultural cooperation between Daugavpils and Vitebsk. Professional and creative capacity of art groups of both cities was improved after traditional costumes and musical instruments were purchased.

Joint concerts took place in Daugavpils and Vitebsk. Joint cultural traditions were promoted during 2 national festivals (Midsummer Day) held in Latvia and Belarus. Master classes and meetings of culture professionals‘ were organised.

The premises of the Latvian Centre of Culture in Daugavpils (3rd and 4th floors) and outdoor stage of Centre of Culture in Vitebsk were renovated.

Project number:	LLB-1-072
Grant Contract number:	1VL-1057
Total budget:	296 785,20 €
EU contribution:	267 106,68 €
Implementation period:	18 months (10.2011-04.2013)
Contact:	Sandra Maskaļova 22a Rigas str., LV-5400 Daugavpils, Latvia +37165426691; vnams@apollo.lv; www.vienibasnams.lv