{"id":5742,"date":"2026-05-28T08:59:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T08:59:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hdlu.hr\/eng\/?p=5742"},"modified":"2026-05-28T08:59:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T08:59:43","slug":"creart-3-0-open-call-art-and-ecological-restoration-residency-in-liepaja-lv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hdlu.hr\/eng\/2026\/05\/creart-3-0-open-call-art-and-ecological-restoration-residency-in-liepaja-lv\/","title":{"rendered":"CreArt 3.0 OPEN CALL: ART AND ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION RESIDENCY IN LIEP\u0100JA (LV)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Liep\u0101ja 2027<\/a> is inviting two visual artists of the younger generation for a summer residency taking place from July 22 to August 19, 2026. The works created during the residency will become part of the programme of the project \u201cL\u0101\u010dpl\u0113\u0161a Garden Festival,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0a partner of Liep\u0101ja 2027.<\/p>\n

The residency theme is\u00a0ecological restoration<\/strong>, aimed at accelerating environmental transformation and reshaping public perception of Karosta as a place marked by the scars of Soviet occupation in the urban landscape.<\/p>\n

Covering roughly one-third of the city, Karosta (War Port) was originally constructed on the Baltic Sea coast in the late 19th century as a formidable naval base. For a century, it remained a heavily restricted military zone, completely cut off from the residents of Liep\u0101ja.<\/p>\n

When the Soviet Union collapsed and the Russian army withdrew to Kaliningrad in 1994, they left behind elderly relatives and civilian personnel. This population found themselves isolated – unfamiliar with and disconnected from the laws and systems of the newly independent Latvian state – turning Karosta into a socially segregated neighborhood for many years.<\/p>\n

The military departure also left a vast landscape of abandoned facilities, many of which fell victim to looting and vandalism. Today, these decaying structures – juxtaposed against forested marshlands, dunes, and wild grasslands – are slowly being reclaimed by nature, creating a unique backdrop that draws curious tourists.<\/p>\n

Currently, Karosta is experiencing a modern revival as part of the Liep\u0101ja Special Economic Zone. Industrial development is actively reshaping the streetscape and community spaces, bridging the area’s harsh military past with a progressive future.<\/p>\n

As a result of the residency, artworks are expected to contribute to changing public perception of Karosta by transforming a degraded former military area into an ecologically healthy, socially safe, and attractive territory. The placement of works outdoors in\u00a0L\u0101\u010dpl\u0113\u0161a Garden<\/strong>\u00a0requires an environmentally responsible approach. The use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable exhibition methods is encouraged in the creation and display of artworks.<\/p>\n

The proposed artworks may be\u00a0interactive<\/strong>, engaging viewers as active participants, or\u00a0sculptural<\/strong>, serving as visual anchors in the park\u2019s outdoor environment. Artworks should be designed to allow easy dismantling, transport without heavy machinery, and simple recycling or reinstallation elsewhere.<\/p>\n

During the first week of the residency, the artist is expected to give a short presentation (up to 20 minutes) about their previous creative practice and\/or their planned artistic concept for Karosta, followed by an open discussion with local residents and art enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

The expected life cycle of the artworks is as a\u00a0pop-up exhibition (for several weeks)<\/strong>. After the exhibition ends, the artworks are\u00a0not intended to be preserved or transported back to the artist\u2019s home country<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Who can apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visual artists of the younger generation whose creative practice focuses on installation, spatial objects, sculpture, mixed media, performance (including participatory performance), as well as community participation and engagement projects<\/strong>\u00a0are invited to apply.<\/p>\n

The artist residency is offered to\u00a0two artists<\/strong>\u00a0who meet one of the following criteria:<\/p>\n