Riga - European Capital of Culture 2014 candidate

challenges presented in the application for rigaas european capital of culture 2014Real value is hidden in thespace between words. Textis just a form of information,which is finished andtherefore restricted. Thevalue of culture is not form,but the freedom of creativespirit, which dwells in theinfinite space betweenobjects and concepcions.• Develop a new understanding of culture, perceiving it asbroader than the development of the specific cultural sector,expanding borders and demonstrating the effectiveness of thepresence of culture and creativity in all fields as an ability to createadded value and develop a positive influence on people, theeconomy, various aspects of development of the city and society,the human race as a whole;• Expand the borders of accessibility of culture and initiate thecreation of a new form of civil communication, in order to reachnew audiences, involve existing ones and ensure their participationin cultural processes, activating a new quality of communicationculture within interest groups.• Create common discussion in interest groups, for the surmountingof sector, territorial, social and competence barriers andcommon resolution of tasks. Development of a common responsibilityand action platform on a local, regional and cross-bordercooperation level, within the framework of existing organisations(business associations, research and manufacturing businessclusters), as well as develop the creation of a new intersectionalcooperation network.Justification of challengesFor twenty years Latvia’s history has been characterised by –nationalism – segregation – Europisation – migration – ascent –crisis – joint creation of responsibility. These processes can beconsidered summary development lines, resulting from privatisation,liberalisation and structural reforms over recent years in thisregion. They are processes that concern society as a whole andinfluence every person’s life. They are visible and tangible processesthat have long-term consequences for society and whichcreate the base from which the city will develop.Creative ideas, creative approaches, creative solutions, imaginationand ideas are becoming the main economic driving forcesin the world. Creativity has always been an instrument of culturalprocesses, thanks to which development, cooperation, acquisitionof traditions are possible, but the city has developed as aspace where creativity can take place. Creativity is what developslinks between people, promotes the development of a dynamicsociety and competition. Latvia’s long-term development strategyfor 2030 indicates that creativity is a resource that Latvia, includingRiga, as the most significant source of human capital andpartnership, mustn’t deplete, but look for new ways in which tomake use of.The fuel of creative economy is creative substance or idea resource,which is generated by talent and an open society. The jointcreation of responsibility is the quintessence of the creative process.Three things are necessary for joint creation: cooperationbetween people and organisations – desire to cooperate, practicalaction; cooperation institutionalisation – common standards,knowledge, values, support – and social capital – common trust,contacts.The joint creation of responsibility is Latvia’s and Riga’s challengefor the next few years and can be achieved by developing thepotential for creativity, imagination and cooperation. Creativity isthe resource of the future, without which the joint creation of responsibilityis impossible.14 15