From June 4 to 6, the annual conference of the international network of European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC) will take place in Riga, at the Palace of Culture "Ziemeļblāzma" and VEF Palace of Culture, focusing on the role of culture in building an inclusive society.
This year's conference will explore and discuss the role of cultural centres in the development of inclusive societies – sustainable change, digital accessibility, creating inclusive messages, identifying and addressing barriers for marginalised groups, gender equality, among other topics.
"This year's conference will be a special event, inviting representatives of cultural centres and cultural professionals from all over Europe. During the conference we would like to discuss topics that are particularly relevant in Latvian society at the moment – cultural availability and accessibility, creating an inclusive cultural offer for different groups of society, sustainability of cultural centres and modern development," says Liene Kubiļus, Director of the North Riga Association, member of the Latvian Society of Cultural Workers and ENCC Board.
More than 15 representatives from Latvia, Italy, Poland, Finland, France, Great Britain and Germany will address the conference participants and take part in discussions.
The programme is designed to give everyone the opportunity to get involved and actively participate. In addition to lectures and panel discussions, creative workshops and exploring new cultural venues in Riga play an important role in the programme. As a special event, this year's conference will mark the 30th anniversary of the ENCC.
The ENCC International Conference is organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Latvian National Centre for Culture, the Riga City Council Department of Education, Culture and Sport, the Latvian Society of Cultural Workers and the North Riga Culture Association.