CHERRY Project Partners Meeting Underway in Zemgale, Latvia

The CHERRY project partners have gathered for a two-day strategic meeting in Zemgale, Latvia, on January 21-22, 2025. This crucial assembly aims to advance discussions and actions around cultural leverage for local development and encompasses a mix of expert presentations, discussions, and insightful study visits.

Day 1

The first day commences with opening remarks and an agenda presentation by the project lead from Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region.

Significant presentations include insights regarding:

• Creativity and culture as a leverage for local development
• Culture and Local development
• Good practices - discussion concerning the activities carried out on this topic and planning next steps
• SERDA and Gjirokaster Municipality and the activities carried out
• Pilot action n.1 and n.2 - progress of the activities

And finally, the Partner’s meeting finalization of Semester n.4, organization of the study visit in France and preparation of Semester n.5.

In the afternoon, attendees are scheduled to visit the Business Incubator of the Jelgava Branch of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), which supports startups in cultural and creative industries. Another visit to the Jelgava Technology secondary school offered a glimpse into the institution's role in fostering future skills like creativity and flexibility among young people.

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Interreg Cherry project

Day 2:

The second day will focus on local culture with a guided tour of The Holy Trinity Church tower and a walk through Jelgava’s Oldtown Street Quarter, showcasing the area’s historical and cultural significance. This will be followed by a visit to the House of Latvian traditions and crafts, where traditional weaving techniques will be demonstrated.

The meeting will wrap up with a reflection session led by an expert from the hosting partner, discussing the integration of cultural aspects into local development strategies.

Visits include:

1. LIAA Business Incubator: Enhancing startups’ growth in cultural sectors.
2. Jelgava Technology Secondary School: Equipping youth with critical 21st-century skills for cultural industries.
3. Guided tour in The Holy Trinity Church tower, sightseeing platform.
4. Walk to Jelgava’s Oldtown Street Quarter.
5. House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts: Demonstrating traditional Latvian crafts, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.

More Info:

For further details about the locations and projects discussed during the meeting, please visit the following links:

• Branku Brančotava, a venue promoting cultural and social well-being: Visit Here
• Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, fostering business growth: Learn More
• Jelgava Technology Secondary School, preparing students for future careers: More Information
• Zemgale Planning Region's sustainable development strategy: Read More

This meeting not only advances the CHERRY project's goals but also enhances cooperation and knowledge sharing among partners, leveraging culture as a pivotal element of European recovery and local development.