The Baltic Sea Region Cultural Pearls is opening its second call for applications, starting the search for the cities to be awarded the Cultural Pearls 2025 title. BSR Cultural Pearls is co-financed by Interreg Baltic Sea Region.

BSR Cultural Pearls is a title for smaller towns, cities and unicipalities that provides awarded candidates a programme and support to use culture in building social resilience. By engaging and involving their citizens, increasing quality of life, sense of belonging and trust, they will be able to make their communities stronger and more resilient.

Local authorities from the Baltic Sea Region – especially those from less central areas – are invited to join this transformative journey and apply.

_The core of every society is communities. They form the backbone of every society's ability to overcome challenges, collaborate, and build a better future together. Local authorities play an essential role in creating conditions for communities to thrive. In Cultural Pearls, cities learn from each other how to make use of culture as a tool for engagement, participation and empowerment," _said Felix Schartner Giertta, BSR Cultural Pearls project manager representing Lead partner Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat.

New applicants will join the network of the municipalities who have already started the work with their communities – BSR Cultural Pearls 2024 Kiel (Germany), Svendborg (Denmark), Jakobstad/Pietarsaari (Finland) and Rūjiena (Latvia) are now undergoing a one-year programme of Culture and Resilience action plan implementation, supported by mentors and experts, through webinars and study visits, and will have experience to share.

The journey to becoming a BSR Cultural Pearl unfolds in stages. Initially, a selection based on motivation and concept identifies eligible candidates. These candidates then enter a phase of action plan development, creating Culture and Resilience Action Plans with access to specialised tools, webinars, and individual mentorship. An international jury then selects the most outstanding and impactful action plans to award the BSR Cultural Pearl title.

Applications can be submitted until 24 May.

Guidebook

Application for BSR Cultural Pearls 2025 Title

For details regarding the application for the BSR Cultural Pearls 2025 and selection please contact:

Ms Egija Salnikova, Project manager at ARS BALTICA egija.salnikova@arsbaltica.net

More information about the evaluation criteria and the programme itself is available on www.culturalpearls.eu.