We spoke with Atis Egliņš-Eglītis, Deputy Chairman of the Cēsis City Council and head of the “Cēsis 2025” process, and with Ineta Done, Member of the Management Board of Signet Bank, a key partner of the Cultural Capital year, about the vision, challenges, and highlights of this cultural initiative.
When you think about the theme of this Cultural Capital year, what does it signify for you—and for the community as a whole?
Atis Egliņš-Eglītis:
Culture in minds, castles, and yards means that culture can be present everywhere. And it must be present everywhere. Starting from castles, manors, and cultural centers, all the way to the most remote corners of the region. It is very important that culture reaches every inhabitant and becomes a part of every person’s mind.
We believe that culture is highly significant for fostering social cohesion, driving economic development, as well as generating innovation and facilitating knowledge transfer.
The opening of the year in Cēsis was a large-scale celebration that brought together different formats and venues. At the Concert Hall, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis — a masterpiece of grandeur and solemnity — marked the beginning of the Cultural Capital year. At Vienība Square, the free public performance The Call of Light transformed the urban space into a symbol of unity and new meanings.
The programme presented on the project’s website makes it clear that Cēsis 2025 is not just a series of events, but a far-reaching cultural initiative encompassing a wide variety of formats: from intellectual forums to artistic installations, from music competitions to festival walks and themed excursions.
Which events would you consider to be key highlights of the year-long programme—and why?
Atis Egliņš-Eglītis:
One of the brightest highlights was the multimedia event MĀLS, which became the culmination of our Capital of Culture year—a powerful proof of our community’s creative strength. Yet just as important are the small niche projects, where the true spirit of Cēsis comes alive through people’s ideas, courage, and creativity.
Cēsis has become a magnet for new events and initiatives, and it is clear that the cultural year does not end on December 31, 2025. Its legacy will continue both through the creative ambitions of our residents and through the memorandum we signed to ensure the continuation of the Latvian Capitals of Culture movement.
Ineta Done adds:
The initiative Cēsis – European Capital of Culture 2025 has become a vibrant cultural epicenter this year, where encounters with art, music, and talent turn into unforgettable experiences. Cēsis will greet autumn with powerful musical highlights.
We can truly be proud of Latvia’s cultural treasures—artists, musicians, and creative personalities who, through their excellence, carry our name across the world. That is why my top three autumn event picks in Cēsis celebrate some of the brightest stars of Latvian music.
October 18: Solo concert by Marina Rebeka, the world-famous Latvian opera singer whose voice has graced the most prestigious opera houses—from Berlin to New York. This is one of the grandest cultural events of the year in Latvia, and at Signet Bank we are proud to be among its supporters.
October 25: A Constellation of Five Soloists and Sinfonietta Rīga, bringing together pianists Reinis Zariņš and Daumants Liepiņš, violinist Hugo Ticciati, and the world-class chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga conducted by Normunds Šnē.
November 29: LNSO concert Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Grīnups, a highlight of the orchestra’s centenary year and a proud moment for Signet Bank as patron of the LNSO. One of the orchestra’s key missions is to bring music to Latvia’s regions, and it is a double joy that the people of Cēsis will have the chance to experience the grandeur of symphonic music.
If you were to define the mission of this cultural year in one sentence, what would it be?
Atis Egliņš-Eglītis:
To use culture like a shoelace, tying society together to make it more united and cohesive.
To strengthen the sense of belonging to the Latvian Cultural Capital year, new large-scale open-air objects have been placed in eight locations across the municipality. These signs are installed in Cēsis, Āraiši, Ieriķi, Jaunpiebalga, Līgatne, Priekuļi, Straupe, and Vecpiebalga. Each of them symbolizes the connection of a particular place to the cultural year, reflects the region’s rich heritage, and invites residents and visitors to take part in the events of 2025.
Importantly, both the visual identity and the objects themselves were created by local residents: the logo was designed by artist Jānis Bremmers, while the environmental objects were produced by the company SIA “Bumbierkoks.”
How is collaboration structured within the Cultural Capital year—both with major partners such as Signet Bank and with local organisations and creative initiatives?
Atis Egliņš-Eglītis:
We are truly delighted to collaborate with Signet Bank! This partnership is built on shared values—trust, sustainability, and a belief in the power of local people. We share the conviction that culture is a vital foundation of our nation’s existence—it unites, inspires, and strengthens the sense of community.
Equally important is cooperation with local organisations and creative initiatives. It is the diversity of cultural and creative communities that makes it possible to build a broad and comprehensive programme, reach different target groups, and—yes—even the most remote courtyards. What also matters is continuously developing a strong network of partners: alone you can achieve a lot, but with friends and allies you can achieve so much more.
Beyond these highlights, the Concert Hall’s autumn–winter programme offers a wealth of musical encounters:
October 4: Competition of Latvian choirs and vocal ensembles
October 18: Marina Rebeka’s solo concert / Friends for Andrejs Žagars
October 25: A Constellation of Five Soloists and Sinfonietta Rīga
November 2: Giordano Dance Chicago (USA). Gershwin in B
November 29: LNSO concert Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Grīnups
December 6: Latvian Radio Big Band and Latvian Radio Choir. A Tribute to Duke Ellington
What has been the most challenging aspect of organising the Cultural Capital year for you personally? And, on the other hand, what has been the most inspiring?
Atis Egliņš-Eglītis:
There have certainly been many challenges. One of the greatest was building trust—both within the community and among cultural organisations. It was essential to convince people that this year truly matters, that it has the power to bring meaningful change and is worth everyone’s effort. Another demanding task was persuading decision-makers and cultural policy developers that behind the symbolism lies the potential for real transformation for the town and the region. And, of course, there is the timeless challenge of any large-scale cultural initiative—securing resources and fundraising.
Yet it is precisely in overcoming these obstacles that the most inspiring moments emerge: seeing trust grow step by step, watching different forces come together, and witnessing culture become a shared point of strength for society.
Are there any goals that go beyond the local impact—such as fostering cultural tourism or engaging audiences outside of Latvia? If so, we’d love to hear more.
Atis Egliņš-Eglītis:
We believe that a Latvian Capital of Culture program should be introduced in Latvia. Our experience shows that such initiatives would promote the development of Latvian municipalities, foster local patriotism, and strengthen people’s sense of belonging to their place and country. That is why this year we signed a joint memorandum stating that the Latvian state as a whole should work on this initiative.
Likewise, our experience is of interest to other Latvian municipalities. Usually, culture does not play such an important role in Latvian municipalities, but we have brought it to an entirely different level.
The ambition of Cēsis 2025 extends beyond local borders. A memorandum has already been signed, advocating for a continuous Latvian Capitals of Culture program nationwide. The legacy of this year is meant to continue well beyond December, leaving behind new traditions, stronger partnerships, and a deeper sense of belonging—both for Cēsis and, hopefully, for Latvia as a whole.
