BSR Cultural Pearls

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BSR Cultural Pearls

BSR Cultural Pearls aims to enable smaller cities and regions to increase their social resilience through culture.

This project is co-funded by Interreg Baltic Sea Region.

03/09/2026

🗳️The REGIOSTARS 2026 public vote is open!

This is the one award decided not by a jury, but by you. Through the Public Choice Award, anyone across Europe can support the project they believe delivers real, lasting impact. Your vote is your voice.

📍 BSR Cultural Pearls is a finalist in Category 5: A Europe Closer to the Citizens.

What your vote supports: a project that helps smaller cities across the Baltic Sea Region use culture to become stronger, more resilient, and more liveable. It’s community-led work, shaped by the people who live there.

If that’s the kind of work you’d like to see recognised, we’d be grateful for your vote.

Vote before 14 October — link in bio.

Dansk Kulturinstitut Loov Eesti MLLEV SH Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture Obotnia Varde Kommune Visit Smiltene Kaskisten Kaupunki Peipsiääre Oficjalny profil Miasta Płocka Alytaus rajonas EU in my Region Interreg ARS BALTICA
Interreg Baltic Sea Region

Jakobstad Pietarsaari
Landeshauptstadt Kiel
Valmiera. Valmieras novads
Svendborg Kommune

Helsingborgs stad
Visit Smiltene
Kaskisten Kaupunki
Peipsiääre
Oficjalny profil Miasta Płocka
Alytaus rajonas

Kristinestad - Kristiinankaupunki
Krosno Miasto Szkła
Offizieller Account der Stadtverwaltung Schleswig

01/09/2026

📍PEARL NEWS: An inland Pearl, a Carpathian gathering — Krosno’s Festival of Borderline Cultures “Carpathian Climate”.

⛰️Krosno is nestled in the Subcarpathian hills, surrounded by forests of beech and fir, and yet it is now part of the 2026. Even without a coastline, Krosno belongs to the , through the Interreg BSR programme.

🎶On 21–22 August, the town gathered local communities and international partners for the Festival of Borderline Cultures “Carpathian Climate” — two days split between cultural visits and a formal conference. The Old Square filled with folk singing and dancing, storytelling, stands of local and regional products, and the Polish Polonaise, while guests could also explore Krosno’s emblematic places, from the Museum of Tower Clocks to the Glassworks Museum. Krosno is also a town of remarkable industrial heritage: home to the world’s first oil mine, opened in 1854.

🌐 At the conference “Cultural Heritage in the Context of Urban Development”, twin-city delegations from across Europe: the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovakia and Ukraine shared how heritage shapes their cities. The presentation on the BSR Cultural Pearls project by the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre offered a fitting summing-up of the discussion. The takeaway was clear: culture is not merely an investment to be measured in returns, but an asset that builds community, provides roots, and forms the social connective tissue a city needs to grow more resilient.

✨ The festival put Krosno’s Culture and Resilience Action Plan into practice: making the city stronger through culture and participation. And that, after all, is what the Cultural Pearls stand for — to strengthen and connect communities through culture, across borders.

Reported from Krosno by Katarzyna Szewciow and Krystyna Wróblewska (Baltic Sea Cultural Centre in Gdańsk, BCP Project).

Photos: Szymon Muszański (RCKP Krosno) and UMK Archives

Krosno Miasto Szkła

Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung SH | Landesstiftung der
CBSS Secretariat
Dansk Kulturinstitut
Danish Cultural Institute in the Baltics
Loov Eesti
MLLEV SH
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture

26/08/2026

News from the PEARLS — What a beautiful last weekend in Kaskinen-Kaskö! 🪵

Kaskinen, not only a BSR Cultural Pearl but also a pearl of old Finnish wooden buildings, was organising the second edition of The Wooden House Fair. And what a success it was! ✨

Over 700 visitors came to this idyllic small town to dive into the world of wooden building and discover what makes it so special. There was plenty to take in across the nine houses on show: some fully restored, some still mid-renovation, along with a few historic buildings and old courtyards worth lingering in. Over two sunny days, a wide range of techniques, tools, and experts were on show, each sharing their craft and know-how with a curious and enthusiastic crowd.

In the still, warm evening sun rays, the public had a chance to enjoy the program of the Saarikaupungin Yö on Saturday evening: an event full of music and an Indian summer atmosphere by the sea. The evening was highlighted by the performance of — no better fit could be found — a Finnish artist called Elias Kaskinen. 🎶

The Wooden House Fair is part of a wider, long-term vision for Kaskinen, which aims to sustain restoration work, foster cultural tourism, and revive a sense of local pride and confidence in the future.

Photos: Tanja Rohula

Kaskisten Kaupunki

Dansk Kulturinstitut Loov Eesti MLLEV SH Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture Obotnia Varde Kommune
Visit Smiltene Peipsiääre Oficjalny profil Miasta Płocka Alytaus rajonas ARS BALTICA Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung SH | Landesstiftung der CBSS Secretariat Interreg Baltic Sea Region Land Schleswig-Holstein

24/08/2026

🌟 BSR Cultural Pearls is part of the finalists in REGIOSTARS Award, Category 5, Europe Closer to the Citizens! In this category there are five finalists representing the fostering of sustainable development of all types of territories.

🎗The REGIOSTARS Awards, run annually by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy since 2008, recognise EU-funded projects that have delivered measurable impact in their regions. Alongside the jury’s decisions in each thematic category, the public selects one further winner through the Public Choice Award. It is an unusual moment in which citizens, rather than an expert panel, help determine which project is recognised.

🗳 Voting is opening soon! In the Public Choice Award you will have the opportunity to give your voice to a project that, in your opinion, delivers lasting impact and promotes inclusion.

🌱 BSR Cultural Pearls helps cities across the Baltic Sea Region become stronger, more resilient, and more liveable. Supported by mentors and a transnational network, participating cities develop and test culture-driven action plans that tackle local vulnerabilities, building trust, civic participation, and quality of life while setting an example for others. This happens through grassroots action, from a communal clean-up action in Smiltene, Latvia, to the History comes alive“ initiative at the Helsingborg museum and „Vitality through culture“ in Jakobstad, different formats that all bring residents together to shape and strengthen the places they share.

     
 Dansk Kulturinstitut Loov Eesti MLLEV SH Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture Obotnia Varde Kommune Visit Smiltene Kaskisten Kaupunki Peipsiääre Oficjalny profil Miasta Płocka Alytaus rajonas EU in my Region Interreg

Photo: 1. Jurgis Rudmiezis, 2. Visit Smiltene 3. Karl-Fredy Kruup

14/07/2026

Two inspiring days at the Macro-Regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days 2026 in Brussels!

Together with EUSBSR Policy Area Culture, the BSR Cultural Pearls project joined the Networking Village to showcase our work, exchange ideas, and connect with participants from other Macro-regional and Sea Basin Strategies.

From security and maritime cooperation to the green and digital transition, the event offered valuable insights into the priorities of other strategies and sparked discussions on how even closer cooperation could be achieved.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about BSR Cultural Pearls. We look forward to staying in touch and building new partnerships!

Photos by Lena Backes

ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein
Loov Eesti
Österbottens förbund - Pohjanmaan liitto
Dansk Kulturinstitut / Danish Cultural Institute
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC
Vidzemes plānošanas reģions
Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
Council of the Baltic Sea States
Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

06/07/2026

🏆 LOCAL AWARDING CEREMONY - KRISTINESTAD/KRISTIINANKAUPUNKI

On June 27, Kristinestad/ Kristiinankaupunki ceremonially received the prestigious BSR Cultural Pearl 2026 title during Kristinestad Sea Day celebrations.

The award was presented by Tarja Hautamäki, Cultural Director of the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, and received by Peter Grannas, Chair of the City Council, and Eva Lillmangs, Chair of the City Board.

The recognition encourages the city to strengthen community spirit among residents through culture. During the title year, the city will also promote its Cittaslow profile, quality of life, local identity, and urban development.

🎉 Congratulations to Kristinestad on this recognition!

Photos by Pia Blomström

Kristinestad - Kristiinankaupunki

ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein
Loov Eesti
Österbottens förbund - Pohjanmaan liitto
Dansk Kulturinstitut / Danish Cultural Institute
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC
Vidzemes plānošanas reģions
Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
Council of the Baltic Sea States
Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

05/06/2026

💡 PEARLS CONTINUE INSPIRING

Päivi Rosnell from Jakobstad/Pietarsaari, Pearl 2024, and Elina Virta from Kaskinen, Pearl 2025, delivered inspiring speeches to a large group of cultural officers on 27.5.2026. The theme of the meeting was thinking outside the box, and the practical examples the Finnish Pearl cities shared from their title years were highly appreciated. Their stories sparked new ideas and encouraged the representatives from Ostrobothnian municipalities to explore bold and creative approaches in their own work.

The meeting took place in a truly unique setting Meteoria — an expansive open field created by a meteorite impact 520,000 years ago, adding a sense of wonder and history to the day’s discussions.

Staden Jakobstads kulturtjänster - Pietarsaaren kaupungin kulttuuripalvelut
ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein
Loov Eesti
Österbottens förbund - Pohjanmaan liitto
Dansk Kulturinstitut / Danish Cultural Institute
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC
Vidzemes plānošanas reģions
Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
Council of the Baltic Sea States
Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

20/05/2026

13 CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR BSR CULTURAL PEARLS 2027

🏁 The open call for BSR Cultural Pearls 2027 has closed!

Thirteen candidates for the BSR Cultural Pearls 2027 title have been selected, representing towns and cities from six countries across the Baltic Sea Region.

🛠️The candidates now begin the development phase of their Cultural and Resilience Action Plan. They will be supported by the Cultural Pearls Network – gaining access to guidance, tested methods and interdisciplinary expert input.

Together, the candidate towns and cities gain unique opportunities and knowledge to strengthen and activate their communities through the power of culture.

🏆 The Culture and Resilience Action Plans, to be submitted in October, will be evaluated by an international jury for the final selection of the BSR Cultural Pearls 2027 title.

Learn more: https://culturalpearls.eu/candidates-selected-for-bsr-cultural-pearls-2027-open-call-attracts-strong-regional-engagement-for-the-2027-title/

ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein
Loov Eesti
Österbottens förbund - Pohjanmaan liitto
Dansk Kulturinstitut / Danish Cultural Institute
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC
Vidzemes plānošanas reģions
Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
Council of the Baltic Sea States
Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

15/04/2026

🌱 BECOME A 2027 CULTURAL PEARL AND LEARN TO GROW WITH THE POWER OF CULTURE

For the fourth year in a row, the Cultural Pearls accelerate growth by enabling small- and medium-sized town and cities to strengthen resilience through creativity and culture.

💡 And it works: Through co-creation and tailored solutions, Cultural Pearls titleholders have seen their communities grow stronger, more involved, and developing a deeper sense of belonging. The impact has been tangible and lasting – felt both locally and regionally.

📣 The call for 2027 Cultural Pearls is still open – providing a unique opportunity for your town or city to gain international visibility, access to peer-learning opportunities, expert sessions, and a transnational network committed to fostering resilient and active communities.

Ready to take the first step and indicate your motivation to join this transformative journey? The call for applications is open until April 30.

Learn more, find helpful materials, and apply: culturalpearls.eu

ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein
Loov Eesti
Österbottens förbund - Pohjanmaan liitto
Dansk Kulturinstitut / Danish Cultural Institute
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC
Vidzemes plānošanas reģions
Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
Council of the Baltic Sea States
Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

10/04/2026

📣 CULTURAL PEARLS 2027: OPEN CALL

The call for Cultural Pearls 2027 is open until April 30 ✒️

Since its beginnings in 2023, the Cultural Pearls initiative has built a transnational network across the Baltic Sea Region, fostering stronger and more resilient communities by harnessing the power of culture and creativity.

🏆 Annually, we welcome local authorities in the region to join a transformative journey and develop action plans for community engagement and culture-driven resilience. The BSR Cultural Pearls title is awarded to towns and cities with the most outstanding and impactful action plans.

💡 The call is a unique opportunity to strengthen your city or town through peer-learning, expert sessions and regional exchanges. As an applicant, you gain access to webinars, networking opportunities and useful tools to foster the development of resilience in your community.

Learn more, find inspiration, and apply ⏩ culturalpearls.eu

ARS BALTICA
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein
Loov Eesti
Österbottens förbund - Pohjanmaan liitto
Dansk Kulturinstitut / Danish Cultural Institute
Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury w Gdańsku
Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC
Vidzemes plānošanas reģions
Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
Council of the Baltic Sea States
Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Adresse

Rathausmarkt 1
Schleswig
24837

Webseite

https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bsr-cultural-pearls/, https://culturalpearls.eu/, https://us12.campaign-archive.com/h

Benachrichtigungen

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