Strong CCI representation in Dobele County
As part of the CHERRY project implemented by the Zemgale Planning Region, on August 28, the project team and stakeholders from the region's municipalities met at a working group meeting. Then, they got to know the cultural and creative industry entrepreneurs of Dobele County.
At the beginning of the day, project manager Sanita Larionova introduced the good practices of foreign project partners to those present. Examples of how representatives of creative industries find a place in abandoned buildings and develop the surroundings. How modern technology intertwines with history, creating museums with exhibits made up of virtual reality and interactive elements. Latvian examples, including Jelgava's Old Town Street quarter, Dobele Castle, etc., are also on this list. Also, during the meeting, there was a discussion about the development potential of culture and creative industries in the region. Entrepreneurs are not always aware that they operate in the field of culture and creative industries, but this does not mean that there are no representatives of this industry in the Zemgale region.
During the day, there was also a meeting with several entrepreneurs and representatives of creative industries. Among them is the Dobele Adult Education and Entrepreneurship Support Center. It is an educational support institution that provides informal education opportunities to all residents of the Dobele district and Zemgale region.
The center has a wide range of modern equipment, with the help of which it is possible to conjure up packaging, various design elements, and develop a logo. If the entrepreneur has a product, at this location they can get help with its design and create professional photos, which are an essential stepping stone for promoting the product in the market. Here, students also learn the opportunity to work with 3D printers and various printing and processing equipment.
In continuation of the visit, the CHERRY delegation visited the creators of the "Krauze Vision" brand and well-known photographers and videographers in Dobele County and beyond. Countless moments have been captured in their studio and on-the-go sessions.
The road further led to one of the symbols of the city of Dobele - Dobele Castle. Relatively recently, the ruins of the Livonian Order stood in the center of the city, but now it is a multifunctional institution where you can see not only the independent exhibition with historical artifacts but also enjoy various cultural events and even hold a marriage ceremony. The castle has gained a new lease of life thanks to EU projects.
The church of Île, or the acoustic concert hall, also got a second lease of life. In the sparsely populated parish of Dobele County, a church has stood monotonously on the side of the road for many years. The sacred heritage has now been transformed and brought to life in the image of the concert hall. Several years ago, due to the coincidence of several events, the conductor Ints Teterovskis saw an opportunity in this building. And the rest happened by itself. Currently, the concert hall plays high-class concerts with a crowded audience. A former medical institution was also recently purchased in this parish, where it is planned to realize a guest house. It is good that culture and creative industries are reviving in the parish, which is relatively close to the county center.
Further, the road led to Vītiņi parish, where, in the landscape surrounded by the Zemgale plains, stands the "Losbergi Art & Wedding Resort". A luxury guest house is currently operating in the former dairy farm building, where weddings and other celebrations take place every week. In less than 2 years of operation, the company has managed to conquer a place in this industry and can already be found among the TOP choice places to enjoy the holidays. The recreation complex has a sauna, several ponds and various types of rooms for overnight stays.
As the experience exchange visit drew to a close, it was evident that the Zemgale region is a treasure trove of creative industry representatives. While their 'scale' of operation may not yet match that of our foreign project partners, the potential for growth and development in the Dobele region is undeniable. This realization leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism for the future of the cultural and creative industries in the region.
Experience stories learned during the visit:
- Dobele Adult Education and Entrepreneurship Support Center I @piuac
- Krauze Vision I @krauzevision
- Dobele Castle I @DobelesPils
- Accoustic concert hall in ILE I @ Akustiskā koncertzāle ĪLE
- Losbergi I @losbergi