In regions of both Latvia and Estonia, employment levels and individual forms of entrepreneurship remain lower, particularly in the creative sectors. To improve this situation, it is necessary to strengthen knowledge and skills capacity, as the lack of these creates challenges for developing one’s own business. One of the potential target groups for development is women aged 40+, who engage in various forms of creative activity either out of personal interest or based on national cultural heritage. For traditional craftspeople and contemporary folk applied arts practitioners or entrepreneurs in this age group, competitiveness in today’s market is increasingly influenced by digital skills, which are also required for participation in creative industry events, competitions, procurement procedures, grant calls, and for online visibility. The project “Creative Patterns” supports the development of digital skills and competitiveness for a group of up to 40 participants, helping them successfully pursue creative entrepreneurship in the EU border regions.

Vidzeme can be proud of its cultural diversity and unique cultural and historical heritage; it is no coincidence that it is called the cradle of Latvian culture – many outstanding Latvian writers, poets, musicians, and public figures were born here. The Vidzeme Teachers’ Seminar, under the leadership of Jānis Cimze, began its work here, too. The choral singing and the Latvian Song Festival originated from Vidzeme as well. Today, Vidzeme also has an active cultural life.

The “Vidzeme Culture Program 2026” is being implemented to promote the availability of high-quality and diverse cultural offerings to the public and creativity in Vidzeme and to endorse the preservation and development of Vidzeme’s cultural diversity. This program is an opportunity for regional cultural organizers to receive support for their ideas and initiatives to create and improve the offer of cultural events in Vidzeme.