Disparities in the quality of life, as well as the quality and quantity of the economic and social infrastructure in large cities, their vicinities and in other territories of the county, considerably increase.
The Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030 (Latvia 2030, available also in English) maps out the spatial development perspective, setting as one of the objectives to create equal life and work conditions for all inhabitants regardless of the place of residence by facilitating entrepreneurship in regions, developing transport and communications infrastructure and public services.
The National Development Plan of Latvia for 2014-2020 includes a priority “Growth for Regions” aiming to create preconditions for sustainable and balanced economic development in the cities and regions of Latvia and to provide for the smart and efficient management of the available resources, the use of opportunities for territorial development and the minimisation of threats. The priorities includes also the strategic objective of “Sustainable Management of Natural and Cultural Capital” and proposes the definition of a “basket of services” that contains the prospective assortment of public services (including cultural services) based on the level of settlement (infrastructure and services). The planning document in the field of culture Creative Latvia 2014-2020 is harmonised with the priorities of the National Development Plan of Latvia 2014-2020 and The Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030. As one of four priorities, it promotes the development of creative territories and the accessibility of cultural services.
Support to cultural initiatives and organisations in the regions
- Since 2006, there are support programmes for cultural projects in four regions. Since 2007, the money has been allocated by the State Culture Capital Foundation to regional representatives that announce a local open call. Therefore, the decision-making and distribution of money have been decentralised.
- The Ministry of Culture has signed agreements with several city councils concerning the distribution of professional arts activities in the regions.
- The annual contracts between the Ministry of Culture and national art institutions (theatres, orchestras) stipulate a certain share of performances that has to be presented outside permanent venues of the institutions.
- Since 2011, the National Film Centre has supported projects of film distribution in the regions.
- Since 2012, the State Culture Capital Foundation has established a funding programme that supports distribution of professional art events in the regions.
- There are other measures to financially support municipal institutions and activities, such as public library network, amateur art activities, cultural heritage and museums.
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