The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) Cultural Pearls is a title for small and medium size towns and cities that provides awarded candidates a peer-learning opportunities and support to use culture to build social resilience.
The project, co-funded by the EU’s Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme, aims to strengthen social resilience in Baltic Sea Region municipalities by harnessing the potential of local assets of culture and creativity.
Local authorities from the region – especially those from less central areas – are invited to join this transformative journey. Through a meticulous selection process, the candidates with outstanding and impactful action plans on culture driven social resilience are awarded the BSR Cultural Pearls title.
The journey to becoming a BSR Cultural Pearl unfolds in stages:
(1) A selection based on motivation and concept identifies eligible candidates.
(2) These candidates then enter a phase of action plan development, creating Culture and Resilience Action Plans with access to specialised tools, webinars, and mentorship.
(3) An international jury then selects the best plans to award the BSR Cultural Pearl title.
Award recipients then embark on a one-year programme of action plan implementation, supported by mentors and experts locally as well through webinars, conferences, and study visits.
Showcased across the region, the BSR Cultural Pearls recipients highlight the power of community and culture. Both awardees and the other participating municipalities join the Cultural Pearls network, gaining international exposure and continuing to enhance their community’s resilience.
