Call for papers, IN SITU: Final Conference, Culture Matters Here. Cultivating Creative Place-based Innovation in Non-urban Communities, Valmiera, Latvia, 11-13 May 2026. Deadline: 8 December 2025 (extended to 15 December).
This event will be a catalyst for networking, exchange, and knowledge-building among participants, furthering understanding of the issues and opportunities for rural creative work, and contributing to a more supportive environment for cultural and creative actors in non-urban areas.
Organizers invite scholars, researchers, artists, cultural practitioners, activists, policymakers, and decision-makers from across the world and a wide variety of disciplines to submit proposals for presentations of papers and projects. They welcome participation by the large community of the European Rural Pact, including the Community Group on Culture and Creativity in Rural Areas. A special geographical focus will be placed on innovative and sustainable cultural and creative practices in remote areas and peripheral corners of Europe.
All submissions should offer an original contribution to the vital topic of place-based innovation and the transformative power of the creative and cultural sector in forging more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities in rural and non-urban areas. Participants will also share key insights from their research, highlight project results, and look ahead to future plans. Additionally, the event will host the premiere of the IN SITU documentary, offering an inside look at Labs and case studies



