BSR Cultural Pearls was an initiative designed to enhance social resilience in smaller towns, cities, and municipalities across the Baltic Sea Region through cultural engagement. The project supported municipalities in the development of local action plans to increase activation and public engagement, using culture as a strategic asset to foster resilient communities. With the Cultural Pearls title awarded annually to the cities with the most promising action plans, the initiative ensured recognition, visibility and local momentum for change.  Across the region, Cultural Pearls encouraged communities to use culture to foster stronger and more resilient societies by involving citizens, improving quality of life, and nurturing a sense of belonging and trust.

Countries in the Baltic Sea Region vary in size, historical background, and cultural heritage, but they all face common challenges requiring a capacity for collective action. Whether it be climate change, brain drain, lack of investment, economic downturns, segregation, ageing populations, or political tensions, smaller cities need trusting, active and capable communities to adapt and transform. In recent years, the radically worsened security situation in the Baltic Sea Region has aggravated the need for able, resilient communities. Addressing these challenges together is crucial, and social resilience—the ability of communities to adapt and thrive amid adversity—is key. The Cultural Pearls initiative contributed to conceptualising, operationalising and disseminating social resilience by developing a shared understanding of its importance and identifying concrete ways of exchanging experiences and know-how among local authorities across the region.

Cultural activities play a vital role in this process by bringing people together, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating social connections that help individuals and communities weather difficult times.

The BSR Cultural Pearls project leveraged culture and creativity to enhance social resilience, particularly in smaller municipalities that often feel overlooked. It promoted community cohesion and collaboration, empowering communities to better handle adversity. To demonstrate that all municipalities can strengthen social resilience through culture, each year we invited local authorities from the region — especially those from less central areas — to join this transformative journey by developing localised action plans, the so-called Culture and Resilience Action Plans (CuReAPs). Over the course of the project, we received applications from 40 cities in the Baltic Sea Region. Through a meticulous selection process and the support of an independent international jury of experts, we awarded 14 municipalities with outstanding and impactful culture-driven social resilience plans the BSR Cultural Pearls title, bringing visibility and momentum to their efforts.

The journey to becoming a BSR Cultural Pearl unfolded in stages. Initially, a selection based on motivation and concept identified eligible candidates. These candidates then entered a phase of action plan development, creating their Culture and Resilience Action Plans with access to specialised tools, webinars, and individual mentorship. In the final stage, an international jury selected the best plans to award the BSR Cultural Pearl title. This two-stage process ensured that motivated towns and cities received the necessary support and knowledge, even before being awarded the title.

In December 2023, we awarded the first BSR Cultural Pearls titles for 2024 to four municipalities: Svendborg in Denmark, Kiel in Germany, Jakobstad in Finland, and Rūjiena in Latvia. Each municipality presented a unique vision for its Culture and Resilience Plan. Jakobstad aimed to transform a historic fire station into a vibrant community hub. Kiel focused on empowering youth through cultural learning. Svendborg addressed challenges related to an ageing population and youth discontent by fostering youth participation in social communities. Rūjiena sought to cultivate an open, civically active society, leveraging its status as a “seniors’ town” to encourage intergenerational dialogue and cross-border cooperation with Estonia. The first call also sparked significant interest, with eighteen applications submitted, reflecting growing recognition of this approach.

In December 2024, an international jury selected six municipalities from 14 candidates to receive the BSR Cultural Pearls title for 2025: Smiltene in Latvia, Helsingborg in Sweden, Peipsiääre in Estonia, Płock in Poland, Alytus District in Lithuania, and Kaskinen – Kaskö in Finland. Smiltene’s action plan focused on countering out-migration and declining community engagement by creating inclusive cultural opportunities that foster local identity, pride, and resilience. Helsingborg aimed to increase resident participation and co-creation, especially among children and youth, while addressing involuntary loneliness among young people and the elderly. Peipsiääre planned to launch a youth hackathon to bring forward new ideas and nurture their development. Płock embraced the concept of “coffee culture,” bringing cultural experiences from dedicated venues into everyday social spaces to create a sense of home. Alytus District sought to strengthen community cohesion and reduce social exclusion through diverse cultural events, art projects, and a community choir performing traditional Dzūkija songs. Kaskinen – Kaskö aimed to unite residents around common goals, enhancing cooperation, community spirit, and optimism.

In December 2025, the BSR Cultural Pearls titles for 2026 were awarded to four municipalities—Glücksburg and Schleswig in Germany, Kristinestad-Kristiinankaupunki in Finland, and Krosno in Poland—from among 11 candidates across the Baltic Sea Region. As part of CuReAP, Glücksburg sought to raise the profile of local cultural events focused on residents rather than tourists. Kristinestad-Kristiinankaupunki emphasized co-creation, storytelling, and inclusive participation, placing residents at the heart of shaping the city’s future. Krosno planned to use culture as a tool to build social resilience by strengthening local identity, promoting intergenerational integration, and enhancing residents’ influence over their environment. Schleswig aimed to make cultural participation a shared practice, fostering collaboration between citizens and cultural institutions.

All the award recipients embarked on a one-year programme of action plan implementation, supported by local mentors and experts, as well as through webinars, conferences, and study visits. This includeed seed money for external support and collaboration with local cultural and creative sectors.

Showcased across the region, the BSR Cultural Pearls recipients highlighted the power of community and culture. Both awardees and the other participating municipalities joined the BSR Cultural Pearls network, gaining international exposure and continuing to enhance their community’s resilience.

BSR Cultural Pearls in numbers:

• 40 cities applied for the BSR Cultural Pearls title (2024–2026)
• 14 title holders 2024-2026
• Median population size of 9,659
• 1,607,954 inhabitants across applicant cities
• 2 Culture For Resilience Conferences — in Jakobstad/Pietarsaari, Finland (2024) and in Varde, Denmark (2025)
• 2 Network Conferences — in Helsingborg, Sweden (March 2025) and Płock, Poland (September 2025)
• Participation in 10+ external events across the region
• Organisation of 20+ webinars and trainings
• Feautured in 145 online articles, 49 printed articles, and 11 times in TV and radio
• Writing 6 publications

Interreg was pivotal in contributing to the project's vision and success. Their financial support and guidance were crucial in implementing the BSR Cultural Pearls project, enabling us to form a diverse consortium from across the Baltic Sea Region. This collaboration was essential for the project's success and acceptance. Without Interreg, this cross-border initiative might not have been feasible.