Culture-Driven Social Resilience in the Baltic Sea Region: An Underrated Pillar of Strength

By Grzegorz Poznański, Director General of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)

Can our societies and communities become more resilient through culture? Listening to current commentary on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, along with the threats and responses it poses to our societies, one might initially think that resilience is primarily achieved through “harder” measures, such as beefing up our military, investing in civil protection, and developing our energy infrastructure.

But what the war in Ukraine is also showing us is that communities hold the key ingredient to deal with even the most gruesome adversity. When united by a common desire and a common goal – the strongest will to survive and to protect freedom – seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome. 

This is social resilience – the capacity of communities to absorb, bounce back or even “bounce forward” when confronted with threats of various kinds.

The Baltic Sea Region abounds with examples of social resilience and has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. Tales of Viking invasions, stories of resistance during wars and accounts of overcoming hardship have been passed down through history. By turning to these, new generations have internalized the values of perseverance and adaptability, with cultural narratives serving as a reminder of collective strength, resilience, and adaptability, providing hope and strategies for current challenges. 

Events like the Baltic Way, or Baltic Chain, where around two million people from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania formed a 690 km-long human chain in 1989, highlight a united stand against oppression. Such events are not mere historical footnotes; they underpin the region’s capability to come together in times of adversity.

Today, cultural festivals, educational exchanges, and regional collaborations are not just about celebrating shared history but fostering mutual understanding. These connections strengthen bonds and create a regional support system that can be relied on during times of crisis.

Cultural practices and traditions foster a sense of belonging and, in the Baltic Sea Region specifically, a sense of “Balticness”. When individuals feel they are part of a larger group with shared experiences and values, they are more likely to collaborate, support one another, and work towards common goals during times of adversity. Regular interaction between citizens during cultural events, festivals, and gatherings also reinforce community bonds, building strong, interconnected networks, which are invaluable during times of crisis.

Culture can also be a tool for mobilization. Artistic and cultural expressions, such as songs, plays, or artwork, can highlight societal issues, rally people around a cause, and drive change. Traditional knowledge, often embedded in cultural practices, can offer sustainable solutions for managing natural resources. Indigenous communities, for instance, have long held practices that promote ecological balance, which can be crucial in times of environmental stress.

Culture-driven social resilience therefore taps into the potential of culture to shape community adaptability and well-being during adversity. It is essential for the long-term sustainable development of communities in the region.

For culture-driven social resilience to grow, local and regional authorities need to play an active role. Beyond the political will, they need to provide the space and the framework for culture to unfold its potential to contribute to strengthening social resilience. 

Municipalities need to moderate and facilitate the process, and engage in a dialogue with stakeholders active in the field of culture and cultural and creative industries (CCI). That also means that resources need to be allocated, including financial ones, and that culture-driven social resilience plans be put into place by municipalities.

The CBSS-led BSR Cultural Pearls project is looking into exactly that: helping municipalities, especially smaller ones, to leverage the potential of culture in order to strengthen social resilience. Supported by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme, this innovative project underscores the role of cultural activities to unite people, nurture a sense of belonging, and fortify a community’s resilience.

In the Baltic Sea Region, culture-driven social resilience is a testament to the idea that resilience isn’t just about immediate “hard” responses or infrastructure. It’s about the soul of a community, the stories they tell, the songs they sing, and the connections they foster. As the world becomes more unpredictable, it is essential to recognize and invest in the power of culture as a foundation for resilience.