Four New Cultural Pearls to Foster Community Resilience in 2026

Following an intensive development process that began in February 2024 under the BSR Cultural Pearls project, 11 motivated candidate cities from across the Baltic Sea Region presented their Culture and Resilience Action Plans (CuReAPs) to an international jury of experts. The four selected BSR Cultural Pearls — Glücksburg (Germany), Kristinestad-Kristiinankaupunki (Finland), Krosno (Poland) and Schleswig (Germany) — stood out for their strong vision, local engagement, and innovative use of culture to address social challenges and foster inclusion.

Guided by mentors and experts from the growing Cultural Pearls Network, all candidate cities worked to identify local needs and design creative, people-centred solutions. Their CuReAPs show how cultural participation can build trust, strengthen cooperation, and enhance belonging — vital elements of resilient communities.

The final selection was made by a diverse international jury composed of professionals in social resilience, urban planning, culture, and community development, as well as representatives from pan-Baltic and European networks of cities. As Felix Schartner Giertta, Project Manager at the CBSS, noted:

“Resilience starts with people – connected, able and willing to shape the future of their hometowns. Culture, creativity and togetherness is the lifeblood of active communities. On the local level, decision makers know this. Pearls provides an opportunity to connect with other towns and cities, kick-start this work and get noticed in the process!”

The new Cultural Pearls will be officially celebrated at the Culture for Resilience Forum, taking place 25–27 November 2025 in Varde, Denmark, before their title year begins on 20 January 2026. Throughout the year, a Network Session Series will offer peer learning, expert insights, and opportunities for collaboration among current and former Pearl cities.

By joining the Cultural Pearls Network, both awardees and candidates gain international visibility and a platform for exchange, enabling them to continue strengthening their communities through culture. Each new generation of Cultural Pearls adds to a growing body of knowledge and good practices, showcased on the Culture for Resilience online platform.

The Call for BSR Cultural Pearls 2027 will open in spring 2026, continuing this inspiring journey of culture-driven resilience across the Baltic Sea Region.

Learn more at www.culturalpearls.eu or https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bsr-cultural-pearls/.