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KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education:
A Project between Latvia, Finland & Malta Project No. 2023-1-LV01-KA210-ADU-000157681 The project is implemented by the NGO “Sadarbības Platforma” within the European Union Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnerships in Adult Education (KA210-ADU). Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or The State Education Development Agency (VIAA). Neither the European Union nor VIAA can be held responsible for them. |
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About the 'Culture in Nature' Project
The Culture in Nature project is an international initiative that explores the relationship between cultural heritage and the natural environment. Through a series of experience transfer visits across Latvia, Finland, and Malta, the project brings together participants from different backgrounds to learn how culture can be integrated into nature-based settings while promoting sustainability and intercultural exchange.
The Project aims to improve the quality of cultural and educational activities by incorporating artistic and intercultural values in an environmentally responsible way. The project encourages a deeper understanding of shared cultural heritage while emphasizing green, accessible, and innovative methods for organizing cultural events in natural spaces.
Additionally, the initiative fosters international cooperation between partner organizations, ensuring a strong network that allows participants to exchange knowledge, skills, and best practices across borders. This transnational approach supports the development of sustainable cultural projects that combine nature, art, and community engagement.
This Key Action 2 Project consists of three main phases, each taking place in a different country: Latvia, Finland, and Malta. Participants, including educators, cultural organizers and young people with limited opportunities, engage in hands-on activities designed to strengthen their understanding of how nature and culture can be interconnected.
By visiting different regions and experiencing local traditions, participants gain insights into various artistic techniques, sustainable event planning, and the cultural significance of nature. These activities not only highlight the importance of cultural preservation but also encourage new ways to engage with the environment responsibly.
Culture in Nature is a long-term collaboration that seeks to inspire individuals and organizations to develop sustainable, nature-inclusive cultural initiatives. As the project progresses, it continues to reinforce the idea that culture and nature are deeply connected, and that through thoughtful planning, both can be preserved and celebrated together.
The Project aims to improve the quality of cultural and educational activities by incorporating artistic and intercultural values in an environmentally responsible way. The project encourages a deeper understanding of shared cultural heritage while emphasizing green, accessible, and innovative methods for organizing cultural events in natural spaces.
Additionally, the initiative fosters international cooperation between partner organizations, ensuring a strong network that allows participants to exchange knowledge, skills, and best practices across borders. This transnational approach supports the development of sustainable cultural projects that combine nature, art, and community engagement.
This Key Action 2 Project consists of three main phases, each taking place in a different country: Latvia, Finland, and Malta. Participants, including educators, cultural organizers and young people with limited opportunities, engage in hands-on activities designed to strengthen their understanding of how nature and culture can be interconnected.
By visiting different regions and experiencing local traditions, participants gain insights into various artistic techniques, sustainable event planning, and the cultural significance of nature. These activities not only highlight the importance of cultural preservation but also encourage new ways to engage with the environment responsibly.
Culture in Nature is a long-term collaboration that seeks to inspire individuals and organizations to develop sustainable, nature-inclusive cultural initiatives. As the project progresses, it continues to reinforce the idea that culture and nature are deeply connected, and that through thoughtful planning, both can be preserved and celebrated together.
Part 1 - Latvia: Riga and Līgatne
The first part of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education: Culture in Nature project started off in Latvia, with the first day being initiated with a cultural tour around Riga, the capital, where the group explored its historical sites and urban landscape. Later that day, they traveled by bus to Līgatne and settled into a cabin that served as the base for the week. In the evening, participants practiced traditional Latvian dances, making use of the spacious common area. The day concluded with cultural presentations from each country—Malta, Latvia, and Finland—covering significant cultural facts, fun details, and geological features of each nation.
The following day started with an ice-breaker activity designed to help participants get to know each other better. This involved impersonating fellow participants based on earlier conversations, fostering a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. After sharing a traditional Latvian dinner, the evening was spent playing card games developed by participants from previous projects, focusing on strategies for drawing creative inspiration from nature.
The next day, the group learned about Latvian traditions, including crafting birds from natural fibres like grass and string. In the afternoon, each country’s participants presented information about the organizations they represent. The day concluded with a cultural evening where participants shared traditional foods, sweets, and beverages from their respective countries, creating an opportunity for cultural exchange through shared meals.
The morning that followed was dedicated to Latvian musical traditions, highlighting their connection to nature and spirituality. Participants learned about symbols used in Latvian culture and their personal significance, followed by singing traditional songs while playing various instruments around a campfire. Later in the day, the group visited the historic Līgatne Paper Mill and toured the surrounding natural areas. In the evening, they attended the Latvian Fire Festival held in a forest, providing insight into how cultural events can be integrated with natural settings.
The following day started with an ice-breaker activity designed to help participants get to know each other better. This involved impersonating fellow participants based on earlier conversations, fostering a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. After sharing a traditional Latvian dinner, the evening was spent playing card games developed by participants from previous projects, focusing on strategies for drawing creative inspiration from nature.
The next day, the group learned about Latvian traditions, including crafting birds from natural fibres like grass and string. In the afternoon, each country’s participants presented information about the organizations they represent. The day concluded with a cultural evening where participants shared traditional foods, sweets, and beverages from their respective countries, creating an opportunity for cultural exchange through shared meals.
The morning that followed was dedicated to Latvian musical traditions, highlighting their connection to nature and spirituality. Participants learned about symbols used in Latvian culture and their personal significance, followed by singing traditional songs while playing various instruments around a campfire. Later in the day, the group visited the historic Līgatne Paper Mill and toured the surrounding natural areas. In the evening, they attended the Latvian Fire Festival held in a forest, providing insight into how cultural events can be integrated with natural settings.
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The next day began with traditional Latvian songs as a warm-up, followed by brainstorming activities aimed at fostering creative thinking with a focus on nature. Participants discussed the cultural similarities and differences among Malta, Latvia, and Finland. The afternoon was dedicated to evaluating the previous day's fire festival and other activities, analysing them from an event organizer’s perspective. This included discussions on event planning such as safety, resources, food, and attire, with the goal of developing a framework for future projects that combine culture and nature effectively.
Towards the end of the program, the group experienced a traditional Northern European sauna, guided by a sauna expert. This included a full sauna session along with hot tubs, offering an opportunity to relax and reflect on the week's activities. These activities contributed to a broader understanding of how nature influences cultural practices and how cultural events can be designed to adapt to and embrace natural environments. |
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Part 2 - Finland: Helsinki, Loimaa and Lapland
During the second part of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education Culture in Nature project in Finland, various activities were carried out to promote learning, coexistence, and cultural exchange. The cultural sights of the capital Helsinki were explored, adorned with winter decorations.
The participants learned about the work in LEKO from the principal, Tuomas Lankinen. Visits included Loimaa’s Art House, Alpoo Jaakola’s sculpture park, the natural path and summer theatre place at the old water mill at Krekilä. Monica Atikainen provided insights into how cultural activities are arranged within the middle-sized rural Loimaa municipality.
One day was spent in Lohja, visiting the Finnish design center Muurla, ABC gas station, Lohja’s parish house, and enjoying traditional dances at Tanhuhovi with Markku Aro and the band Diesel. The main activity took place at Tytyri Experience Mine, showcasing how an industrial site could be transformed into an educational, cultural, scientific, and leisure venue.
The Finnish Independence Day on the 6th of December was the central activity of this Experience Transfer Visit. Attendance included the Independence Day worship at Kanta-Loimaa church and the ceremony at the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Like any inhabitant of Loimaa, greetings and handshakes were received from the town's leaders: Chair of the City Council, Tarja Mäki-Punto-Ristanen, and Chair of the City Board, Teija Ek-Marjamäki, at the entrance of Heimolinna house. Cake and coffee were provided there, along with a concert featuring speeches. The celebration continued in a very Finnish way, following the President's reception on TV at LEKO.
The participants learned about the work in LEKO from the principal, Tuomas Lankinen. Visits included Loimaa’s Art House, Alpoo Jaakola’s sculpture park, the natural path and summer theatre place at the old water mill at Krekilä. Monica Atikainen provided insights into how cultural activities are arranged within the middle-sized rural Loimaa municipality.
One day was spent in Lohja, visiting the Finnish design center Muurla, ABC gas station, Lohja’s parish house, and enjoying traditional dances at Tanhuhovi with Markku Aro and the band Diesel. The main activity took place at Tytyri Experience Mine, showcasing how an industrial site could be transformed into an educational, cultural, scientific, and leisure venue.
The Finnish Independence Day on the 6th of December was the central activity of this Experience Transfer Visit. Attendance included the Independence Day worship at Kanta-Loimaa church and the ceremony at the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Like any inhabitant of Loimaa, greetings and handshakes were received from the town's leaders: Chair of the City Council, Tarja Mäki-Punto-Ristanen, and Chair of the City Board, Teija Ek-Marjamäki, at the entrance of Heimolinna house. Cake and coffee were provided there, along with a concert featuring speeches. The celebration continued in a very Finnish way, following the President's reception on TV at LEKO.
In Rovaniemi, one day was spent in the Arktikum Museum – a multifunctional center offering much to understand about life up to the Polar Circle and how to present it in an accessible and inclusive manner. Another day was dedicated to exploring the world-famous Santa Claus Village, providing valuable lessons on cultural event arrangements for large, international crowds both indoors and outdoors.
Several trips tested the railway system, with long-distance connections during both day and night. Recreational activities included visits to the local pool and saunas at Vesihovi in Loimaa, building snowmen, engaging in snowball fights, making snow angels, and for the most active participants, witnessing the northern lights in the night sky.
Daily reflections on new experiences were conducted, alongside regular efforts to improve the content of the new program. Numerous examples served as inspiration for future activities.
Several trips tested the railway system, with long-distance connections during both day and night. Recreational activities included visits to the local pool and saunas at Vesihovi in Loimaa, building snowmen, engaging in snowball fights, making snow angels, and for the most active participants, witnessing the northern lights in the night sky.
Daily reflections on new experiences were conducted, alongside regular efforts to improve the content of the new program. Numerous examples served as inspiration for future activities.
Part 3 - Malta
The final chapter of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU – Small-scale partnerships in adult education: Culture in Nature project concluded in Malta, offering participants a striking contrast to their previous experiences in Latvia and Finland. Beginning on 26th June at the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, the group experienced Malta's unique Mediterranean environment. This is a dramatic shift from Nordic forests to azure seas and limestone cliffs. This opening day provided both cultural immersion and project orientation as participants prepared for their final mobility experience.
The following day took the group through Malta's historical heart, exploring the Three Cities and Valletta's streets and fortified walls. Cultural highlights included visits to traditional family-owned businesses and tasting ftira, Malta's beloved flatbread, alongside the immersive Malta 5D experience. The day's reflective session sparked crucial discussions about defining "nature" and examining how Malta's arid yet culturally rich environment shapes local traditions. Participants also refined the evaluation tool developed throughout the project's journey.
Day three immersed the group in authentic Maltese celebrations through the traditional feast of Mnarja, a centuries-old festival honouring Saints Peter and Paul that combines religious devotion with agricultural heritage. Participants witnessed folk singing, traditional foods and even met Malta's President. The evening brought them to Siggiewi's festa, where Malta's dramatic relationship with the sky was on full display through various street and church lights, fireworks and the traditional "giggifogu."
The following day took the group through Malta's historical heart, exploring the Three Cities and Valletta's streets and fortified walls. Cultural highlights included visits to traditional family-owned businesses and tasting ftira, Malta's beloved flatbread, alongside the immersive Malta 5D experience. The day's reflective session sparked crucial discussions about defining "nature" and examining how Malta's arid yet culturally rich environment shapes local traditions. Participants also refined the evaluation tool developed throughout the project's journey.
Day three immersed the group in authentic Maltese celebrations through the traditional feast of Mnarja, a centuries-old festival honouring Saints Peter and Paul that combines religious devotion with agricultural heritage. Participants witnessed folk singing, traditional foods and even met Malta's President. The evening brought them to Siggiewi's festa, where Malta's dramatic relationship with the sky was on full display through various street and church lights, fireworks and the traditional "giggifogu."
The southern exploration on day four connected participants to Malta's ancient roots at Għar Dalam cave, where evidence of Malta's prehistoric inhabitants and extinct fauna revealed how the island's limestone geology shaped civilisation from megalithic times. The day concluded in Marsaxlokk with its colourful fishing boats and a traditional Sunday family meal, a very common Mediterranean habit showing community and hospitality.
The final day focused on consolidating insights and refining the evaluation tool, drawing from experiences across all three countries to create a versatile resource for culturally-conscious event planning. An exploration of Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, provided a contemplative contrast with its silent, fortified streets and panoramic countryside views, before participants enjoyed a spontaneous nighttime swimming session.
As the project concluded, participants reflected on their transformative journey across three distinct European environments. The contrasts—from Latvia's forests to Finland's winter landscapes to Malta's Mediterranean shores—had broadened their understanding of how nature influences culture and provided new frameworks for questioning traditional approaches to event planning. The refined evaluation tool stands as their collective achievement: an accessible, comprehensive resource for creating meaningful cultural experiences that honour both local traditions and natural environments.
The final day focused on consolidating insights and refining the evaluation tool, drawing from experiences across all three countries to create a versatile resource for culturally-conscious event planning. An exploration of Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, provided a contemplative contrast with its silent, fortified streets and panoramic countryside views, before participants enjoyed a spontaneous nighttime swimming session.
As the project concluded, participants reflected on their transformative journey across three distinct European environments. The contrasts—from Latvia's forests to Finland's winter landscapes to Malta's Mediterranean shores—had broadened their understanding of how nature influences culture and provided new frameworks for questioning traditional approaches to event planning. The refined evaluation tool stands as their collective achievement: an accessible, comprehensive resource for creating meaningful cultural experiences that honour both local traditions and natural environments.
Final Conference Meeting
Our Partnered KA210-ADU project Culture in Nature has reached its conclusion! After over a year of immersive learning across the forests of Latvia, the snowy landscapes of Finland and the limestone cliffs of Malta, our partner organizations gathered for the Final Conference Meeting.
This final chapter was not just about saying goodbye, it was about synthesizing our findings and revealing the results of the practical Final Workshop held in each partner country.
The Final Workshop: Testing our Developed Tool
Before the final conference, each country (Latvia, Finland and Malta) conducted a local workshop to put our newly developed Chart Tool to the test. This innovative training tool was designed to help organizers systematically plan cultural events in nature, covering everything from sustainability to safety.
The question was: Could we develop a tool to guide event creators into making innovative and culturally significant events? The answer was a resounding yes.
The Conference Meeting
At the final conference, the partners presented their unique "Culture in Nature" experiences, highlighting the fascinating contrasts that defined this project:
This final chapter was not just about saying goodbye, it was about synthesizing our findings and revealing the results of the practical Final Workshop held in each partner country.
The Final Workshop: Testing our Developed Tool
Before the final conference, each country (Latvia, Finland and Malta) conducted a local workshop to put our newly developed Chart Tool to the test. This innovative training tool was designed to help organizers systematically plan cultural events in nature, covering everything from sustainability to safety.
The question was: Could we develop a tool to guide event creators into making innovative and culturally significant events? The answer was a resounding yes.
The Conference Meeting
At the final conference, the partners presented their unique "Culture in Nature" experiences, highlighting the fascinating contrasts that defined this project:
- The Latvian Group learned that compared to other cultures, they celebrate outdoors and amidst greenery. Their nature culture is lively and patriotic, best seen in the events surrounding their Independence Day (November 18th), where crowds gather at the Freedom Monument or for concerts. Nature is a place for the community to come together loudly and proudly.
- In contrast, the Finnish Group revealed a culture of quiet celebration. On their Independence Day (December 6th), nature is enjoyed in silence, candles are lit in windows and families celebrate at home. However, they also showed how nature is an active playground, like the art in Alpo Jaakola Statuary Park to the husky rides in Rovaniemi.
- The Maltese Group widened their definition of nature to include the sea, cliffs, and resilient plants. Their culture in nature is deeply tied to the harvest and history, showing how islanders have adapted festivities to an arid and warm environment.
Memorandum
To conclude the event, we as a team celebrated a signed memorandum to do our utmost to collaborate with future impactful projects like the one we successfully developed!
Final Thoughts
The project has successfully delivered an innovative training programme and a versatile Chart Tool that is now tried and tested. Whether one organises a silent art walk in the snow or a bustling harvest festival in the sun, this tool helps balance cultural expression with nature conservation.
We leave this project with a new understanding: while our landscapes and traditions differ, our responsibility to protect the nature we celebrate in is the same!
Project Partners:
To conclude the event, we as a team celebrated a signed memorandum to do our utmost to collaborate with future impactful projects like the one we successfully developed!
Final Thoughts
The project has successfully delivered an innovative training programme and a versatile Chart Tool that is now tried and tested. Whether one organises a silent art walk in the snow or a bustling harvest festival in the sun, this tool helps balance cultural expression with nature conservation.
We leave this project with a new understanding: while our landscapes and traditions differ, our responsibility to protect the nature we celebrate in is the same!
Project Partners:
- Association “Sadarbības Platforma”, Latvia (Coordinator)
- UNESCO Youth Association, Malta
- Loimaa Evangelical Folk High School, Finland
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Project No. 2023-1-LV01-KA210-ADU-000157681 The project is implemented by the NGO “Sadarbības Platforma” within the European Union Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnerships in Adult Education (KA210-ADU). Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or The State Education Development Agency (VIAA). Neither the European Union nor VIAA can be held responsible for them. |
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