Registrations are now open for the IN SITU final conference, "Culture Matters Here: Cultivating Creative Place-based Innovation in Non-urban Communities", taking place in Valmiera, Latvia, from 11 to 13 May 2026. Participants registering by 12 March are eligible for the early bird registration fee.

The conference is organised within the Horizon Europe project "IN SITU – Place-based Innovation of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-urban Areas". The event will bring together researchers, cultural practitioners, artists, policymakers, decision-makers, and local community representatives to discuss the role of culture and creativity in fostering innovation and sustainable development in small, peripheral, rural, and other non-urban areas.

The programme is open to all interested participants, whether they are presenting or not. Alongside thematic sessions and keynote lectures, the conference will include study visits to cultural and creative initiatives in Valmiera, as well as activities designed to encourage international exchange and networking. Keynote speakers include Susan Luckman (University of Adelaide, Australia), Timothy Wojan (innovation and regional development expert with experience at the US National Science Foundation, USDA, and OECD), and Jude Ortiz from the NORDIK Institute at Algoma University, Canada.

More than 90 proposals have been submitted from various countries worldwide, reflecting strong international interest in the development of cultural and creative ecosystems in peripheral and non-urban areas. Registration for participation is open until 13 April 2026.

Further information regarding the programme and registration can be found on the conference website.