A domed stage has been built in the centre of Durbe, in Sīmanis Klēver’s garden at 36 Raiņa Street, with support from the European Union LEADER programme. Implemented by the SenDurbe association, this project adds to the town’s range of venues for cultural events and concerts, which are freely accessible to all.
The garden has previously hosted events such as the Durbe Town Festival, the Apple Festival, and the Zemlika festival. In order to provide the necessary infrastructure for such events, the association carried out the project 'Installation of a stage in the garden of Sīmanis Klēvers in Durbe'.
The garden also holds a part of the town’s history. Sīmanis Klēvers (1834–1922) was a Latvian horticulturist, community leader, and author of books on horticulture who once lived here. He was elected mayor of Durbe in 1893. Thanks to his efforts, several orchards were established in Durbe. Consequently, when the Durbe coat of arms was designed in the early 1920s, it featured an apple tree bearing seven apples, representing each day of the week.
The project implemented by the SenDurbe association demonstrates how a space can be created that serves both local residents and visitors to the town with the support of LEADER. The well-maintained garden in Latvia’s smallest town invites people to attend cultural events and spend their free time there. The project was implemented within the area of operation of the Local Action Group (LAG) ‘Liepāja District Partnership’.
LEADER funding is also available for public benefit initiatives that improve the living environment and create new opportunities for the local community. You can enquire about the conditions for support and project calls for proposals at your local LAG.