On 12 May 2025, the 10^th scientific seminar of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (IHSS) “Latgale’s Past, Present, Future: Experience and Perspectives of Interdisciplinary Studies” was held at Daugavpils University (Latvia). During the seminar, 8 papers on the results of scientific activity and current research projects related to the history of Daugavpils neighbourhoods, inclusive education, the use of digital tools for healthy aging, the value of cultural literacy, arts education within the framework of lifelong learning, etc. were presented.

In her presentation, Ilze Kačāne, a senior researcher at IHSS, reviewed the challenges and expected results of the implementation of the Horizon Europe project “Promoting Understanding and Lifelong learning Successful Education through the ARTs and culture” (grant agreement No. 101178988). The project, represented by 10 institutions (research centres, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises and museums) from six countries (Spain, France, Greece, Latvia, Malta and the Netherlands), promotes civic engagement, co-creation, and mutual learning. PULSE-ART focuses on teachers’ professional development, development of new tools for the use in education in Europe, strengthening dialogue and cooperation with cultural and creative industries to promote the value of culture, as well as evidence-based public policy and high-quality science communication.

The project focuses on the competence of cultural awareness and expression, which allows an individual to get to know and understand themselves, their belonging to the nation, state, community, culture, be aware of their place and role in society, delve into cultural diversity and various forms of art – visual art, music, performance art, dance, etc., understand the ideas of a work of art and means of its expression, and engage in the creative process in various ways and contexts. Within the project 7 case studies in 6 European countries and Morocco will be conducted. One of the expected results of the project is the PULSE-ART Observatory – an open platform for the creation of a sustainable global network for the promotion of cultural awareness and expression. The essence of the project is characterized by its keywords: cultural awareness and expression, art, education, mutual learning, competency framework, professional development programme, stakeholder participation.

The seminar participants actively engaged in the exchange of experience and discussion about the benefits and challenges of implementing international projects and other research.

PULSE-ART project implementation period: 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2027.
Project coordinator: “Science for Change” (Spain).
Project website: https://pulseartproject.eu/
PULSE-ART on social networks:
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulse-art-project
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulseartproject/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pulseartproject.bsky.social
YouTube: @PULSE-ARTproject

More information:
Ilze Kačāne, Dr. philol.
Senior researcher/ PULSE-ART coordinator in Latvia
e-mail: ilze.kacane@du.lv