How does it work?
Application & Pre-selection
A local authority fills out an online application. By assessing the eligibility, motivation and general approach, the Selection committee chooses eligible candidates to move to the second round, the development phase.
Development phase
Based on a Culture and Resilience action plan template candidates outline activities and processes for the year to come, preferably aligned with existing priorities and strategies. In this phase they participate in a number of informative webinars with experts, have access to a database of good practices and are supported by the Cultural Pearls team through national mentors.
Final Selection
The International jury evaluates Culture and Resilience action plans submitted by the candidates assessing the innovative and holistic approach, usage of participatory methods and cultural tools and the capacity to deliver the actions planned. Three candidates that have submitted the most convincing action plans with the highest scores but not more than one per country are awarded the BSR Cultural Pearls title. In case of tight scores or very convincing action plan, Jury can award one more candidate. In this case the rule of the country does not apply.
Cultural Pearls programme
Teams of the awarded towns or cities undertake a year-long Cultural Pearls programme including:
Awarding
International BSR Cultural Pearls title awarding ceremonies take place after the official announcement of the results.
Cultural Pearls network
A Baltic Sea Region wide network unites all Pearls and candidates continuing to share knowledge and good practices on the culture-drives social resilience.
