Cultural Pearls expands to welcome Norwegian municipalities

For the first time, municipalities in Norway are invited to apply for the Cultural Pearls title as part of the 2027 call for applications, now open for pre-selections. This expansion reflects Norway’s growing engagement in Baltic Sea Region cooperation, including its recent steps toward full membership in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). 

“Norwegian participation was a missing “Pearl” in the Cultural Pearls “necklace”. We see it as a completion and strong enrichment of our activities,” says Kaarina Williams from the Ministry of European Affairs of Schleswig-Holstein, current Chair of the Cultural Pearls Executive Board. 

“Norway has long been a strong player in Baltic Sea Region cooperation (BSSSC, STRING-Network, now EUSBSR)—but until now, one part has not been so visible: its municipalities. With Norway becoming an active partner in Cultural Pearls, that gap can be filled. While Norway already contributes at the national and regional levels, this initiative brings cities and local communities directly into the action. The result? A full-circle approach where every level—national, regional, and local—works together to shape the future of the Baltic Sea Region.” 

The Cultural Pearls initiative serves as a platform for regional exchange, uniting municipalities committed to a shared mission: strengthening community resilience through culture, creativity, and co-creation. Norwegian municipalities now have the opportunity to join this network, learning from, and contributing to, the experiences of small- and medium-sized towns across the region. 

Over the past three years, the Cultural Pearls initiative has empowered municipalities to develop innovative tools and long-term strategies, leveraging local cultural assets to address difficult challenges. By deepening collaboration with Norwegian municipalities, the network will further enrich its collective knowledge, benefiting from Norway’s unique perspectives on cultural resilience and community belonging. 

Pre-selected municipalities will enter the Development Phase, where they receive access to a regional network of cities devoted to stronger, more resilient communities. support and inspiration to craft a Culture and Resilience Action Plan (CuReAP). The most innovative and compelling Action Plans, submitted in October 2026, are awarded the 2027 Cultural Pearls title, bringing international visibility and recognition to their communities. Cultural Pearls cities, past and present, additionally gain access through the Cultural Pearls Network to a regional network of cities devoted to stronger, more resilient communities. 

Learn more about the open call and apply here.