From 5 to 9 October, the ACE²-EU Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) programme "Taste of Culture: Cultural Heritage in Transition" is taking place at the Latvian Academy of Culture in Riga. The programme brings together international participants, including Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija HEI (LIK) students Ajoy Barman, Anik Hossain, Furkan Ahmed and MD Hridoy Mridha.
The programme explores how globalisation, modernisation and changing consumer habits affect traditional food products, local cultural identity and intangible cultural heritage. Students seek ways to preserve the authenticity of traditional products while adapting them to the needs of modern society, supporting local producers and promoting sustainable cultural practices
During the on-site week in Riga, participants work in international interdisciplinary teams, attend practical workshops and sessions led by traditional food producers, and visit local markets, museums, cultural enterprises and traditional production sites. Students also meet representatives from the cultural, business and sustainability sectors, as well as local communities, while applying storytelling and design thinking methods.
Throughout the programme, the teams develop ideas and concepts aimed at preserving and promoting traditional cultural products in contemporary society by combining cultural heritage, sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation.
