The Royal Danish Embassy in Latvia, in collaboration with the Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, presents Civic AF*, a new creative programme designed to help young people flourish, connect, and shape their future.
Civic AF* stands for “Civic As Future” and reflects the belief that the future becomes who individuals are, and individuals become who the future is. The programme is open to anyone aged 18 to 25 from the Nordic and Baltic countries, Ukraine, and Belarus. The programme welcomes students, creatives, activists, emerging professionals, and curious minds who seek personal growth and a positive impact in their communities.
The programme takes place in two stages:
5-day online programme
Open to all selected participants, this stage focuses on personal well-being, resilience, and community building. Participants take part in interactive workshops, creative labs, coaching, and talks with psychologists, artists, coaches, and media experts. This phase helps young people develop confidence and begin shaping ideas for a better world, guided by mentors and peers.
5-day on-site residency
From the online cohort, 20 of the most motivated participants will be invited to join the in-person residency at Lūznava Manor and guesthouse Svilpaunieki in Latvia. The residency offers an immersive experience with creative workshops, storytelling, activism, and media-making. The programme concludes with a festive event celebrating participants’ work and connections.
Participation is free of charge. Accommodation, meals, learning activities, and the final event are included. Participants usually arrange their own travel. Limited support may be available for those with fewer opportunities or who are not covered by Erasmus+ in Latvia.
What is explored
Mental well-being and resilience
Media literacy and tackling disinformation
Civic participation and creative activism
Identity, migration, and inclusion
Sustainability and gender equality
Storytelling, art, and creative expression
Civic AF* is inclusive, youth-led, respectful, open, and participatory. The programme is built on principles of gender equality, diversity, equal opportunities, social sustainability, and safe environments. Everyone is welcome and valued.
Civic AF* is implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Latvia, Daugavpils University, Riga Stradins University, the Latvian Academy of Culture, and Ad Astra Social Impact Studio. The project is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
The programme contributes to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 by supporting young people’s mental well-being, promoting inclusion and gender equality, advancing civic participation and democratic values, strengthening media literacy, and fostering cross-border collaboration and community building.
“Civic AF is designed to help young people grow in confidence and well-being, and to develop ideas that can inspire stronger communities and a more sustainable future. The future becomes who you are and who you become,” says Morten Jespersen, Ambassador of Denmark to Latvia.
Applications open from September 8 to October 10 2025. Participation is free and open to everyone aged 18 to 25 from the Nordic and Baltic countries, Ukraine, and Belarus.