Smiltene opens new co-creation space, driven by long-time community activist Līga Krūmiņa
The “Smiltenei un Latvijai” association has opened a new co-creation space in Lejas Varicēni, Smiltene municipality. Behind the initiative is Līga Krūmiņa, who since September 1 has also become an NGO project manager at the Smiltene municipality government.
The association “Smiltenei un Latvijai” has opened a newly created co-creation space in Lejas Varicēni, in the Smiltene parish – a place designed for people to meet, learn and build new ideas together. Behind the initiative stands Līga Krūmiņa, who has for years been actively involved in the public and cultural life of Smiltene municipality.
From association leader to municipal project manager
Krūmiņa leads the association “Smiltenei un Latvijai” and also heads the folklore group “Rudzupuķe” at the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre. Her work centers on preserving and passing on folk traditions, as well as implementing various projects. She also brings experience in pedagogy and music therapy.
Through her years with “Smiltenei un Latvijai”, Krūmiņa has gained experience writing and carrying out projects and engaging volunteers, learning firsthand how much energy and persistence it takes to turn a good idea into reality.
As of September 1 this year, she has taken on a new role: project manager for non-governmental organization (NGO) matters at the Smiltene municipality's Development and Planning Department. Someone who has long stood on the NGO side is now using that experience to help other associations and community initiatives in the municipality.
In an interview with “Ziemeļlatvija”, Krūmiņa spoke about how she balances her different roles, what motivates her to get involved and bring people together, and her plans for developing NGO activity in Smiltene municipality.
