After graduating from Turība University, the young cultural event producer Santa Putene decided to continue her professional path in the regional cultural environment. Her determination and sense of purpose led her to the opportunity to assume the position of Director of the Allaži Community Center – a place where culture serves not only as entertainment, but also as a means of fostering unity within the local community.

“When I graduated from Turība, I definitely wanted to continue my career in the field of event production,” she admits, revealing that the decision was strengthened thanks to the recommendation and help of the Dean of the Turība Faculty of International Tourism, Ēriks Lingebērziņš, to find internship opportunities in Sigulda. Thus, Santa did an internship at the Sigulda Regional Culture and Tourism Center “Siguldas Devons”.

“Working there and also helping with the organization of events brought me pleasure and satisfaction, so I wanted to continue developing my career here, in Sigulda”. This opened up an opportunity to take the next step in my career growth and apply for the position of manager of the Community Center.

She describes the Allaži community as small but cohesive, where close relationships and active participation in cultural life are still preserved. “In Allaži, culture is not only entertainment, but also a strengthener of social unity and local identity, involving traditions that have been cultivated for years”. The closeness and involvement of the community, in her opinion, distinguishes the organization of regional events from work in large cities. “In the regions, everything is more homely – you can feel greater local participation and a strong sense of community”.

Speaking about her goals, she emphasizes the desire to both develop existing skills and learn something new, preserving the cultural and historical identity of Allaži, while being open to a modern perspective. Santa emphasizes that joint participation and coming together are of great importance, which can be achieved through various events, creating new activities, while at the same time carrying forward local traditions.

She believes that the opportunities for cultural development in the regions are great, as long as cooperation, a humane perspective and a desire to help each other are encouraged. “This is the only way we can change, improve and achieve something”. Therefore, she is convinced that attracting a wider audience to events outside of big cities is also possible – the main thing is a creative approach and not being afraid to do something new.

In order to successfully manage a cultural institution and produce events, Santa believes that the most important skills are an understanding of the local community and its traditions, as well as strong planning, communication and collaboration skills.

She speaks with gratitude about her choice to study at Turība University: “Hearing positive feedback and seeing that Turība offers the “Event Production and Management” program, I was confident in my choice of studies”. The studies have given her both theoretical and practical knowledge. The final project Rosinātava, in which the course jointly created a real event, is particularly vividly remembered. “It was challenging and difficult, but it created a desire to really continue working in this field”.

Studies have also become the basis for internal growth: “During my studies, I became more open and confident, I gained confidence in myself and my decisions”. In turn, she gives simple but important advice to future cultural professionals: “Don’t be afraid. The courage to try something new often becomes the beginning of something unexpected and truly valuable”.