Zane (Estere) Gruntmane

Summary

For over a decade I have been working with cross-sectoral project management internationally, developing skills to recognize the potentiality of ideas, that manifest itself as a form of knowledge and public growth. My curiosity and reliability in the field have been leading me to work with a wide spectrum of art forms and creative projects holistically, contributing in a creative way in all stages of the process. With a strong comprehension of international networks, cross-sectoral partnerships and culture-led urban city development, I have specialized in bringing together European cultural communities through projects like the European Capital of Culture. Creating a vision and a strategic approach for the city's international dimension, bridging cross-cultural dialogue and relations,  networking activities, as well as articulating  narratives are a few examples of my competence.

With a tangible knowledge of Europe, living and working across various cultural and social contexts, my research and creative work today focus on differentiating perspectives and contextualizing strategies. To empower cross-sectoral collaborations via arts, culture and creative expressions and approaches where contemporary challenges and future visions strive to come together in a meaningful way. To strengthen their qualities for connectivity that benefits local development and is relevant to societal, environmental, political, and digital issues while also raising citizens' awareness and participation. It is my competence to integrate international visions into local approaches. My passion relies on innovative and forward-thinking co-creation and partnership building at the international level. It is an openness and curiosity that thrives my creative mind to work with imagination in searching for their authentic ways. I am keen to bridge mutual understanding between policies and practices and enhance their interaction and co-working. 

As a creative catalyst, I purposefully identify and successfully mobilize diverse international stakeholders (cities, institutions, networks, organisations, NGOs, grass-roots communities and individuals) around common visions and goals. As a mediator, I inspire dialogue, exchange and active thinking in establishing context-favored partnerships for capacity building, networking, artistic/creative co-creation, community-led, education and citizen engagement (etc) initiatives. So that every established partnership meaningfully activates communication and connections across European and International communities through the process of interaction.In addition, I have conceptualized and planned international projects that emphasize European values at their core, address shared challenges and positively advance impact creation regards to environmental matters, also reflecting Agenda 2030, the New Green Deal, New European Bauhaus and Blue Circular Economy.

I am a Strategy Group Member of A Soul for Europe initiative that mobilizes citizens and democratic institutions across Europe, fostering a sense of responsibility for the future of Europe and democracy through culture. A Member of a 70-Years-On Thinking Group of the European Festival Association, an alumnus of the OECD Summer School, Global Cultural Relations, The Festival Academy, Music Cities Exchange and other international programs. Between 2018 to 2022 I was an Advisory Committee Member of the IETM network. 

My personal traits are liveliness, tactfulness and attention to detail that levitate into an amazing expression of communication, negotiation and interpersonal relation. In my opinion, the values - trust, team playing, ethics in meaning - are essential towards a successful working field. Beyond all, it is the ocean and the practice of surfing that shape my way of life.