The forum was opened by Dr. Laura Šimkevičė, director of the Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library in Klaipėda County, and Edita Lubickaitė, director of the “Agila” Culture and Tourism Information Center in Nida. The attendees were also greeted by Tomas Juočys, Deputy Minister of Culture, and Darius Jasaitis, Mayor of Neringa Municipality.
One of the main topics of the forum was the role of artist residencies in strengthening societal resilience. The discussion, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and moderated by place-making expert Eugenijus Kaminskis, featured Narūnas Lendraitis, deputy mayor of Neringa Municipality; Ambassador Audra Plepytė; artist and Gediminas Urbonas, a professor at MIT, and Tomas Čeponis, a representative of the Strategic Communications Department of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The discussion explored how culture and artist residencies can strengthen social bonds, trust, and resilience to information threats. The relationship between creative freedom and security needs was also discussed.
Another section of the forum focused on the development and funding of residency programs. Edita Sabalionytė, director of the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries, spoke about the value created by residencies and the importance of professional connections and long-term partnerships. Kristina Mažeikaitė, Chair of the Lithuanian Council for Culture, presented the council’s contribution to the development of the residency system.
Kamilė Čelutkaitė, head of the EU’s “Creative Europe” program office in Lithuania, discussed funding opportunities and future prospects. She was joined in the discussion by Edita Lubickaitė, director of “Agila,” and Viktorija Šiaulytė, director of “Rupert,” an art residency and education center. Rūta Nanartavičiūtė, head of the International Programs Department at the Lithuanian Culture Institute, presented the institute’s Residency Program and the opportunities it offers to Lithuanian artists.
The forum’s program also included creative activities. The International Center for Translators and Writers hosted a workshop titled “Musical Postcards from the Curonian Spit” with the performer Ingaja, while the Nida Art Colony presented its activities and creative directions.
The event provided an opportunity for the cultural residency community to meet, share experiences, and discuss common challenges as well as opportunities for new partnerships.
The forum was organized by the International Center for Translators and Writers (TVRC) at the Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library in Klaipėda County, in collaboration with the “Agila” Culture and Tourism Information Center in Nida.
Organized by: the International Center for Translators and Writers (TVRC) at the Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library of Klaipėda County and the “Agila” Culture and Tourism Information Center in Nida.
Funded by: the Lithuanian Council for Culture.
