This year, the Neringa Municipality scholarship for a writer in residence at the International Center for Translators and Writers has been awarded to Rosana Lukauskaitė, a writer, art critic, and interdisciplinary artist. During her residency in Nida, she will work on her novel *Civilized Volcano*, which will intertwine Thomas Mann’s cultural legacy, the world of cinema, and the modern individual’s relationship with reality.
The novel *The Civilized Volcano* (working title) is set in Nida. At the center of the story is a young director making her first feature film about the writer Thomas Mann. The filmmaking process will serve as a starting point for exploring the relationships between the creators, as well as issues of identity, professional power, and responsibility.
Nida itself will play an important role in the novel. The landscape of the Curonian Spit, Thomas Mann’s cultural legacy, the tradition of artist residencies, and resort life during the off-season will serve not only as the backdrop for the story but also as an integral part of it.
During her residency, R. Lukauskaitė plans to develop the structure of the novel and to write and edit its most important chapters. In addition to her literary work, the artist intends to create a 6–8-minute video piece that captures the atmosphere of the novel and visually interprets the themes explored in it.
“Neringa has long attracted writers, artists, and other creators. It is heartening that this connection remains unbroken, and that our region’s history, cultural heritage, and unique environment continue to inspire new creative ideas. Thomas Mann’s name is inextricably linked to Nida, but it is fascinating to see how his legacy is being rediscovered and interpreted by today’s creators. “By awarding this scholarship, we aim not only to nurture Neringa’s literary traditions but also to encourage the creation of new works in which our region becomes an integral part of the narrative,” – says Darius Jasaitis, mayor of the Neringa Municipality.
The results of the creative project will be presented to the Neringa community
A public evening of literature and video art titled “The Film That Isn’t There” is scheduled for the end of the residency. During the event, R. Lukauskaitė will present her work, read excerpts from her new novel, and premiere a video piece created during the residency. Participants will be invited to discuss the image of Nida in literature and film, the cultural identity of the place, and the artist’s relationship with the reality she portrays.
The creator has a long-standing relationship with Neringa
Rosana Lukauskaitė is a writer, art critic, curator, and interdisciplinary artist whose work blends literature, video art, and explorations of contemporary culture. She has published a book of poetry titled *You Won’t Find Love in a Can*, her work has appeared in cultural publications, and her video works have been presented in exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad.
The artist’s connection to the Curonian Spit stems from her professional work and her interest in the cultural heritage of Lithuania Minor. Her bachelor’s thesis on the poetry of writer Johannes Bobrowski was awarded the Liudvikas Gediminas Rėza Prize by the Lithuania Minor Foundation. R. Lukauskaitė currently works as the residency and communications coordinator at the Nida Art Colony.
Scholarship—An Incentive for Creativity in Neringa
The Neringa Municipality Scholarship is awarded to artists in residence at the International Center for Translators and Writers whose creative projects are presented to the Neringa community. The scholarship amount is 1,000 euros.
This initiative aims to promote literary creation in Neringa, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the municipality’s cooperation with the International Center for Translators and Writers at the Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library in Klaipėda County.
The scholarship was awarded to R. Lukauskaitė in recognition of the artistic value of her creative program, its significance to Neringa’s cultural life, and its connections to the cultural identity of the Curonian Spit. The writer’s residency in Nida is scheduled for February 2027.
The photo by Gintarė Grigėnaitė features Rosana Lukauskaitė.
