"With this appointment, we are looking forward to a further intensive and meaningful period of preparations. I have confidence that, with our joint efforts, the Lithuanian Culture Season in France in 2024 will be an exceptional event that will strengthen cultural ties between the two our countries," said Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys.
Dr. Virginija Vitkienė is a curator, manager and coordinator of international art and science projects, author and editor of art publications, artistic director of the Kaunas Biennial, initiator and CEO of the project "Kaunas – European Capital of Culture 2022" (2014-2023).
"This cultural diplomacy event in France will lead to a deeper (and in some cases new) understanding of Lithuanian culture, the underlying issues of our worldview and creativity. With a cultural programme based on the principles of co-creation, we will seek to highlight Lithuania's unique cultural, geopolitical and historical contexts, while not forgetting to demonstrate our values and unity with France and Europe in the face of war, climate change and the new "peoples' exodus"– says Virginija Vitkienė.
The Commissioner will work together with the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the Lithuanian Film Centre to prepare the programme for the Lithuanian Culture Season in France, coordinate organisational matters and the programme.
The Lithuanian Culture Season in France will be organised in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and other cities between September and December 2024.
The Lithuanian Culture Season will be coordinated by the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the Lithuanian Film Centre, while in France the Institut français in Paris will be the main partner. These institutions will be responsible for engaging artists and cultural organisations from both countries and for developing and communicating the programme of the Lithuanian Culture Season 2024 in France.
In the same year, a broader presentation of French culture is planned in Lithuania in cooperation with culture partners in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda.
