Study visit in – Local context and cultural policies

1. About the city

Vilnius Number of inhabitants 539 939 inhabitants

Area in Km² 401 km²

Annual budget of the city 490,60 million EUR

Annual budget for culture 7639,8 thousand EUR

The local/regional context

Lithuania is one of the three Baltic States and covers an area of 65,200 km2. It has an estimated population of 2.9 million people as of 2015.

Vilnius is the capital of Lithunia and its largest city, with a population of 542,664 as of 2015. It is located in the southeast of and is the second largest city in the Baltic States.

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Furthermore, Vilnius is the second youngest capital in North Europe after Copengagen. It has the largest population of young people among the capitals of the Baltic Sea Region and the increase since 2015 is still the largest +9 %.

Vilnius is a very diverse city that has both the as well as the New City Centre, which is becoming the main administrative and business district on the north side of the river. Buildings occupy 29.1% of the city; green spaces - 68.8%; and waters occupy 2.1% of Vilnius.

Residents of Vilnius are among the most multilingual people in the EU, with one of the highest percentages of residents speaking at least one foreign language. 50% of residents speak two foreign languages. Dominant foreign languages are English, Russian, German and Polish. 31,4% of the population in Lithuania has higher education, while the EU average is 26%.

The city, which has inherited cultural values created by different nationalities and confessions, hosts the population of more than 40 nationalities (Lithuanians - 58%, Poles - 19%, Russians - 14%) and of more than 17 religions (the largest ones being Roman Catholics - 66%, and Orthodox - 10%).

The qualitative proportion between the majority of the Lithuanian Catholics and the other part of the city population is advantageous alongside with the pursue to retain the national identity of the Lithuanian capital and fostering rich traditions of other cultures’ diversity in the spirit of dialogue and tolerance.

Vilnius is a very important Lithuanian city where cultural and creative industries constitute half of all Lithuanian Creative Industries.This is due to economical and social reasons. Vilnius is the most rapidly expanding city in Lithuania, having the highest GDP per capita and the fastest growth rates. Vilnius attracts about 2/3 of all direct foreign investments in Lithuania.

It is important to note that the majority of Lithuania’s academic institutions are concentrated in Vilnius. There are 20 universities and colleges in Vilnius. The increasing level of people with higher education creates favorable conditions to improve cultural competencies of a population, to promote initiatives of a new arts and cultural community, and raises the requirements for cultural quality in life.

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Specific competencies/governance system

Vilnius City Council consists of 51 councilors. Local Administration presently employs 912 officers.

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The City Council is the representative municipal institution and the Director of Administration is the implementing institution. Both these institutions have the rights and duties of local power and public administration.

There are 9 Committees of the Council: Economy and Finances, Culture, Education and Sport, Services and City Maintenance, Environment and Energy, City Supervisor’s office, Urban Planning and Development, Social Affairs, Local Governmental Development, Health.

Vilnius City Administration comprises 9 departments, 21 districts and divisions, services and offices, which are not included in the structure of the departments. Financial, City Maintenance and Transport, Education, Culture and Sport, Urban Development, Legal Affairs, Human Resources, Health and Social Affairs, Public Order and Safety, E- City departments are directly responsible for the development of separate spheres, meant for the implementation and financing of the measures of the plan for the municipal strategic development.

Culture sector is administered by Culture Division and Tourism Division of Education, Culture and Sport Department and by Urban Development Department.

In 2015 the City of Vilnius had the budget of 465,54 million EUR, whereas for the year of 2016 the City Council approved a 490,60 million EUR budget.

Expenses on culture in 2015 year -7151,14 thou. EUR, for the year of 2016 -7639,8 thou. EUR. Cultural activities are administered by the Culture Division and Tourism Division of Vilnius City Administration Education, Culture and Sport Department, as well as by the Urban Development Department of Vilnius City Administration.

Funds of Culture Division, allocated for the maintenance of 29 cultural institutions and the organization of events:

In 2015 – 5933,74 thou. EUR In 2016 – 5812,60 thou. EUR

Funds of Tourism Division, allocated for the development of tourism and implementation of the projects of cultural tourism:

In 2015 – 644,20 thou. EUR In 2016 – 1187,2 thou. EUR

Funds of Urban Development Department, allocated for the heritage protection:

In 2015 – 307,2 thou. EUR (historical and monument protection, researches, organization of the Old Town monitoring, preparation of the set of rules for monuments management and care) 2016 m. – 443 thou. EUR (historical and monument protection, researches, organization of the Old Town monitoring, preparation of the set of rules for monuments management and care)

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Key cultural indicators/facts

There are 1400 buildings in , and 400 of them are state protected heritage objects. It is true to say that historic city centre of Vilnius inscribed upon the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 is excusively picturescque and live. Most of visitors recognise its‘ unique causyness and human scale compare to Tallinn, Ryga or Warsaw. Medieval street pattern and diversity of buildings evidences rich and contradictory evolution of different architectural styles, cultural and historic phenomenons born or introduced in the city. This powerful historic capacity continues inspiring citizens and all those visiting the city nowaday.

There are 16 theatres in the city of Vilnius, which during the season arrange 1400 performances. Within a year more than 600 thousand people enjoy plays.

There are 4 concert organizations in Vilnius, which annually arrange more than 1400 concerts, attracting more than 100 thousand auditorium.

7 cinemas are open in Vilnius with 32 cinema halls, within a year they are visited by more than 1,5 million people.

Presently there are 32 libraries in the city with more than 2 million readers.

7 Culture centers and 248 various amateur artistic groups with more than 8055 participants operate in the city.

There are 28 galleries and 26 museums open for visitors in Vilnius (two of them are National). The museums presently expose about 70 thousand exposits. The number of visitors in main museums exceeds one million.

5 Art Incubators and 4 Creative Clusters are operating in Vilnius, too.

A great variety of annual events in Vilnius shows the vitality and cultural development of the city.

The presence of traditional and regional culture in Vilnius these days is testified by the Lithuanian Song and Dance Celebration (this event is included into UNESCO World Heritage list), folk festival “Skamba skamba kankliai”, traditional crafts fair of Saint Casimir.

Vilnius is also full of music events and festivals: Street Music festival, international festival Vilnius Festival, Gaida, Christopher Summer Festival, Banchetto Musicale, Vilnius Mama Jazz festivals and others. Theatre season starts with International Vilnius Theatre Festival “SIRENOS”. "New Baltic Dance" festival for more than a decade provides the Lithuanian public knowledge of national and global trends in dance. Various troupes from the Baltic Sea region, and other countries perform in the festival. The "New Baltic Dance" has already presented 170 troupes and choreographers from 25 countries to Vilnius audience and guests.

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„Let There Be Night!” is a June’s night fest when Vilnius residents and guests are invited to join the multicultural events all over the city. E. g. this year more than 80 free events in various fields of art projects will be offered to the public - classical and contemporary music concerts, films, dances, outdoor lessons, shows, performances, workshops, open galleries, museums and exhibitions, etc.

Vilnius is a melting pot of world famous artistic personalities, styles and cultural events. City visitors can choose either a classical or contemporary culture approach, local unique or world famous events or artists.

Vilnius is home for many world-famous Lithuanian artists, such as theatre directors O. Koršunovas, R. Tuminas, E. Nekrošius, choreographer A. Cholina, film producer A. Matelis, fashion designers J. Statkevičius, S. Gandžumian, R. Piekautaitė and many others.

Local cultural priorities

Vilnius Strategy of Culture Development of 2012–2020 refers to the cultural policy which is designed and open for innovation. It is based on multinational cultural heritage and invites representatives from different cultures to contribute to cultural development of the city. It creates equal opportunities for everyone to participate in cultural activities and focuses on the creation of a dynamic and creative image of Vilnius that is attractive to tourists and makes local residents proud of their city. Vilnius Strategy of Culture Development of 2012 –2020 focuses on three key aspects: education, leisure and economy. The main principles involve: . Democracy (openness during decision-making process (consulting, discussions, seeking for a consensus) and non-elitism) . Openness . Multiculturalism

Three long-term goals can be distinguished: . Involvement of a local community. Development of culture has to be directed towards local communities and it also has to create equal opportunities (conditions) for all residents to participate in cultural events and to engage in various cultural activities. . Creativity stimulation. Creativity is related to flexibility and openness for changes. It also means innovativeness, search for new methods and forms, inspiration, willingness to see and participate. Creativity is a ground for both involvement of the community as well as international competitiveness. . International competiveness. This goal is related to openness, democracy, creativity, exclusivity and most important – quality. All aspects of quality have to be considered: culture, art, infrastructure, services, environment, behaviour and others.

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2. About the study visit

Main themes CCIs and their impact on urban regeneration, innovation and social inclusion.

Sub themes

. Platform for cultural and social innovation in block-of-flats districts . Improving the local social climate, promoting dialogue . Inspiring people to get engaged in cultural activities and fostering social innovation . Urban regeneration

Projects and policies to be presented / places to be visited

Name Design innovation centre TITANIKAS Short Design Innovations Centre is a division of Vilnius Academy of Arts description established in 2005 with the aim to promote collaboration between Vilnius Academy of Arts and business sector and education structures. TITANIKAS seeks to promote young designers nationally and internationally, to increase the competences and skills of professionals in design sector. Link http://www.titanikas.com/en http://www.facebook.com/vda.titanikas

Name Arts Printing House Short Arts Printing House – first incubator of performing art, located in the Old description Town and established in a former printing-house dating back to 1805. The former printing-house reconstruction work is financed by EU structural funds and the City of Vilnius. ARTS PRINTING HOUSE strives to become the first infrastructural complex for creative industries in Lithuania. It aims to foster creativity and support performing arts NGOs. Link http://www.menuspaustuve.lt/

Name Arts Factory LOFTAS

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Short Arts Factory LOFTAS is an independent, non-profit cultural centre based description inside an old factory providing creative opportunities, outlets and events for the community including parties, fashion shows, educational seminars, film screenings and much more. Link www.menuspaustuve.lt

Name The Republic of Užupis Short The Republic of Užupis is a unique state inside the State. During the Study description visit to Užupis you will learn about social – economic phenomenon of the District. The participants will be introduced to the local symbols, rituals and their implications. Užupis is a naturally formed cluster of creative industries, world famous artistic ‘republic’; with its own Constitution, flags, anthem, calendar fests and cosmology. It has its own President, Prime Minister, Sheriff, 232 Ambassadors all over the world and a Patron - the bronze Angel in the main square symbolizing the rebirth of this city area. Link https://www.facebook.com/uzupis/

Name Rupert Short Rupert is a centre for Art and Education devoted to establishing close description cooperation between artists, thinkers, researchers, and other cultural actors through interdisciplinary programs and residencies. A knowledge- based platform for innovative creative production, Rupert integrates with the social and cultural framework of the city of Vilnius while simultaneously supporting a strong international focus. Link www.rupert.lt

Name Creative workshop BEEPART Short BEEPART, a unique community house, located in the Pilaitė district and a description platform for social innovation, which has a tremendous positive impact on urban development and the revitalisation of the Pilaitė residential area. Link www.beepart.lt

Name Vilnius Tech Park Short Vilnius Tech Park, located in Sapiega park, is a hub for startups and other description businesses engaged in the ICT industry in Lithuania. Tech Park assembles tech start-ups and businesses, investors (involving seed and venture funds), accelerators, businessmen and members of the creative industries under one roof. Full new technology ecosystem will be created in the Campus with competent members who are capable of completing the entire process from taking an innovative idea to a working business model and even the advertising for it 8

Link www.vilniustechpark.lt

Name Urban Gardens of Antakalniečiai Short Antakalniečių sodai (Gardens of Antakalniečiai) – a unique initiative of the description local community which established large urban gardens in district. The goal of this initiative is to educate people to protect nature, to involve local communities into threshings, gardening and nurturing of the surrounding environment. The initial project grew into various related activities: celebration of traditional folk festivals, lectures, catering events, etc. Link http://www.slideshare.net/mindaugasdanys/urban-gardening-in-vilnius

Name Streets Alive Short „Gatvės gyvos“ („Streets Alive“) is a unique cultural initiative suggesting description residents of Vilnius city to discover urban spaces. Local people are invited to take part in free guided tours through the quarters of the town that are usually out of the touristic route and are considered to be trivial, insignificant. The main intention of „Streets Alive“ is to give the opportunity to every person, despite of financial or social situation, to explore and develop their knowledge about the urban space they inhabit. The initiative aims to become a unique platform for the cultural and social dialogue among the dwellers of Vilnius, to foster their interest on different problematics of the city. Link http://www.gatvesgyvos.lt/in-english/

Contacts in Vilnius

 Veronika Jaruševičiūtė Chief Officer of Culture Division, Vilnius City Administration [email protected], +370 5 211 2413

 Migle Paškevičiūtė Expert of Culture Division, Vilnius City Administration [email protected], +370 608 99403

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