Ukrainian artists in Lithuania: emigrant previously receives scholarships on condition that they create about Lithuania Culture
The Ukrainians themselves speak
Valentynas Odnoviunas, a photographer and one of the founders of the Ukrainian House in Lithuania, raised the long-standing problem of issuing LKT scholarships to foreign artists living in Lithuania. He asked what are the prospects for Ukrainians who want to stay or already live in Lithuania? Would it be possible to create not only about Lithuania?
“I have been living in Lithuania for many years. to get a scholarship, people apply for projects about Lithuania, show the country’s culture or place. It seems to me that this is not very suitable for incoming Ukrainians. It is best for them to be bridges between cultures and to do projects about the interaction between Ukraine and Lithuania, or to be able to choose more freely what they are creating and not close in a village. ” 15min said the artist.
“If I am a Ukrainian with the status of an artist, am I a Lithuanian or Ukrainian artist? What should I create about? I started receiving the scholarship in 2019, but I have been living in Lithuania since 2013, ”she shared her experience.
He also suggested closer cooperation with the Ukrainian Cultural Support Fund, which he had just set up. Also said the February extension after 24 days. established a scholarship to receive up to 6 months to come from Ukraine to settle down.
Critic Svitlana Liakhovets, who had previously arrived in Lithuania, also supported this. She noted: “We have a close friendship, but from a cultural perspective we know little about each other.”
In her view, it should be possible to create more cultural content for the emerging Ukrainian community in Lithuania.
According to statistics, 800 artists from Ukraine stayed in Lithuania.
There are two scholarships
LKT spokeswoman Goda Dapšytė explained that there are two financing instruments available to Ukrainians in Lithuania.
The first is long-established individual and educational scholarships, and the second is after February 24. special scholarships for Ukrainians have been established. G.Dapšytė 15min noted that this is not about nationalities but about nationalities.
“In the first scholarship program, there was always a provision that a citizen of any state can claim (there are restrictions for that). But the object of activity must be Lithuanian culture and art. The new tool, which we launched in early April, is already available only to Ukrainian developers. In addition, there are no restrictions on their field of activity, except that cooperation with local organizations is encouraged. “
According to G. Dapšytė, it is not planned to allow those receiving permanent scholarships to create more than just about Lithuania. “The situation is constantly changing,” she added.
Scholarship scheme for Ukrainian developers
Dainius Babilas, a member of the Lithuanian Culture Council, sees how certain forms of aid really work: “You want to move your mind to the beginning of the invasion. The LCT had just gathered that morning to discuss the strategy, then we talked about the script from the first hours. The starting point was the desire of the Ukrainians to return home, which they cannot do now. “
A total of 125 Lithuanian organizations responded in Lithuania, and later the scholarship program was launched. According to Babil, the number may be very small, but we have already received 27 applications: “We should not think that this is irrelevant and insignificant, because those who have arrived still need to catch up.”
“This is not just money for people, because the LCT pays attention to people’s cooperation with Lithuanian cultural institutions. Then this program is a search for mutual benefits – after all, Ukrainians can give a lot to Lithuania. After all, in 30 years we have not had such a good opportunity to create international communication in Lithuania.
Lithuania’s friendly relations with Ukraine
Asked about the most important means of cooperation, Deputy Minister of Culture Vygintas Gasparavičius said:
“The last visit of the Minister was the most visible, but it was not the only meeting with Ukrainian cultural policy. Even before the active phase of the war, communication was quite close. As a result, on February 24. we knew what to do. “
“The Lublin format – Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine – is certainly not accidental, so these countries strongly support Ukraine. The Baltic countries, Romania and the Czech Republic should not be forgotten either. “
V.Gasparavičius reminded of various institutional initiatives aimed at the people who came here, which Ukraine did not specifically ask for, from charity concerts to the support of the LCT.
We find a common name – how not to offend our developers, but to accept collectives from Ukraine.
He noted that the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture is asking for help in combating Russian propaganda, Russia’s soft power – blocking the television channel and helping to advocate for Ukraine in the European Union. The touring and working opportunities of Ukrainian artists in Lithuania are also important to them.
“We really find a common name – how not to harm our creators, but to accept teams from Ukraine,” said V.Gasparavičius.