Ukrainian artists in Lithuania granted €126,000

Viktorija JaškauskaitėMarch 14, 2025
Ukrainian artists in Lithuania granted €126,000
Lesia Synychenko
Photo from personal archive.

Aiming to support creative work and enhance collaboration with local organisations, in 2024, the Lithuanian Council for Culture awarded 70 grants to Ukrainian artists who have taken refuge in Lithuania. The grant recipients were allocated €126,000 and have since hosted theatre performances, concerts, and workshops, contributing to the country's culture. Following the launch of the grant initiative in April 2022, the Council has awarded a total of 280 grants, amounting to €504,000. The grants went to 187 people.

Ukrainian artists in Lithuania: grant dynamics 2024

The grants awarded to Ukrainian artists in 2024 provided them with the opportunity to not only continue their creative work but also build new connections with the Lithuanian cultural community and showcase their art to local audiences. The highest number of grants went to musicians, with 22 grants awarded, totalling €39,600. Theatre and fine arts artists each received 10 grants, totalling €18,000, while interdisciplinary artists were awarded 6 grants, amounting to €10,800.

The grants were distributed to creators living in different parts of Lithuania, with the majority residing in Vilnius (52%), followed by Klaipėda (16%), Kaunas (13%), and Šiauliai (7%). The remaining 12% of the grantees reside in other cities.

The three-year measure to fund Ukrainian artists has been transformed into an internship programme. The Lithuanian Council for Culture now invites Ukrainians who continue their work in the country to submit applications for individual, emerging artist, or mobility grants.

Types of cultural cooperation: from teaching the language to visual storytelling

Ukrainian artists who received grants from the Lithuanian Council for Culture have carried out various projects that showcased their creativity and strengthened the cultural connections between Lithuania and Ukraine. They have organised and hosted events, concerts, and exhibitions. Below are the details of some of the activities. 

Larysa Sydorenko hosts the Language Unites event, 2024.

Larysa Sydorenko hosts the Language Unites event, 2024.

Photo from personal archive.

 

Larysa Sydorenko's Language Unites project, held at the Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library of Klaipėda County, brought together people of various nationalities who are interested in learning about the Ukrainian language and culture. Over the course of three months, nine interactive events were held in Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and English. Participants came from diverse backgrounds and age groups, from accountants and sailors to senior citizens. Throughout the project, L. Sydorenko showcased Ukrainian folk traditions, national clothing, art, poetry, and cuisine. She also focused on teaching the language, preparing educational materials, leading discussions, and organising group activities.

Meanwhile, artist Serge Ra created a series of 19 paintings titled Lithuania in the Paintings of a Ukrainian Artist, which was initially showcased at the Marijampolė Cultural Center and later displayed in Kazlų Rūda. This series highlighted Lithuanian landscapes and cities through the perspective of a Ukrainian, capturing the beauty of nature by blending traditional and modern painting styles. During the exhibitions, the paintings were available for purchase, with the proceeds being donated to Ukraine.

Serge Ra, Pond at Tiesenhausen Manor, 2024.

Serge Ra, Pond at Tiesenhausen Manor, 2024.

Photo from personal archive.

 

At the Šiauliai Nights festival, artist Lesia Synychenko showcased her textile installation titled Safe Territory. In this project, she explored the legacy of subconscious memories and emotions through textured and embroidered fabric elements. The installation created a cosy and safe space, encouraging visitors to engage in both inward and visual reflection. The installation was enhanced by graphic works featuring natural motifs and historical associations. Safe Territory is not confined to Šiauliai, though, and the artist plans to present the project in Kyiv in 2025.

Lesia Synychenko and her textile installation, 2024.

Lesia Synychenko and her textile installation, 2024.

Photo from personal archive.

 

On International Jazz Day, percussionist Oleksii Gumilia performed with the Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra, adding Latin American and Indian rhythms to the performance. The percussionist's performance, where his musical ideas and creative input brought new dimensions to the orchestra's sound, was well received by the audience. Additionally, O. Gumilia participated in the Big Band Festival Šiauliai and the Music Parade in Klaipėda, performing alongside other renowned musicians. His performances not only contributed to the Lithuanian jazz scene but also provided an educational experience for young musicians. The percussionist intends to continue his collaboration with the Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra.

Oleksii Gumilia and the Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra, 2024.

Oleksii Gumilia and the Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra, 2024.

Photo from personal archive.

 

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Lithuanian Council for Culture has provided Ukrainian artists with the opportunity to continue their work in a safe environment. The initiative helped strengthen cultural ties between Lithuania and Ukraine, enriched local art spaces, and encouraged a broader audience to engage in discussions about creativity, identity, and solidarity. 

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