new spaces, ambitious projects and the growing number of events

For the culture of the new space

« The growing city inevitably requires more culture. It is an integral part of our identity. Both large and smaller cultural projects find a place in our city. I believe that the investment of Kaunas infrastructure is equally important: renovated and new spaces become scenes worthy of creators, attractive cultural activities.

Investments in infrastructure upgrade and new construction contribute to the quality of higher cultural services and the inclusion of a wider audience. In the last few years, Kaunas has invested more than 100 million. EUR to projects for the city and the whole country.

Renewed Darius and Girėnas Stadium and the legendary Kaunas Sports Hall, the Dong Valley of the Deep Traditions, the latest epicenter of the Nemunas Island « Science Island » and the Old Town Pajiba Kaunas Town Hall. These spaces are increasingly open to culture – from thousands of global stars attracting thousands of crowds, festivals to community activities, initiatives, performances or rehearsals.

Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

The work does not end

The tribute to culture continues – ambitious projects are further developed. In the near future, Kaunas is preparing to announce a tender for the MK Čiurlionis Concert Center. If everything goes according to plan, construction will begin in the autumn of this year. The contract works are purchased according to the technical design prepared by the Paleko Archstudija Archstudija and Beyko Live Company Baltic Engineers. In total, as many as 119 teams of architects from 36 countries submitted proposals.

It will be one of the first high -level concert halls in Lithuania: the glass hood 23 thousand. sq.m. m building will rise on the left bank of the Nemunas, near Vytautas Magnus (Aleksotas) Bridge. It is planned that the classical music concert hall will accommodate 1.5 thousand. and 700 seats in the multifunctional hall are adapted to various events.

MK Čiurlionis Concert Center. Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

The Renaissance is also waiting for the Girstutis Cultural Center. It is intended to upgrade the facade, roof, interior and stage equipment. Inside, a spectator hall, waiting lounge over two floors. In the summer of 2007, it is expected to buy a rank and work is planned in 2026.

Girstutis. Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

Acceleration is also gained by overhaul at Kaunas Mikas Petrauskas Stage School – this year the city investment in the renovation of the premises is 1.3 million. euros. After reconstruction of the interwar building, it will become a modern space for music, dance and stage art. The adaptation of the historic Kurhaus building to the stage art is also provided.

Number of events aUgs

Kaunas strengthens its status as a cultural city. It is planned to hold more than 5 thousand. events – concerts, contests, conversations evenings, festivals, performances and other types of cultural activities. It is estimated to be almost 100 more than last year.

These are the celebrations organized by the city – celebrations of state and memorable dates, celebrities, creative anniversary, city birthday, aviation celebration, Christmas tree lighting and New Year celebrations. The city is bowed every year to the most prominent representatives of culture and art by organizing the Fortunai awards by awarding the Maironis, Culture and Art Prizes.

Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

A wide range of cultural events offers Kaunas residents subordinate institutions: Kaunas Culture Center, Artists’ House, Kaunas City Museum, Vincas Kudirka Public Library, Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra, Concert Institution Kaunas Santaka, Aura Dance Theater and others.

The culture of different countries and its traces in Kaunas are presented during events with foreign partners. In the city, the Month of Francophone, the Scandinavian Day started in April. The dose of culture and educations is waiting for the townspeople with « Know the Czech Republic in Kaunas », Italy and Japanese days. This year, concerts from Germany and Austria will be delighted by music lovers.

Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

Promotion of cultural initiatives

Each year, the municipality finances relevant cultural events available to each resident through the program « Initiatives for Kaunas » program for Kaunas. All projects are important: both the initiatives are organized for the first time and long -term continuing projects. Each of them – contributes to the variety of cultural life.

“New projects offer » fresh « cultural phenomena, and continued activities become integral to the city traditions. This year, the main directions were inclusive culture, international projects, and preservation of the legacy of the European Capital of Culture.

Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

It is gratifying that we have received many innovations, intercultural activities. Due to these initiatives, Kaunas becomes more open, providing freedom of expression to artists and creators, ”said Agnė Augone, Head of the Culture Department.

This year, 86 applications of culture were received, and more than half were funded. The projects implemented reflect the history of the city and the diverse cultural identity-from national minority communities-Ukrainian, German, Armenian, Jewish, Kaunas, Kaunas Center of Cultures-organized by the Center of various photographs to international photography, choirs, poetry and music festivals and concerts, 15th Kaunas Biennial.

Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

Great attention is also paid to the continuity of the activities of Kaunas – European Capital of Culture. Festivals « Contempo », « Audra », « Live letters » and « Kaunas Literature Week » will return to the city spaces. Also Kaunas State Musical Theater project Česlovas Sasnauskas. Requiem. The tribute was also given to the cinemas – the film festivals « Kino Spring » and « Scanorama » in Kaunas were contributed.

Photo by Kaunas City Municipality Administration

The projects are funded by the availability of events, the diversity of cultural supply and the involvement of the city community. The city allocated 750,000 to the cultural activities initiated by organizations. euros.