1st Aukštaitija Cultural Assembly

Akee supports, connects, and invites!
On December 17th at 6:00 PM in Panevėžys, in the new “Garsas” cinema hall of the contemporary art museum Stasys Museum, the first Aukštaitija Cultural Assembly will take place.

After the wave of protests by the cultural community—and with our determination to defend democratic values and protect culture from those who see it merely as an obstacle to personal ambition still strong—we are gathering for the Aukštaitija Cultural Assembly. We will meet to get acquainted, to listen to one another, and to clearly voice what we seek as a region, what we believe in, and what kind of future for Lithuanian culture we want to create.

Here we will talk about the cultural situation in Aukštaitija, about the pressure, fear, and anxiety that people in our region face today. But even more so—about courage, responsibility, and the necessity to speak, create, and act.

During the Assembly, presentations will be given that reveal our mission, key ideas, goals, and upcoming plans. The regulations of the Aukštaitija Cultural Assembly will be read, and the Assembly’s initiative group will be approved. We will meet people from various towns and cities across Aukštaitija with whom we hope to jointly shape and implement the region’s cultural vision. We will also welcome guests from the Lithuanian Cultural Assembly’s initiative group, who will share their experience and insights.

We believe this evening will set the direction for future creative initiatives in Aukštaitija and remind each of us that culture is not a pleasant decoration of life but the backbone of a democratic state. There will also be artistic and creative surprises, as well as an open-mic session where anyone may share their thoughts, concerns, or ideas.

The Aukštaitija Cultural Assembly is being born in Panevėžys, but it will grow as it travels through various towns and villages of the region, bringing together people who safeguard freedom, culture, and humanity.

Culture is us—and you. Let us meet and take responsibility for its future.

The Aukštaitija Cultural Assembly will be moderated by Donatas Puslys. The event may be photographed and filmed.