“CULTURE live”: Vilnius 2009 presentation

07.02.2007

Programme concept presented to the public on 1st February in Vilnius under the motto “CULTURE live”.

699 days before the start of the Capital of Culture year, the first presentation of the concept for the programme for Vilnius took place in Vilnius.

Under the slogan “CULTURE live” the Lithuanian capital was presented as a modern Capital of Culture: “We see our mission as to create an opportunity for a new European cultural experience in which culture becomes a significant part of everyday life,” said Executive Director Rūta Vanagaitė. Mayor Artūras Zuokas repeated at the press conference that being called a Capital of Culture was one of the most significant events in the history of the young people of Vilnius. All the residents of Vilnius and Lithuania could become messengers for the Capital of Culture.
The “Aperitif” programme beginning in 2007 is to be a starter for 2009. There will be a “Night of European Culture” in June, national and international artists will display their works at unconventional sites in the city in September, “Lux”, a festival of light, is planned for November and there will be a meeting of all the ambassadors of Vilnius Capital of Culture in December.

The event manager, Giedrė Kabašinskienė has been in office since autumn 2006 and introduced a top-flight team of experts at the press conference: Executive Director Rūta Vanagaitė, Programme Director Elona Bajorinienė and Marketing and Communications Director Irena Garbėnienė, currently supported by six colleagues. By the end of the year, the team should have grown to a total of 20 people.

The new Vilnius 2009 website also went live on 1st February and can be found at www.vilnius2009.lt or www.culturelive09.lt.