Lithuania's presidential office hosts discussions on cultural policy law

VILNIUS – Representatives of various institutions and communities and also experts on Monday started discussions at the Lithuanian's presidential office on a framework law on the country's cultural policy.

Antanas Bubnelis, an adviser to President Gitanas Nauseda, says experts have been involved in the discussions to avoid any possible mistakes while drafting the bill.

"The goal is to exchange opinions about the law, and discuss which legal provisions should be amended. The presidential office's role is that of a moderator," Bubnelis told BNS Lithuania.

The forum is a continuous series of regular meetings, opening the doors of the presidential office for important discussions on cultural matters.

A second forum of this kind is planned in late August as well, dedicated to the formation of a historic memory policy.

"It will be dedicated to heritage, historic memory, and these are all burning issues related to street names and memorial plaques. The president believes, first of all, discussions are necessary on how to immortalize heritage to ensure smooth and constructive resolution of these issues," the representative of the presidential communication group said.

In July, the Ministry of Culture finished drafting the framework law on the country's cultural policy and plans to put forward it to the government following public discussions.

Later on, the Semas will vote on the bill.

Those behind the law say they want to cultural institutions more accessible, to create a funding model linked to cultural institutions' activity results and the specifics of the cultural sector, and also increase state and municipal support for culture.