Major work done in preparation for Lithuanian season in France– minister

VILNIUS - A great deal of work has already been done in preparation for next year's season of Lithuania in France, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys said on Friday after meeting with Eva Nguyen Binh, president of the French Institute, in Vilnius.

They discussed the highlights of next year's season, and Kairys also thanked her for the institute's significant contribution to building links between Lithuanian and French cultural organizations.

"Looking at our partners in France for the next season, we can already say with confidence that a lot of work has already been done. We, in turn, do not see this event as a one-off project, but as a great opportunity to lay the foundations for further cooperation and various cultural and other initiatives in the future," Kairys said.

Given the great significance of this event, next year's state budget will allocate 3.124 million euros for the season of Lithuania in France, on top of the contribution from the French side and the involvement of cultural organizations, the minister said.

The motto of next year's season is "The Other Same / Se voir en l'autre". Kairys stressed that this slogan also reflects a geopolitical narrative that is important for Lithuania as we are united not only by a common idea of Europeanness, but also by the need to jointly address the sensitive and topical issues that arise today.

"The war against Ukraine encourages us to change our approach to our region from the perspective of larger geopolitical powers. Like France, we are a country that upholds and defends the fundamental values of the European Union, and we are distinguished from other EU members by our vigorous Euro-optimism. We want to present contemporary Lithuania and its values and aspirations by means of dialogue with our French partners. This is particularly important today when we all need to tackle the biggest challenges facing Europe and the world together," Kairys said.

The culture minister also presented a symbolic flag with the logo of Lithuania's season in France 2024 to Nguyen Binh.

The season of Lithuania in France will take place from September 12 to December 12, 2024 throughout France. The project is being implemented by the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the French Institute, and also involves cultural, business and educational organizations in Lithuania and France.