Lithuania continues to support Ukraine's cultural sector: more than 70 specialists will develop their professional skills this year
Considering the needs of the Ukrainian cultural sector and proven practices, the Ministry of Culture is continuing the program "Professional Development Programme for Ukrainian Cultural Workers" in 2026. This initiative is one of the actions of the international “Culture Resilience Alliance”, which was established in July 2025 during the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome.
This year, more than 70 restorers and librarians from various fields in Ukraine will undergo training and improve their qualifications in Lithuania. 100,000 euros have been allocated for the implementation of the programme. Ukrainian specialists will have the opportunity to learn about the latest working methods and technologies at the National Museum of Lithuania, the Pranas Gudynas Conservation Centre of the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, and programmes curated by the Klaipėda County Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library in regional public libraries.
"The Ukrainian cultural sector today faces a double challenge: to preserve its cultural heritage in wartime and, at the same time, to modernize its institutions in preparation for membership in the European Union. There is a visible need to replace outdated, often still Soviet, standards with modern, Western methodologies. Lithuania, having walked this path of transformation, can and must share its expert experience. Our goal is to provide colleagues with the tools and knowledge that will allow them not only to reconstruct what has been destroyed but also to create a contemporary, open, and democratic culture of the future," says Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė.
The Lithuanian experience serves as a bridge, helping to adopt EU practices and the most effective global solutions in restoration and librarianship.
The program successfully launched in 2025; over the past year, 94 specialists interned in Lithuania: 27 cultural heritage restorers, 56 librarians, and 11 museum professionals.
This year's programme will continue to focus on strengthening practical skills, work with contemporary equipment, and expert consultations, which are essential for Ukraine’s efforts in cultural heritage preservation and institutional leadership.
Pranas Gudynas Conservation Centre in a photo by Robertas Riabovas / BNS
Last updated: 15-01-2026
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