Minister of Culture Kairys urged the 2023 European capitals of culture: "Share the stage with Ukraine's artists"
At a ceremony held in Athens (Greece), the 2022 European capitals of culture symbolically passed the title to the 2023 European capitals of culture: Elefsina (Greece), Timisoara (Romania) and Veszprém (Hungary).
Participating in the ceremony to hand over the title of capital of culture, Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys said that today the idea behind the European capitals of culture is more important than ever.
"In 2022, we saw extremely valuable initiatives, when European capitals of culture also became a platform for Ukraine's creative artists. That has been meaningful not only from an artistic point of view, but first and foremost as a sign of support and solidarity with Ukraine. Each appearance of Ukrainian artists is at the same time a confirmation that they continue to fight. They continue their lives and continue to create a stronger Ukraine and a stronger world," said Minister of Culture Kairys. "I call on the 2023 European capitals of culture to continue this mission and to share their stage with Ukraine's artists."
Minister of Culture Kairys also expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the successful implementation of the 2022 European Capital of Culture programmes in Kaunas, Novi Sad (Serbia) and Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg). He stated that the successful programmes reinforced the relationship with the local communities, reminded us of our common European values, and quickened the cultural pulse. "More culture means more creativity, more critical thinking, more freedom. These are values which can shape a better future and a better world," Minister of Culture Kairys said at the ceremony.
During the visit to Athens, the minister met with the Minister of Culture and Sports of Greece, Lina Mendoni. During their meeting, the Kaunas 2022 programme was discussed, observations on the future of the European capitals of culture project were shared, and cultural connections between Lithuania and Greece were discussed.
The idea for the European capital of culture programme occurred almost four decades ago to then-Minister of Culture and Sports of Greece, Melina Mercouri, together with then-Minister of Culture of France, Jack Lang. In 1985, Athens was declared the first European capital of culture.
Photograph courtesy of Kaunas 2022
Last updated: 25-04-2023