Simonas Kairys and French Institute’s President Eva Nguyen Binh discussed preparation for Lithuanian season in France
Today, on 1 December, the Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys met with the President of the French Institute Eva Nguyen Binh who is currently visiting Lithuania. During the meeting, the most important aspects of the preparation for the upcoming season of Lithuania, which will take place in France in 2024, were discussed.
Simonas Kairys thanked Eva Nguyen Binh for the French Institute’s sizable contribution to the building of relations between the cultural institutions of Lithuania and France. According to the Minister of Culture, thanks to the emerging partnerships with highly significant cultural institutions of France, it can be reasonably concluded that the involvement from France’s side is very active, while the established relationship will be sustainable and long-term.
“Looking at the partners of the upcoming season in France, we can already say with certainty that a lot of work has already been done. For our part, we look at this event not as a one-time project but as a great opportunity that will lay the groundwork for further cooperation and various cultural and other initiatives in the future”, Kairys notes. “Taking into consideration the immense significance of this event, 3.124 million euros are planned to be allocated for the season of Lithuania in France from the state’s next year’s budget. This investment will be complemented by a contribution from France’s side and the involvement of cultural organisations. This will be the largest Lithuanian cultural project occurring abroad and involving international cooperation”.
“The motto of next year’s season of Lithuania in France is “See yourself in the other / Se voir en l‘autre”. The Minister of Culture emphasised that this motto also reflects a geopolitical narrative which is important to Lithuania: we are connected not just by the common idea of Europeanness, but also by the necessity to solve sensitive and relevant issues that arise today.
“The war against Ukraine encourages us to even more actively change the views of our region from the perspective of larger geopolitical powers. Like France, we are a country which nurtures and defends the fundamental values of the European Union; moreover, we stand out from the other EU members due to our spirited euro-optimism. Through the path of dialogue with the partners from France, we would like to introduce the modern Lithuania and its values and aims. This is particularly important today, when we all must solve the greatest European and global challenges together”, Kairys claims.
Simonas Kairys presented the President of the French Institute Eva Nguyen Binh with a symbolic flag carrying the 2024 logo of the season of Lithuania in France.
The season of Lithuania in France will be held from 12 September until 12 December 2024 in the entire country of France. The season is implemented by the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the French Institute, who also involve the cultural, business and education institutions in Lithuania and France.
Photo by Gintarė Grigėnaitė
Last updated: 07-12-2023