The Minister of Culture attended the opening of the national pavilion at Venice Biennale and expressed strong support for Ukraine
Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė attended the opening of the Lithuanian national pavilion at the Venice Biennale Arte 2026.
This year, the Lithuanian pavilion is introducing artist Eglė Budvytytė’s work “gyva gyva-ta” (English: “animism sings anarchy”). The pavilion’s curator is Louise O’Kelly, and the commissioner – Lolita Jablonskienė. Lithuanian pavilion this year is organized by the Lithuanian National Museum of Art.
“By opening the Lithuanian pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, we reaffirm once again: art is more than just the result of creation. It is a language that connects people, strengthens unity, and helps us endure even in the most difficult times. Culture flourishes only when it meets and interacts with other cultures, rather than closing in on itself. Lithuania, like other nations, by being here together with its partners, expresses a clear position: culture must not be surrendered to aggression. Our presence here is a sign of solidarity and responsibility,” said Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė at the official opening of the Lithuanian pavilion. She also expressed strong support for Ukraine and its people, who are fighting for freedom and dignity, noting that culture in this struggle preserves identity, strengthens the spirit, and gives hope.
Vaida Aleknavičienė participated in a discussion “Manifesto of Security Guarantees for Ukrainian culture”. At this event, a joint statement was adopted together with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna, as well as official representatives from other countries. The statement condemns russia’s systematic war against Ukrainian culture, identity, and historical memory, and calls on the international community to support sanctions and prevent the aggressor from participating in important global cultural events.
“Creative freedom is a fundamental value, so we cannot allow it to be manipulated to justify aggression or ‘whitewash’ war crimes. Lithuania’s historical experience and the Soviet occupation we endured allow us to immediately recognize the mechanisms of cultural repression and propaganda. We strongly advocate for a system of international support for the restoration of Ukrainian culture – ranging from the protection of cultural heritage and the documentation of war crimes to long-term funding and support for Ukrainian creators,” emphasized Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė.
Last updated: 07-05-2026
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