Vice-Minister Vygintas Gasparavičius: Development of the creative industries accelerates the general progress of countries
Vygintas Gasparavičius, Vice-Minister of Culture, made a working visit to the Netherlands on 11–12 April.
In cultural, arts and academic institutions in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Vice-Minister became acquainted with development strategies, programmes and funding mechanisms for the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector as well as tools, operating models for various organisations and different cultural initiatives of communities.
"An ever-greater portion of the economy of advanced countries is composed of the cultural and creative industries, related to art, design, architecture and media. CCI affects the economic system not only through the main economic statistical indicators, but also indirectly: the creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation cultivated by the sector encourages not only its own development, but also contributes to the growth of other sectors, too. The experience of the Netherlands can be put to use in Lithuania," says Vice-Minister Gasparavičius.
CCI ranks among the high-priority economic areas in the Netherlands. Much attention is paid to encouraging creative abilities among young people, the sector's influence on the circular economy is recognised, as is its potential to help solve social challenges (youth unemployment, the ageing of society, emotional health and so on).
The Vice-Minister also learned about the experience of the Netherlands in using the creative industries for projects to regenerate cities and neighbourhoods as well as the evolving ArtTech / CreaTech ecosystem.
At the University of Amsterdam, Vice-Minister Gasparavičius gave a lecture, Cultural Policy in Wartime, and participated in a discussion with students. In his presentation, the Vice-Minister emphasised the soft power of culture in time of war, and discussed the importance of recognising propaganda and false narratives for strengthening society's resilience in the face of war as well as the importance of supporting Ukraine's culture.
The visit of Vice-Minister of Culture Gasparavičius was organised with assistance from the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Last updated: 25-04-2023