Source: Kultūros asamblėja.
Culture at Risk: A Call for Solidarity from Lithuania
We, members of Lithuania’s cultural sector – including artists, scholars, and cultural workers gathered in protest – write to draw your attention to alarming developments in our country’s political and cultural life that threaten European democratic values, minority rights, freedom of expression, and cultural autonomy. We respectfully seek your attention, expertise, and possible public support.
What is happening
On September 23, Lithuania’s cultural community formed an assembly to oppose the transfer of the Ministry of Culture to the populist party Nemuno Aušra (“Dawn of Nemunas”).
Nemuno Aušra is a pro-Russian party which employs a divisive and violent nationalist, Eurosceptic, and anti-Semitic rhetoric that undermines social trust, democratic values, and minority rights. Nemuno Aušra’s leader has already been found in breach of constitutional oath, raising doubts about their respect for democratic norms.Its growing influence over cultural policy raises the risk of censorship, marginalization of minority voices, distortion of historical memory, deepening polarization, and greater Kremlin influence. Moreover, that the Ministry of Culture functions include the supervision of the national broadcasting and media and decisions on the disinformation-prevention policy: this handover is also a direct threat to the freedom of speech.
This handover is the result of cynical political bargaining that places Lithuania’s culture in the hands of a party lacking cultural expertise and promoting exclusionary rhetoric. We insist that culture must not be reduced to a bargaining chip. It is both the foundation of our democratic values and the battlefield where those values are defended.
We call on civic society in Lithuania and across Europe to stand with us in defending these shared values. The sequence of events unfolding in Lithuania mirrors those in Hungary, Slovakia, and Georgia, where pro-Kremlin, anti-democratic forces seized control of culture, media, and communication to subjugate free societies. We stand now to prevent that outcome here.
Why this matters
Cultural policy is never neutral. Who shapes it, and on what basis, determines how history, identity, diversity, and values are expressed and preserved.
Freedom of artistic expression. When cultural leadership is politicized to serve ideology, dissenting voices, minorities, and non-conforming art are silenced.
Democratic and constitutional norms. Nemuno Aušra’s leader has already been found in breach of constitutional obligations, raising doubts about their respect for democratic norms.
Social cohesion and minority rights. Anti-Semitic and discriminatory rhetoric threatens Jewish communities, other minorities, and Lithuania’s ability to uphold international obligations.
How your organization and the international community can help
- Issue public statements urging respect for constitutional norms, minority rights, and cultural freedom in Lithuania and Europe.
- Express solidarity by sharing the sign “Culture at Risk” on your platforms.
- Facilitate forums or workshops on cultural policy, pluralism, memory, and historical truth to foster dialogue.
- Monitor the situation and engage with Lithuanian authorities to stress the importance of safeguarding cultural freedoms in line with European and international commitments.
Culture is at risk! This may be the last time!
Protest month
As the struggle to separate Nemuno aušra from the Ministry of Culture continues, the cultural community and its supporting sectors are announcing a protest month titled “We Are Culture.”
Throughout the protest month, various initiatives are planned — among them, the establishment of the Kaunas Assembly next Wednesday, October 28. The final chord of the protest month will be an event in Vilnius on November 21, featuring representatives of the agricultural sector participating with heavy machinery in a joint performance with Lithuanian jazz and contemporary music ensembles.
The first month of resistance against the exchange of the Ministry of Culture — which united a broad community that regards culture as the foundation of democracy and statehood — did not bring the desired political results. After the congress of the Social Democratic Party, it was announced that the ministry would come under its authority; however, there is still no clear answer as to whether representatives of Nemuno aušra will participate in the governance of the Ministry of Culture. The appointment process for the minister is being delayed, and the dialogue with the cultural community remains only an imitation.
The intersectoral assembly held last week served as yet another confirmation — manipulation and the simulation of dialogue are also being applied in the fields of health, education, sports, agriculture, environmental protection, and others.
We encourage everyone not to take off protest signs and to continue standing together.
MANIFESTO of the Lithuanian Cultural Assembly Initiative Group:
This is not the first time we have come together for a shared goal.
But this may be the last time that…
culture is the common language we all share;
culture inspires us, nurtures us, and gives us courage;
culture unites us in maturity, responsibility, and strength;
we freely invite culture into our theatres, libraries, museums, cinemas, and concert halls;
culture is everywhere: in our cities, towns, villages, and courtyards;
culture gives meaning to our future;
culture belongs to everyone and each of us – not just “them.”
This may be the last time that…
we are united;
we believe in community;
we take to the streets and squares;
we stand up against contempt, chaos, and lies;
we speak out loudly for freedom and democracy;
we are free to name Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis and hear The Sea;
we declare a firm “no” to nemuno aušra at the Ministry of Culture.
THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME we strike for Lithuania.
THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME we create and gather freely.