Agnietė Lisičkinaitė: Hands Up. Photo by D. Matvejev

Members of Lithuania’s cultural sector have issued an urgent call for solidarity from cultural organisations and networks across Europe, expressing deep concern over recent political developments that threaten democratic values, freedom of expression, and cultural autonomy in the country.

On 23 September, a broad coalition of artists, scholars, and cultural workers formed the Lithuanian Cultural Assembly to oppose the transfer of the Ministry of Culture to the populist party Nemuno Aušra. The group warns against the party's exclusionary, nationalist and Eurosceptic rhetoric, raising fears of political influence over cultural policy, public broadcasting, and disinformation-prevention strategies. They warn that such a shift could lead to censorship, marginalisation of minority voices, and pressure on artistic freedom.

The Assembly emphasises that similar patterns have been observed in other European countries, where cultural institutions and media were targeted early in democratic backsliding. “Culture is not a bargaining chip,” the statement reads. “It is the foundation where democratic values are shaped, defended, and sustained.”

Protest Month: “We Are Culture”

As discussions around the ministry’s future continue without a clear resolution, the cultural community has announced a month of coordinated public actions under the banner We Are Culture. Planned initiatives include the establishment of a new cultural assembly in Kaunas and a large gathering in Vilnius on 21 November, bringing together artists and representatives of other social sectors in a collective performance and public demonstration.

Call for International Support

EDN stands with the Lithuanian Cultural Assembly, joining its call to defend artistic freedom, minority rights, and democratic cultural governance in Lithuania. As an EU network for dance committed to creating spaces for open dialogue, exchange, and solidarity, we call for political recognition of culture as open, porous, plural, and grounded in democratic values.