Kubin in Vilnius, New Women’s Power, 14,000-Voice Chorus July 20, 2007

“Alfred Kubin – Another Side to Reality,” an exhibition currently running at the Lithuanian Art Museum’s Vilnius Picture Gallery, is the first collaborative project to emerge from the alliance of the Landesmuseen-Museums of the Province of Upper Austria and the Lithuanian National Museum. It’s also the first major show in Lithuania of works by Alfred Kubin (1877–1959), one of the most important graphic artists and illustrators in European art history. “The selection of the 70 graphics and drawings for the Vilnius exhibition was made according to narrative criteria in light of the fact that Lithuanian culture attributes very high value to narration and literary qualities,” noted Landesmuseen Director Dr. Peter Assmann. The vernissage in late June was attended by Lithuanian Minister of Culture Jonas Juèas, Vilnius Mayor Juozas Imbrasas and Austrian Ambassador to Lithuania Andrea Wicke. The diplomat, who grew up in Upper Austria, was pleased that “collaboration between Linz and Vilnius has gotten off to such a wonderful start.” Upcoming projects that will be produced jointly by the Landesmuseen and the Lithuanian National Museum include an exhibit about Lithuanian Christmas customs in Linz’s Schlossmuseum (December 2008 – February 2009), an exhibition of European landscape paintings from both country’s collections entitled “Longing for Nature. Europe’s Landscapes” (Vilnius: February – May 2009, Linz: June – December 2009), as well as an exhibit showcasing Lithuanian amber at Linz’s Biology Center (March – September 2009).

As one of over 40 events on the programme of the Night of European Culture (June 22-23) initiated by Vilnius 2009, the Kubin exhibition remained open until 1 AM for a late-night “Kubin Reading with Piano Music” featuring actress Jûratë Vilûnaitë reading selected chapters from Kubin’s novel “The Other Side” that had been translated into Lithuanian expressly for this occasion. “Let There Be Night!” was the maxim, and more than 120,000 culture enthusiasts answered the call. The nocturnal lineup included the installation “Green Fluxus Bridge,” heathen-style fires along the Neris River, silent prayer in the Church of St. Bernard, open-air cinema, improvisational theater, and dance beneath the stars.

High-powered, successful career women take the helm at Vilnius 2009: Elona Bajorinienë, who had previously held the post of programme director and has been interim CEO since May, was officially appointed director of Vilnius 2009 in mid-July. Elona Bajorinienë worked for over a decade in the field of cultural journalism, and served for many years as cultural advisor to many different government institutions. Since 1997, she has also made quite a name for herself in the field of international cultural management. She now heads a 19-person staff that will grow to 35 by 2009. Dalia Bankauskaitë, who has been the new executive director since early July, has extensive experience in the communications and marketing fields both in Lithuania and abroad. Both positions had to be refilled after the two women who had previously held them left office at the end of May.

By the way: A 14,000-voice chorus resounded at the grand concert event that concluded the 17th Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival recently held in Vilnius’ Vingis Park. Lithuania’s best amateur singers—most of them under the age of 20—covered a stylistic spectrum that ranged from the multi-voice polyphonies of traditional Lithuanian sutartinës to folk songs updated with jazz and rock elements. The Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival is normally held every four years, but the next one is set for 2009 to coincide with Lithuania’s millennium celebration and the capital of culture year. In 2003, UNESCO proclaimed "The Baltic Song and Dance Celebrations" (Multinational masterpiece: Lithuania - Estonia - Latvia) as "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."

(Translation commissioned by Linz09)

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