News

In February 2009 Lithuania will present a wide cultural program in Israel. On 15-20 February the 24th Jerusalem International Book Fair will take place in Jerusalem International Convention Center. A wide collection of the most important recent publications, reflecting  Lithuanian culture, art, literature and newest scientific researches will be displayed in the Lithuanian stand which will catch the visitor’s eye both by its huge proportions and its visual expression. The visual part of the Lithuanian stand is created by one of the  leading contemporary Lithuanian artists’ Saulius Valius.

There are going to be lots of other cultural events in the framework of the book fair. Lithuanian literature, history, yiddish culture will be discussed in seminars; book presentations, poetry readings will take place at the Lithuanian stand. Famous Lithuanian intelectuals, writers, philosophers and scientists, such as Leonidas Donskis, Tomas Venclova, Saulius Sužiedėlis, Herkus Kunčius, Sigitas Parulskis, Irena Veisaite  will participate at the seminars and discussions.

Exhibition of contemporary Lithuanian photography,  installation and video “(Re)collection” (curator Agnė Narušytė) will be open from 14 February to 21 March  in Jerusalem Artists’ House.  Three distinguished Lithuanian photographers Gintautas Trimakas, Artūras Valiauga ir Ugnius Gelguda examine in their works effects and mechanisms of memory.

Lithuanian jazz is to be heard both in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Two different but equally interesting projects will be presented to Israeli public. Arkadijus Gotesmanas, Petras Vyšniauskas, Juozas Milašius will play in the project “philosophy readings” where jazz music is combined with  Martin Buber texts, read by leading Lithuanian philosopher Leonidas Donskis. Famous musician and composer Vyacheslav Ganelin, currently residing in Israel, will play together with Arkadijus Gotesmanas, Petras Vyšniauskas, Juozas Milašius trio in Jerusalem Culture house.

Lithuanian  feature film “Freedom” by  Šarūnas Bartas will open the Lithuanian film program on February 17, 2009 in Jerusalem cinemateque. The Lithuanian film week in Israel consists of the best feature films and documentaries of recent years, presented by well known, established directors, as well as the younger ones. The subject of the films range from everyday life in Lithuania to more universal problems and existential questions. Lithuanian film program will be presented in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv cinemateques.

The last event of the Lithuanian culture presentation in Israel – two Lithuanian modern dance performances Salamandra’s Dream. Picture and Trimatrix. Three movements in the prestigiuos Suzanne Dellal dance center featuring an acclaimed Lithuanian dancer Lora Juodkaitė will take place on 23 February.

The program is presented by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania in cooperation with Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the State of Israel. The program is implemented by the International Cultural Programme Centre and Books from Lithuania.