Lithuania PA
Lithuanian group met at the YLC to
discuss and debate about youth exchange topic. It was the first introduction to
Erasmus+ programme for most of the participants.
The impact of art
Recent studies on the impact of art on young people in Lithuania reveal several key benefits, especially in terms of mental health, emotional well-being, and social development. Engaging with the arts, whether through visual arts, music, or theater, offers young people opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. Research indicates that art-based interventions can improve youth mental health by providing an outlet for emotional release and helping build resilience, especially during stressful developmental phases.
In Lithuania, arts and culture are increasingly integrated into educational settings and mental health programs, as both educators and health professionals recognize their role in fostering psychological well-being and improving life skills. Programs that encourage artistic expression not only aid in reducing stress and anxiety but also promote critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration among peers ( https://youthstudies.fes.de/country-pages/lithuania.html ).
These findings align with global trends emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant art practices that resonate with young people. In Lithuania, further research is encouraged to assess the long-term effects of integrating the arts into youth-focused initiatives, especially within schools and community organizations.
( https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-023-03226-6 ).
Problem
Young people in Lithuania face several barriers that prevent them from participating in art activities:
- Financial limitations: Art activities, such as music lessons, art workshops, or theater programs, can be expensive. Many families struggle to afford these opportunities due to high costs for classes, materials, or event participation. Additionally, state funding for these activities is limited, which exacerbates inequalities between different social groups.
- Geographical challenges: In rural areas or smaller towns, there is often a lack of cultural institutions or art programs. Youth in these regions have fewer opportunities to engage in artistic activities compared to those in larger cities, where cultural infrastructure is more developed.
- Time constraints and academic pressure: Young people often feel pressured to focus on academic achievements, with art being seen as a secondary pursuit. The limited hours dedicated to art education in schools, combined with the demands of homework and exam preparation, leave little time for creative activities outside the classroom.
- Lack of awareness: Many young people and their families may not be aware of available art programs or subsidies for artistic engagement. This lack of information leads to lower participation rates.
These factors create barriers to full participation in the arts, and solutions include better funding, expanded infrastructure in rural areas, and increasing awareness and promotion of art education and programs.
Situation in our team
After the meeting, participants were given an individual task: to provide information about their personal experience with the arts and the impact of art on their lives.
Brigita: "Art can be like a reflection for people, which can inspire to create and calm the mind. Art allows us to express what is important. Art does not take up much space in my life, I don't really notice it but it is not separated from my everyday life, it has become a part of me:) "
"During this year I was at Širvintos festival, Vaidas Baumila performed there, Jovani performed at Molėtai festival, everything was free."
Emilija: "Doing makeup has always been an interesting activity. It really means a lot for me, because thats how I express myself. It always boosts my confindence and creativity. I have learnt that makeup doesnt have to be a basic one and its possible to make it special and unique."
"I really love going to the concerts and festivals as it works me as a therapy. Most of the time I try to find free events or volunteer in them. The most important that I get is good experience, perfect music and new friends. In these events I have attended this year and all of them were free."
Gabija: "Playing the piano changed me as a person because it develops creativity and patience. It also gave me the opportunity to express my emotions and feelings through music. Playing the piano was a great way for me to relax and escape from daily stress."
"I have attended the concert of "Jessica Shy" at the Širvintos city festival, which was free, as well as the concert of "Vaidas Baumila," which was also free. "
Juozas: "Woodworking has brought a sense of creativity and fulfillment to my life, giving me an outlet to build things with my hands. It helps me focus and relax, turning stressful days into moments of calm. Each project teaches me patience and problem-solving skills as I figure out how to bring my ideas to life. Overall, woodworking connects me to a tradition of craftsmanship, providing both joy and purpose in creating something meaningful."
Smilte: "I started playing piano and singing when I was 7 years old. I didn't like it, so I dropped it and tried doing art instead. I really enjoyed it and graduated from art school a few years ago. Right now, I practice traditional dances and occasionally paint."
Titas: "When I was little I had a lot of problems in my family life and in my own. I was troubled kid. Music meant to me everything, music was my healer. Thanks to music I learned to control my anger, feelings and get thru rough times."
"I was at summer ending concert In Kaunas. Essential performers of the young generation. It was not free it costed my 25€ but it was worth it because I was listening to new and unreleased works in the only summer closing concert under the open sky, in Kaunas, the capital of Lithuanian trap. I really liked there because the trappers were really kind and cool and gave inspiraion to move on and ,,reach for the stars" That concert was only 1 day long but felt like a month."
Ugne: "Art means to me the opportunity to express myself, my thoughts and feelings in a unique way. It is a space where I can find inspiration, escape from everyday life and create something beautiful or meaningful. Art is a multifaceted way of looking at the world, helping us see beauty in simple details and see deeper meaning in everyday things. It taught me to be open to my emotions and to have the courage to express myself authentically."
"Granatos Live 2024: Taking place from July 26-28 in Kaunas, this music festival celebrated its 10th edition with a diverse lineup of international and Lithuanian artists. It combines music with cultural experiences, set against the backdrop of the Lithuanian Ethnographic Museum, and emphasizessustainability and environmental responsibility . These festivals showcase the vibrant cultural scene in Lithuania, blending music, art, and performance in unique ways. arly bird prices started at approximately €79 for a standard three-day pass."
Urte: "My passion for art started when I was around 7, and my parents signed me up for music school to learn piano. After a year, I quit because I didn't enjoy it. I decided to try art instead and joined an art school, which was the best decision I ever made. I made some of my closest friends there and found a way to express myself creatively. After seven years, I graduated from the school. Now, I occasionally paint and draw to keep my creative side going."
"In 2024, I didn't have many chances to attend cultural events, but a few stand out. The most memorable was the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival. I wasn't a participant, just a viewer, but it was incredible to see thousands of people in traditional Lithuanian clothing, singing and dancing together as a nation. Another event was a concert by FC Baseball. It was a paid event, but totally worth it. He's one of my favorite artists, and I knew all the words to his songs, making the cozy and magical atmosphere even better."
Workshop from Lithuanian Team
Navigating Emotions
Objectives:
- Encourage participants to recognize, understand, and express different emotions.
- Foster empathy and perspective-taking by stepping into others' emotional experiences.
- Empower participants to explore emotional responses to real-life scenarios and experiment with different solutions.