Six Lithuanian creators were awarded the National Culture and Art Prizes this year, including architectural historian Marija Drėmaitė, poet and playwright Gintaras Grajauskas, and film director Ignas Miškinis, officials announced Monday.
The prizes also went to opera and chamber music performer Giedrė Marija Žebriūnienė, actor Albinas Kėleris, and artist Laisvydė Šalčiūtė.
Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė said the large and diverse pool of candidates underscored the vitality and depth of Lithuania’s cultural landscape.
“The laureates are artists whose work creates lasting value, brings communities together and serves as our spiritual foundation,” she told reporters. “Your work is truly Lithuania’s calling card to the world. You are the real ambassadors of our culture.”
Žebriūnienė – also known by her stage name, Giedrė Kaukaitė – was honoured for her contribution to shaping the identity of Lithuanian vocal music and sustaining the vitality of interpretive art.
Drėmaitė was recognised for expanding the horizons of modern Lithuanian architecture and promoting architectural thought.
Grajauskas received the prize for his poetic interpretation of contemporary existence.
Kėleris was honoured for his mastery of acting and dedication to theatre.
Miškinis was awarded for films that compellingly depict personal and societal maturity.
Šalčiūtė was recognised for her intellectually rich and imaginative portrayal of the female perspective.
Arūnas Gelūnas, chair of the National Prizes Commission and director of the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, said the decisions were made through “free and good-faith expert discussions”.
“We were completely free in making our decisions,” he said. “There was absolutely no pressure. We relied solely on our expertise and conscience.”
Twelve candidates were considered for the prizes, selected from 46 individuals nominated by members of the public, organisations and institutions.
Gelūnas acknowledged that the commission faced difficult choices. “This group of six is wonderful, but that does not lessen the sadness for others who were also deserving,” he said. Expanding the number of prizes is raised regularly, he added, but doing so could diminish their prestige.
Members of the commission included artists, scholars and cultural experts from across disciplines, among them actress Nelė Klimienė, composer Lina Lapelytė, film director Arūnas Jonas Matelis, photography expert Agnė Narušytė, visual artist Artūras Raila, literary scholar Brigita Speičytė, and historian Aurimas Švedas.
The National Culture and Art Prizes recognise the most significant works created in the past seven years by Lithuanian artists in Lithuania and abroad, as well as lifetime contributions. Each prize is worth €56,000 this year.
Laureates will receive their diplomas and insignia on February 16, Lithuania’s State Restoration Day.
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