The Culture Assembly invites the cultural community to join the protest “What Kind of State Do We Want?”
This protest will serve as the final event of the Culture Assembly’s month-long protest campaign, “We Are Culture.” The event will take place on Friday, 21 November, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Vilnius.
WHY ARE WE CALLING FOR THIS PROTEST EVEN THOUGH THE CULTURE ASSEMBLY’S DEMAND HAS ALMOST BEEN ACHIEVED?
Under pressure from the cultural community, the Social Democrats have taken responsibility for the Ministry of Culture once again. This is the result of a united effort by the cultural sector and the wider public that supports it.
A strong civic stance can bring about change. However, the past two months of protests have demonstrated that:
- Members of the governing majority continue to avoid responsibility. Some place personal interests above the interests of the state and knowingly mislead the public. Others tolerate such behaviour instead of honouring their commitments to society.
- The Office of the President, which contributed to the emergence of this situation, has remained on the sidelines. Rather than acting as a moral compass, the President’s silence and indifference have effectively legitimised those who weaken the state and its institutions.
- While politicians choose division, civil society chooses unity. By defending democratic values, civil society is currently the force bringing people together, protecting truth, freedom of expression, professionalism, and competence.
In the political situation we now face, civil society can—and must—assume responsibility not only for the future of culture, but also for the future of the state itself.
WE INVITE:
- The cultural community from across Lithuania;
- Representatives of sectors and organisations that support the cultural community, who are encouraged to participate wearing community symbols, clothing, or other identifying signs;
- The wider public and everyone who cares about Lithuania’s present and future.
PROGRAMME – 21 NOVEMBER
11:00 AM – Gathering and preparation for the march near the Vilnius Cathedral Basilica;
12:00 PM – March from Cathedral Square to Independence Square (Gedimino Ave. 53), including a protest demonstration passing the Government Office of the Republic of Lithuania (Gedimino Ave. 11);
1:00 PM – Protest in front of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania;
From 4:00 PM onwards – A programme of cultural events across Vilnius.
Participants are encouraged to use the official protest materials and symbols:
As we express our civic position, let us respect the law, avoid provocations, and remain united.
Let us be part of the kind of state we want to live in.
Initiative Group of the Culture Assembly