To His Excellency the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda

To the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Inga Ruginienė

To the Committee on Culture of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania

To the Board of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party

The National Association of Cultural and Creative Industries of Lithuania (KIK Lithuania) does not support the decision to assign responsibility for the Ministry of Culture to the political party Nemuno Aušra. Such a move demonstrates an irresponsible approach to cultural policy and disregards the expectations and engagement of the cultural community.

Culture is a strategic area of national importance, shaping societal resilience, the strength of democracy, and Lithuania’s international reputation. Responsibility for culture—and especially for the field of public information—cannot be entrusted to a political party associated with populist, antisemitic, and even anti-state rhetoric that clearly contradicts the democratic and European values on which Lithuania’s cultural policy is founded. This not only undermines the cultural community but also poses a risk to public trust in state institutions.

Cultural policy should be led by competent leaders who possess a deep understanding of the cultural sector and enjoy the confidence of the cultural community. The Ministry of Culture must be entrusted to political forces and individuals capable of bringing the sector together, understanding culture’s significance for the country’s future, ensuring transparent and sustainable funding, and strengthening the international visibility of Lithuanian culture.

We call on the President of the Republic of Lithuania, political parties, and the Prime Minister to recognize that the voice of the cultural community cannot be ignored. We demand that decisions concerning culture be made with respect and responsibility, rather than on the basis of political bargaining.

The National Association of Cultural and Creative Industries of Lithuania (KIK Lithuania) is the leading national umbrella NGO in the field, operating since 2008. It unites and represents Lithuania’s entire cultural and creative industries sector at regional, national, and international levels, promoting partnership, competence development, and sector growth. The Association brings together the largest sectoral associations, higher education institutions, non-governmental organizations, private companies, and independent creators. It currently comprises more than 70 members.