The cultural program of the presidency intended for foreigners includes performances by opera soloist Violeta Urmanavičiūtė-Urmana and exhibitions of works by Lithuanian early-20-century painter and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis and US-based artist Jonas Mekas.
Culture Minister Šarūnas Birutis says the cultural program is just as important for the country's image as the legislative progress.
"It is very important to make sure that the guests who come to Lithuania and societies of other countries understand that Lithuania is at a high cultural level and has wealthy cultural traditions," the minister told journalists.
"Nobody will remember Lithuania's presidency by the adopted legal acts, as there will be many and different laws. I had an opportunity to work at the European Parliament (EP) – indeed, nobody remembers what country adopted what initiative, regulation or recommendation. They remember the fact of presidency and the image the country produced. And culture is the best way for a country to present itself," said Birutis.
Andrius Grikienis, the head of the Communications Division of the Foreign Ministry's Department for Presidency over the European Union Council, told the news conference that recommendations were prepared to make sure that the cultural agenda reflects "speaking in one voice."
"Our proposal was to simply highlight that Lithuania is a modern, creative, and cozy country," said Grikienis.
Lithuania will take over six-month EU presidency from Ireland on July 1.
