Report by Verena Schnitzhofer
25 Artists and Arts Ministry Leaders from across 15 European countries came together on 17-20 October 2024 in Vilnius, the capital city of the most southern state of the three Baltic States, namely Lithuania.
This ARTS+ Gathering was themed of "Empowering Artists", was a blessing on various levels:
Deep connections with other participants especially in coffee breaks, lunches and dinners as well as in small groups.
Sight seeing & Connection while exploring the old town together.
Inspirational stories and sharing of ideas through the thirteen given Country reports (lead by John Baker).
Interviews and authentic spiritual journey reports with Arts Festival Organizer Remigijus Jucevičius and Pastor Gabrielius Lukošius, and the Director of the Lithuanian State Symphonic Orchestra Stasys Pancekauskas (conducted by Beat Rink).
Teaching sessions on Spiritual Wellfare and Pastoral Care for Artists (by Steve Thrall). The Spiritual Journey of Artists (including Panel, by Jim Mills) and Artists in the Market Place (by Beat Rink). Jim and Beat also invited guests to be part of a panel to discuss the challenges and opportunities.
A presentation of initial results from the survey "Empowering Artists" by Beat Rink. Note: you can still participate in this, your input is highly valuated!
New developments and resources shared via our Website: ARTSPLUS.INFO by Jill Ford.
An encouraging part of the whole conference was the Lithuanian Arts Night organised by Rita Brazaitienė (with the help of Dalia Šakenytė and Renata Ramanauskaite). It took place in a beautiful Catholic Church that was an incredible piece of art in itself. The Ramintojos bažnyčia translates as "the Calming Church,” and was misused as a warehouse by the Soviets, but five years ago was transformed into a cafeteria, art space, community centre (for moms and kids) and a meeting space for the church gatherings.
We ended our "Empowering Artists" weekend with a multi-lingual, multi-arts Worship Service. We participated in prayer and multi-lingual sung worship. We enjoyed the Lord's Prayer expressed through the Indian Classical Dance form Bharatanatyam by Susanna Harrington, and were encouraged in a devotion based on the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Creator Spirit) by Jill Ford.
This video aims to capture the spirit of our special time together and we hope it inspires and empowers you too.
Watch video here (click on the picture):
Video Credits:
Music (entry, taken at Lithuanian Arts Night) by Lina Žilinskaitė (Spotify, SoundCloud).
Video Production by Verena Schnitzhofer (ARTS+)
Links to some artists of the Lithuanian Arts Night:
Lina Žilinskaitė (Spotify, SoundCloud)
Group Picture:
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