AICA International, the International Association of Art Critics, representing members in over 90 countries, expresses its deep concern over the alarming developments currently unfolding in Lithuania.
We have learned of the planned transfer of the Ministry of Culture to the populist party Nemuno Aušra (“Dawn of Nemunas”)—a political force that has repeatedly employed nationalist, Eurosceptic, and anti-Semitic rhetoric. Such a move poses a serious threat to freedom of expression, minority rights, historical truth, and the democratic foundations upon which both Lithuania and Europe rest.
Culture is not a bargaining chip. It is the living foundation of democratic societies and the very field in which values of pluralism, diversity, and freedom are defended. To hand over cultural policy to a party that undermines social trust, marginalizes minority voices, and promotes exclusionary or divisive rhetoric is to endanger not only Lithuania’s cultural life but also European democratic integrity.
We stand in solidarity with Lithuania’s cultural community—artists, scholars, cultural workers, and institutions—who have mobilized against these developments, including through mass protests and the nationwide cultural strike of October 5. Their slogan, “This may be the last time”, captures both the urgency and the vulnerability of the situation.
AICA International calls upon Lithuanian authorities to:
Uphold constitutional norms and ensure cultural policy is free from political instrumentalization.
Guarantee freedom of artistic expression, minority rights, and protection against discriminatory rhetoric.
Engage in genuine dialogue with cultural communities to safeguard autonomy, pluralism, and social cohesion.
We also call upon European institutions, international organizations, and civil society networks to monitor this situation closely, issue public statements of solidarity, and support initiatives defending cultural freedom in Lithuania.
Culture is at risk. We cannot allow democratic values to be dismantled through cultural manipulation.
Respectfully,
Małgorzata Kaźmierczak, President, AICA International
Niilofur Farrukh, Head of the AICA Censorship and Freedom of Expression Committee
*The above letter has been sent to the the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, the Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport at the European Commission, the Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Lithuania at the UNESCO.