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Naujienos iliustracija 11 June 2026

Panel Conversation “My Time as a Pilot: Danish–Lithuanian Artistic Connections, 1991–2026”

On June 19, 2026, at 5 PM, the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania invites visitors to the discussion “My Time as a Pilot: Danish–Lithuanian Artistic Connections, 1991–2026.” 

Following the restoration of Lithuania’s independence in 1990, new international connections began to emerge not only among politicians and diplomats, but also among people from various fields — academics, cultural figures, public intellectuals, and artists. As borders reopened and ties with Europe were restored, cultural exchange became one of the most important forms of dialogue and mutual understanding. Artists were among the first to initiate joint projects, establish professional and personal relationships, and seek new opportunities for collaboration. 

One notable example was the visit of Danish artists to Vilnius in 1991 and, later that same year, the joint exhibition of Danish and Baltic artists “My Time as a Pilot” (“Min tid som pilot”), held at the “Den Frie Udstilling” gallery in Copenhagen. This initiative reflected the spirit of openness, solidarity, and cooperation characteristic of the period, while also encouraging further artistic and cultural ties between Lithuania and Denmark. 

Thirty-five years later, the discussion will revisit the history of this pioneering initiative, reflect on its significance for later cultural cooperation, and consider what lessons can be learned today from the experiences of cultural exchange and international solidarity in a time of renewed geopolitical uncertainty. 

Participants: 

  • Peter Stuhr, Danish artist and organizer of the 1991 Danish–Baltic exhibition;
  • Jonas Gasiūnas, Lithuanian artist and participant in the 1991 Danish–Baltic exhibition;
  • Vygantas Paukštė, Lithuanian artist and participant in the 1991 Danish–Baltic exhibition;
  • Šarūnas Pilka, former gallerist of the “Arka” gallery in Vilnius.  

The discussion will be moderated by Kristian Handberg, art historian, University of Copenhagen. 

Introduction by Ilona Strumickienė (Head of the Statehood Centre of the National Library) on Friends in Need and A Year with Denmark projects. 

The event will be held in English and Lithuanian with simultaneous interpretation provided. The event will take place in the Conference Hall (5th floor) of the National Library. 

*** 

In 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of Denmark’s recognition of the restored independence of Lithuania, the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, together with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Lithuania and the Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, is organizing the event series “A Year with Denmark: Bridges of Culture and Solidarity” and invites the public to reflect on more than three decades of friendship between the two countries and to get to know Denmark better. The event series is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Denmark. 

Organized by: Statehood Centre at the National Library 

Partners: Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and the Danish Ministry of Culture.