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1. Synergies between public policies and programmes

2. Partnerships between the culture and creative sectors, youth organisations and youth workers

Synergies between public policies and programmes

Lithuania's Vision Strategy “Lithuania 2050” reflects a national vision and priorities for development as well as guidelines for their implementation by 2050. It is stated in the strategy that the vision of Lithuania is a country with creatively empowered population, and its progress is in the hands of responsible, creative and open-minded people. The implementation of the vision is guided by progress-relevant values, like openness to a different views, positive initiatives, to a dialogue, cooperation, and innovations as well as creativity in generation and implementation of new ideas, treating challenges as new possibilities of building success. The Anexx of the Lithuania's Vision Strategy “Lithuania 2050”  has a list of Progress Indicators which will be used to measure the success of the Key Initiatives for Change. In order to implement Lithuania's Progress Strategy “Lithuania 2030” , the National Progress Program 2014-2020, one of the tasks of which is to promote the development of the cultural and creative industries, with arts and culture related innovations, cross-sectoral development of these innovations and cultural export. To achieve this, the need to promote creativity is highlighted through promoting and the introduction of new products into production, improve access to culture and the arts products and services, as well as creating financial incentives for entrepreneurship in the areas of cultural and creative industries development promoting distribution across borders, supporting the development, use and promotion of new products and services and cross-sectoral cooperation. It should be noted that by 2020 it is planned to pay more attention cultural development and creativity in the regions. The Program for the Development of Regional Development for the period 2012-2020 also aims at "creating conditions for creativity in the regions" the full range of personality development, cultural diversity, dissemination and accessibility as a regional social the basis of economic progress, to develop civic self-awareness, fostering regional excellence and attractiveness. The explicit strategy of youth creativity does not exist, however, the second goal (see Chapter 13) of the National youth policy development program for 2011-2019 aims at ensuring better youth employment opportunities, creating favourable conditions for young people to participate in the labour market, promoting economic and social entrepreneurship, developing non-formal education system, encouraging youth creativity and active participation  in the society. 

The development of the CCI is inseparable from the national strategy in the area of innovation and science. The Lithuanian Innovation Development Strategy for 2014-2020 emphases the role of the cultural and creative industries in the development of different sectors. There are measures planned to promote cooperation between different sectors, to exploit possible synergies developing new products and services, introducing new technologies in various fields - production, transport, agriculture, energy, etc. Creative and informational society communication technologies are also among the priorities of government-approved R&D and innovation development (smart specialization) directions. 

There are in Lithuania 19 artists’ associations that have a special status of “artists’ organisation” granted them according to the 2011 Law on the Status of Artists and Artists Organisations: Architects’ Association of Lithuania, Lithuanian Union of Journalists, Lithuanian Theatre Union, Professional Folk Artists’ Association, Lithuanian Writers’ Union, Lithuanian Musicians’ Union, The Lithuanian Association of Literary Translators, Lithuanian Composers’ Union, Lithuanian Filmmakers’ Union, Union of Lithuanian Art Photographers, Lithuanian Designers’ Society, Lithuanian Painters’ Association, Lithuanian Association of Landscape Architects, Contemporary Dance Association, Lithuanian Interdisciplinary Artists’ Association, Association of Performing Arts Critics, Lithuanian Association of Chores, Association of Vilnius Region Folk Artists,  Lithuanian Association of Artists. The latter organisation is an umbrella association of twelve artists unions. It was established in 1995. Its aim is to coordinate cooperation between artists and artists’ organisations in Lithuania, represent interests of Lithuanian professional artists and writers abroad and organize public debates between artists and politicians on the development of culture and arts. The association organises conferences on culture and art, submits proposals on draft laws and regulations, participates in programmes for artists, reviews professional art programmes, and defends copyright.

Artists unions and associations that have the status of “artists’ organisations” granted them according to the Law on the Status of Artists and Artists Organisations can apply for funding to the special programme “Implementation of Strategic Programmes of Artists Organisations”, created by the Lithuanian Council for Culture in order to support these kind  of organisations. Its budget for 2018–2021 is 721 000 EUR.

Partnerships between the culture and creative sectors, youth organisations and youth workers

National creative and cultural industries association established in 2008 brings together more than 70 members. These are Lithuanian higher education institutions and colleges, associations of creative industries and creators, art incubators, public institutions and creative business companies, creators' communities and individuals. The association implements projects, activities and seminars in the cultural and creative industries sector and facilitates partnerships in cultural and creative industries.

Amont the projects implemented by National creative and cultural industries association a project funded by the The Norden Association in Sweden, together with its foreign partners from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland for the creation of an international network for the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) for the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) field can be mentioned. The main objective of this project is to bring together representatives of the creative and cultural industries of the Baltic Sea Region, practitioners and experts into one platform where they can discuss cooperation opportunities, new niches and common plans for the future. The aim of this project is to create a new strong networking strategy that could be successfully implemented in the BSR. To achieve this, the first will be to identify and prioritize the CCI sectors and activities, both in each country and region as a whole. By developing a quality survey of CCI sectors, a joint strategy for the development of the region's creative field and international cooperation will be developed. The material and insights generated during this project will become the basis for EU funds for long-term promotion of international creative sector cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region.

There are several art incubators established in Lithuania as well as some additional new creative initiatives for youth and general public. The biggest part of incubators are situated in Vilnius or its outskirts. Others are located in different Lithuanian cities (e.g. Anyksciu menu inkubatorius). There is an evident growth of artistic and creative sector in the second largest city of Lithuania – Kaunas, that host the new initiatives of art incubation mentioned.

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) “LinkMenų  fabrikas”  is a space for young persons who want  to create, develop and implement their ideas. Center workshops and bureaus are designed to be used by creative and innovative people, from beginners to professionals. The aim of this creativity and innovation center is to become a venue for practical workshops and the realization of various projects. In collaboration with national and international partners, the center focuses on developing students' creativity and practical skills by inviting them to the first such workshop in Lithuania. VGTU “LinkMenų  fabrikas” contains mechanics, wood, metal, painting, 3D printing, electronics, transport, technical and creative spaces, advertising, photo / video and audio recording studios. It accomodates teamwork, creative inspiration spaces, lounge area and is equipped with the most advanced modern technology, which allows a team of developers working in different areas to turn interdisciplinary ideas to real products and services. Active cooperation with various businesses will allow the best ideas to move beyond the threshold and become real market products.

Menu spaustuve  is creative industries unit based in the Old Town of Vilnius, is collecting different types of independent performing arts projects into one and allows them to share their artistic visions with the audiences. The place is open up also as a performing arts residency. It works as an interdisciplinary centre, as well as a place for foreign shows and performances to happen. International festivals and conferences are held from time to time.

Uzupis Art Incubator (UMI) in Vilnius is the first art incubator in the Baltic States running for more than 10 years. It is the only alternative artistic organization with arts center not only in Vilnius but also in Lithuania. Having experience in the international cooperation with like-minded organizations and centers abroad and using new creative resources to introduce new artistic initiatives, Art Incubator creates and maintains the original and attractive atmosphere which is fully supported and encouraged in many advanced European cities appreciating the importance of the creative industries in the country’s cultural, tourism and economic development.

The Incubator of Architecture in Vilnius aims to gather different artists and their groups as well as the creative businesses together in one creative space, providing better possibilities for creation and presentation of art work, support creative business startups, stimulate society participation in cultural life, take part in the preservation of the cultural heritage. Incubator residents are provided by a competitive rent price, consultations by professional architects, internships and communication.

Audio-visual Arts Industry Incubator was established in 2009 in Vilnius, Lithuania. It was established by three main leaders of Lithuanian cinema education and audio-visual industry – Lithuanian Film Studio, Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and Vilnius Academy of Arts. This union has required experience needed to help young representatives from the industry gain deeper theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of professional cinematography. Main aim of Audio-visual Arts Industry Incubator is to create modern Educational Film and TV infrastructure for the use of young professionals, students and juniors. Audio-visual Arts Industry Incubator has become become a link between these three different sectors that encourages their collaboration and help them to find their place in the market. Audio-visual Arts Industry Incubator has modern specialized spaces at Lithuanian Film Studio (almost 2000 sq. meters), newest filming equipment, video and sound postproduction stations, sound recording studios, conference and screening halls. With this modern structure Audio-visual Arts Industry Incubator aims to become the biggest educational audio-visual art industry centre in Baltic countries.

RUPERT is a Centre for Art and Education devoted to establishing close cooperation between artists, thinkers, researchers, and other cultural actors through interdisciplinary programs and residencies. A knowledge-based platform for innovative creative production, Rupert integrates with the social and cultural framework of the city of Vilnius while simultaneously supporting a strong international focus. Rupert’s mission manifests in three distinct but closely-linked channels: first, the EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM offers participants the chance to develop project ideas and make connections with professionals in the field through regular lectures and workshops. It provides the opportunity for collaborative education, forging new international networks. This degreeless, non-academic program is proudly career-oriented and supplemented by its interdisciplinary approach. Rupert offers a RESIDENCY PROGRAM in which the participants develop their individual projects, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in Vilnius. Through collaboration, participants will establish fruitful connections with Rupert’s educational program and the artistic sphere of the region. Rupert’s residencies will provide both Lithuanian and foreign participants with the opportunity to live and work in Vilnius for a minimum of 10 weeks. Finally, an unconventional EXHIBITION PROGRAM serves as the basis for a wide range of public programs and activities exploring art and its role in contemporary society. The gallery is conceived as a space of support for the educational program – a laboratory that will complement topics covered by workshops and lectures. Through its research and development-oriented programs, Rupert supports international thinkers in realizing their projects and establishing their creative careers on an international scale. It focuses on contemporary artistic and curatorial practices but remains close to an extensive range of disciplines, while encouraging interdisciplinary projects and activities.

Telsiai town arts incubator was founded according the project funded by the European Union (EU) 2011 – 2013 period funding under the Facility Assistant 2, Improving novice artists and arts-related business within the region Telsiai Award. It aims to mobilize various artists, artist groups and arts-related businesses (creative industry), developing projects in one space; allow artists to create and deliver their work to the audience; help artists to start their own businesses; facilitate the development of arts-related businesses; intensive cooperation in the cultural life; contribute to the maintenance of cultural heritage. Offices in the new building equipped penthouse with computers and software. Performing arts for the second-floor rooms: hall and rehearsal space (theatre, dance school, organize a variety of events, etc.). Clothing design for space with equipment (basic sewing machines, ironing generator, patterning development program dummies). Jewellery centre with equipment (polishing, blasting, rolling and so on. Equipment, fume hood, computerized engraving machine. Wood workshop (with the major woodworking machines, chip removal system). Metal workshop with equipment. Non-ferrous and precious metals casting equipment. Two galleries, furniture, exhibition systems, cabinets, storage facilities. All rented with furniture, internet access, electricity and heating accounts for the lower rates respect the existing market.

Art Incubator of Anyksciai (Anyksciu menu inkubatorius) town provides consultation and mentoring, event planning and organization, gathers, analyses and publicizes information regarding cultural creative industries in the region of Anyksciai, providing residency services, office space rent, other different services related to cultural entrepreneurship.

Culture Factory in Klaipeda city  is the only one incubator in Klaipeda city.

The KTU Design Center‘s activities help young designers realize their ideas, by mentoring and connecting them with local producers as well as showing themselves abroad by collaborating with foreign partners.

Therefore in order to encourage partnerships between the culture and creative sectors youth organisations and youth worker and the competitiveness and the growth of the culture and creative industry sectors it is important to improve the choice of the legal form of business, taxation environment and funding availability as most of the companies in cultural and creative industry sector in Lithuania are very small, small or medium-sized enterprises, in most of them employ one or two employees. They often work as freelance workers who no longer belong a group of traditional full-time employees.

Private funding for culture is regulated in by the Law on Charity and Sponsorship (1993), the Law on  Patronage (2018), the Law on Personal Income Tax (2002) and the Law on Corporate Income Tax (2001). According to Article 9 of the Law on Charity and Sponsorship, natural persons can transfer an amount not exceeding 2% of the income tax payable on the basis of an annual income tax return to Lithuanian entities that are entitled to sponsorship, i.e. charity and sponsorship funds; budget financed institutions; associations; public organisations; public agencies; religious communities, associations and religious centres; divisions (chapters) of international public organisations; other legal persons whose activities are regulated by special laws and which participate in not-for-profit activity; artists registered as beneficiaries in the Information System of Artist's and Artist's Organisations maintained by the Ministry of Culture. 

Data about the sponsorship provided and received by legal persons are collected by the Lithuanian Department of Statistics. According to this data, legal persons working in the field of culture received more than 13 million EUR sponsorship in 2018. Compared to other areas, culture receives nearly as much sponsorship as education, but almost three times less than sport. The total amount provided by sponsors for culture did not change significantly over the last five years.