Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is once again inviting audiences to mark October – Month of the Lithuanian Diaspora. Now in its fifth year, the initiative encourages people throughout October to explore the history of the Lithuanian diaspora, the work of its communities and Lithuanian schools abroad, and the creative contributions of diaspora artists. The month-long program unites the initiatives of VMU, cultural and academic institutions, organizations, and independent researchers and creators dedicated to diaspora-related themes.
This year, the Lithuanian World Community (LWC) has joined the initiative, encouraging participation in numerous diaspora events and activities starting in late September.
Venue: President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum (S. Daukanto st. 25, Kaunas). Venue: President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum (S. Daukanto st. 25, Kaunas), in person and online. The Department of Lithuanian Studies at Vytautas Magnus University invites you to a public lecture by Dr. Geda Montvilaitė: “Vytautas Janavičius: Misunderstood or Forgotten Creator?” Vytautas Janavičius (1924–1995) was a Lithuanian émigré prose writer whose biography is full of dramatic turns: from wartime experiences to emigration, medical studies, and a new life in Australia. His work, marked by a Proustian style, reveals existential anxiety, loneliness, and rebellion. Why does V. Janavičius remain almost unknown today? This question will be addressed in the lecture by Dr. Geda Montvilaitė, lecturer at Charles University in Prague and postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore. Event on Facebook. The visit is carried out within the framework of the project funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (ŠMSM) “SANTAKA: Implementation of Joint Academic Lithuanian Studies Activities between Foreign Baltic Studies Centers and Vytautas Magnus University.” Venue: V. Putvinskio st. 23, 102 a., in person and online. Link for online participation: About the seminar What can we learn if we stop and listen deeply to our fellow humans? What is special about interviews as a means of collecting information? In what ways are oral history interviews valuable historical sources? In this workshop, ethnographer Christa P. Whitney will draw on her own work of over fifteen years conducting oral history to answer these questions and methodology for creating a meaningful oral history collection. She will present a model for communal oral history that focuses on language, heritage, and identity from her work experience as the director of the Yiddish Book Center’s Wexler Oral History Project (USA). The workshop will also cover practical considerations about project scope, interviewing techniques, archival management, and presentation of oral history for wide audiences. About the lecturer Christa P. Whitney is an oral historian and documentarian of Lithuanian descent, whose work focuses on language, culture, and identity. Originally from Northern California, she has traveled near and far for the past fifteen years in search of Yiddish stories as the director of the Yiddish Book Center’s Wexler Oral History Project, a growing, publicly accessible collection of more than 1,400 in-depth video interviews. Her personal research focuses on Yiddish cultural transmission among descendants of Yiddish writers, Yiddish in contemporary Lithuania, and Jewish people’s history of Samogitia. Among other things, she is currently working towards an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass. Venue: Jonavos st. 66, 209 a., in person and online. Venue: V. Putvinskio st. 23, 102 a., in person and online. The VMU Centre for Social Anthropology invites you to the presentation of the book "Diasporas of Lithuanian Origin in the East and Their Identity: The Cases of the Volga Region and Kazakhstan" and a discussion with the authors – Prof. Dr. Loreta Vilkienė (VU Faculty of Philology), Prof. Dr. Vyčius Čiubrinskas (VMU), Prof. Dr. Jolanta Kuznecovienė (LSMU), and Chief Historian Irena Šutinienė (The Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania). The discussion will be moderated by the book’s reviewer, sociologist Dr. Dainius Genys. The monograph examines two cases of forced migration of Lithuanians: to Russia’s Volga Region in the second half of the 19th century and to Kazakhstan in the mid-20th century. Both stories show how Lithuanians, despite experiencing social and cultural traumas, nevertheless preserved their ethnic identity and passed it on to future generations. The book analyzes the ways in which these diasporas maintained their Lithuanian identity – through collective memory, language, religion, everyday practices, community life, and adaptation in a multicultural environment. The research is presented from three perspectives: anthropology, sociology, and sociolinguistics. Venue: Kaunas Municipal Vincas Kudirka Public Library (Laisvės av. 57, Kaunas). Venue: Forum Cinemas Vingis, Vilnius. Venue: Ąžuolynas Library, Radastų st. 2, Kaunas, Ąžuolas hall. The Oak Grove Library invites you to a conversation about Adolfas Mekas’s personality and literature with literary historian, Vilnius University associate professor Dr. Darius Kuolys, and culture journalist Kotryna Lingienė. “My brother was a poet of life,” says Jonas Mekas about Adolfas. This book is a unique source of mid-20th-century Lithuanian intellectual and creative life, now awaiting the attention of historians and literary scholars. Adolfas Mekas (1925–2011) was a writer, actor, and internationally acclaimed alternative film director. In 1944, together with his older brother Jonas Mekas, he left for Germany, and in 1949 he emigrated to the United States. Since childhood he not only acted but also wrote—poetry, short stories, plays, novels, and film scripts. The first Lithuanian edition of A. Mekas’s Collected Writings includes his remarkable diary and surviving works of prose. Please note: The event will be photographed and/or filmed, and you may appear in event photos or video recordings, which may be published in various media outlets. Moderator: Agnė Pupelytė Language: Lithuanian We will talk about classical music and its communicative potential – aiming not to idealize it as a universally understood language. Drawing on Guoda’s personal examples, we will try to understand how and to what extent we can comprehend others through music and be understood ourselves. What does this mean for us – living in another culture and trying to find our place in it? Knowing the “language” of music becomes a kind of phenomenon that can be adapted and spoken freely – often at a considerable cost – in the search for like-minded people and “fellow speakers.” However, what connects us with some can also separate us from others. This aspect remains an important topic when considering the communicative potential of music and its limits. In discussing these questions, we would like to involve the audience – not only as listeners but as active participants in this communicative process. Perhaps through such a lively exchange of experiences, we can more clearly see how much music truly connects us – and where it draws boundaries. Concert Program L. van Beethoven – Sonata “Appassionata” L. Narvilaitė – “Sound Speaks to Silence” M. K. Čiurlionis – 7 Pieces Venue: President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum (S. Daukanto st. 25, Kaunas). Venue: President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum (S. Daukanto st. 25, Kaunas). In this session, we’ll talk about how Lithuanians have viewed their identity throughout the history of migration, as well as the stereotypes we attach to ourselves both at home and abroad. We’ll look at the different ways today’s emigrants and those who stayed in Lithuania choose to nurture their sense of “Lithuanianness.” Together, we’ll try to understand how different generations shape their Lithuanian identity and why misunderstandings sometimes arise between them. The discussion will draw on real stories from emigrants, relevant works of literature and journalism, and the experiences of the participants themselves. Domas Boguševičius is a historian at Vytautas Magnus University, coordinator of VDU Academia cum laude, educator, and author of textbooks. Venue: President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum (S. Daukanto st. 25, Kaunas). Duration: Up to 1 hour Did you know that in the 1960s, environmental pollution in the USA was so severe that you could smell it and even feel it with your hands? And did you know that a river in Ohio once caught fire due to pollution? If so, then you might also know which Lithuanian president is considered a hero in the USA for saving the world’s second-largest source of drinking water from pollution. In the 1960s, swimming in American rivers and lakes was not recommended, cities were suffocated by smog, and some lakes were considered dead. Valdas Adamkus, an environmental activist who appeared on the front pages of American newspapers and was honored with the highest awards by the U.S. president, dedicated most of his life to solving environmental problems that still concern the world today. Before becoming the president of Lithuania, Valdas Adamkus was not only the second Lithuanian to break through and shine in American political life but also the coordinator of a lake-cleaning program that cost the U.S. government over a billion dollars. U.S. President Ronald Reagan personally awarded him the Presidential Distinguished Executive Award. During the lesson, ecology and environmental protection will be discussed from the perspective of past and future leaders. Students and teachers will learn about the importance and development of environmental protection in the USA from the 1960s to the present day. We will also talk about the early career of Valdas Adamkus as an environmentalist and his first visits to Lithuania, which faced significant environmental challenges in the 1980s. The educational session will encourage discussions about environmental responsibility, introduce fascinating ecological projects, and reveal intriguing historical details. The lesson will touch on aspects of history, biology, and ethics. This educational program is prepared by the team of the President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum. Arūnas Antanaitis is a historian at Vytautas Magnus University and a head of President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum. October 30, 18.00 Venue: President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum (S. Daukanto st. 25, Kaunas), in person and online. October 1. A screening of the documentary film "The Church is in My Heart"
October 1, 17.00
A screening of the documentary film "The Church is in My Heart".
The film was created in 2013 to commemorate the centennial of the Lithuanian National Catholic Church (USA). October 2. „Here we are“ 20 years later. Commemorating prof. Romas Vaštokas 🛜
October 2, 18.00
„Here we are“ 20 years later. Commemorating prof. Romas Vaštokas October 7. Geda Montvilaitė's lecture "Vytautas Janavičius: a misunderstood or forgotten creator?"
October 7, 13.00
Venue: V. Putvinskio st. 23, 313 a.
Intended for students of the Lithuanian Exile Literature course at Vytautas Magnus University, open to the public.
Add to your calendar.
October 8. Christa Whitney‘s seminar „Why Use Oral History?: A Practical Workshop“ 🛜
October 8, 17.30
Christa Whitney‘s seminar „Why Use Oral History?: A Practical Workshop“
For Vytautas Magnus University history students, school teachers, open to the public.
Christa Whitney‘s seminar „Why Use Oral History? A Practical Workshop“ | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams October 9. Anna Pilarczyk-Palaitis‘ lecture "When Borders Migrate, Not People: 'Accidental Diasporas' in Europe" 🛜
October 9, 14.15
Anna Pilarczyk-Palaitis‘ lecture "When Borders Migrate, Not People: 'Accidental Diasporas' in Europe"
For social anthropology students of Vytautas Magnus University, open to the public. October 14. Lecture by Egidijus Aleksandravičius and Egidijus Balandis "Intellectual history of Lithuanian exile in the 20th century" 🛜
October 14, 17.30
Lecture by Egidijus Aleksandravičius and Egidijus Balandis "Intellectual history of Lithuanian exile in the 20th century"
Intended for history students of Vytautas Magnus University, open to the public. October 14. Discussion: Lithuanians in Kazakhstan and the Volga region of Russia: the twists and turns of "being Lithuanian"
October 14, 18.00
Discussion: Lithuanians in Kazakhstan and the Volga region of Russia: the twists and turns of "being Lithuanian" October 16. Premiere of Ramunė Rakauskaitė's documentary "That Farm in America"
October 16, 19.00
Premiere of Ramunė Rakauskaitė's documentary "That Farm in America" October 16. Adolfas Mekas‘ „Writings“. Conversation about personality and literature
October 16, 18.00
For the first time published in Lithuanian, Adolfas Mekas’s Collected Writings present an impressive artist’s diary. It is a moving account of how a young man from the village of Semeniškiai, bursting with creative energy while experiencing the collapse of Western civilization, became a world-renowned artist. October 17. Conversation with pianist Guoda Gedvilaitė „Intercultural Dialogue Through Music – Without Borders?“ and a concert
October 17, 11.00
Conversation with pianist Guoda Gedvilaitė „Intercultural Dialogue Through Music – Without Borders?“ and a concert
Venue: VMU Music Academy, concert hall (101 a.), V. Čepinskio st. 5, Kaunas.
I – Allegro assai
II – Andante con moto
III – Allegro ma non troppo. Presto
(Composed for Guoda in 2022)
Prelude Pastorale
Impromptu in F-sharp minor
Prelude in F/A
Mazurka in E minor
Three Preludes on One Theme in B-flat minor October 17. Presentation of the book "Flugten fra Stalin" (Escape from Stalin)
October 17, 16.00
Presentation of the book "Flugten fra Stalin" (Escape from Stalin), meeting with the authors and discussion about Baltic World War II refugees in Denmark. October 21. Domas Boguševičius' lesson "Today's Lithuanian National Identity in Lithuania and in Emigration"
October 21, 11.00
Domas Boguševičius' lesson "Today's Lithuanian National Identity in Lithuania and in Emigration"
Language: Lituanian October 22. Screening of Ramunė Rakauskaitė's documentry "That Farm in America" and meeting with the director
October 22, 18.00
Screening of Ramunė Rakauskaitė's documentry "That Farm in America" and meeting with the director October 23. Online education by Arūnas Antanaitis "Ecology and our own heroes in the USA: The story of Valdas Adamkus" 🛜
October 23, 16.00
Online education by Arūnas Antanaitis "Ecology and our own heroes in the USA: The story of Valdas Adamkus"
For senior school students and anyone interested.
Platform: Zoom
Language: Lithuanian. October 30. "Lithuanian Childhood in South America". Conversations at the World Lithuanian University 🛜
"Lithuanian Childhood in South America". Conversations at the World Lithuanian University.
September 4–October 12 Organized by the Union of Foreign Communities of Berisso. September 22–December 1 Organized by ‘’Laisva Lietuva Tandil’’ and the Lithuanian Society ‘'Nemunas’’. September 26–28 Organized by the World Lithuanian Community, the Lithuanian Community in Belgium, and the Lithuanian National Culture Center. September 26 Organized by the Lithuanian Community of Cyprus, the event will be broadcasted live on the community’s Facebook account. September 27 Organized by LPS Club – Lithuanian Professionals in Stockholm. September 27–28 Organized by the Lithuanian Community of Luxembourg. September 28 Organized by Lithuanian School “Bitutė”. September 29 Organized by the Lithuanian Center of Argentina. October 5 Organized by the Lithuanian Dance Group “Baltija” in Stockholm, and the “Saulė” School. October 10–12 Organized by the Lithuanian Community of Piedmont. October 11–12 Organized the Lithuanian Community of Gothenburg. October 11 Organized by the Estonian, Lithuanian, and Latvian communities in Japan. October 11–12 Organized by the Lithuanian School of Berlin and the folklore ensemble “Saulalė”. October 11–12 Organized by Lithuanian-American Community, Los Angeles Chapter October 13–17 Organized by the Commission of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian World Community, the event will be broadcasted live on Seimas Youtube account. October 18 Organized by the MFA’s Global Lithuania Program, initiative “Gal į Lietuvą?”. October 18 Organized by the Lithuanian community of western Sweden October 18 Organized by the Lithuanian Association of Córdoba. October 18 Organized by the Icelandic Lithuanian Community. October 19 Organized by Australian Lithuanian community in Adelaide. October 19 Organized by the Canberra Lithuanian Community October 24–26 Organized by the Australian Lithuanian Community 📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 This evening’s theme – Bel canto and the Art of Piano. Participants: It will be a special evening filled with music, emotion, and warmth, at the beautiful Rennhof Castle with the Lithuanian community in Germany. 🎟️ Ticket price for members of the Lithuanian community: €18 Reservations: classicimschloss@icloud.com November 2 Organized by the Lithuanian Center in Argentina. November 7–8 Organized by the Lithuanian Community in Denmark. November 9 Organized by „Laisva Lithuania Tandil“. September 4–October 12. 8th Immigrant Province Festival, Argentina
48th Immigrant Province Festival – performances by Lithuanian folk dance groups “Skaidra”, “Nemunas” and “Pipiras”
Berisso, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. September 22–December 1. Children’s Art Contest “Argentina Paints Čiurlionis”
Children’s Art Contest “Argentina Paints Čiurlionis” – dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Čiurlionis
Tandil ir Berisso, Argentina. September 26–28. 3rd Cultural Days of Lithuanians in Europe, Belgium
3rd Cultural Days of Lithuanians in Europe – meetings, workshops and performances of European Lithuanian communities and their art groups, a forum with representatives of various Lithuanian institutions discussing diaspora cultural policy.
Brussels, Belgium September 26. Civil Resistance Forum, Cyprus 🛜
Civil Resistance Forum – discussions on occupation, disinformation, destruction of culture, and authoritarian narratives. Speakers from Cyprus, Ukraine, and Lithuania: professors, diplomats, journalists, activists.
Nicosia, Cyprus September 27. Conference “Strength in Unity” – a meeting of Lithuanian professionals from various countries, Sweden
Conference “Strength in Unity” – a meeting of Lithuanian professionals from various countries, dedicated to the themes of civil resistance and economic diplomacy.
Stockholm, Sweden September 27–28. International Children’s Literature Festival “Book On”, Luxembourg
International Children’s Literature Festival “Book On” – creative workshops, readings, theater performances.
Neumunster, Luxembourg September 28. Opening of the school year of the Lithuanian School “Bitutė” and presentation of the book “Eucalyptus Honey” by Rasa Kačiulienė-Lapė, Italy
Opening of the school year of the Lithuanian School “Bitutė” and presentation of the book “Eucalyptus Honey” by Lithuanian author living in Italy Rasa Kačiulienė-Lapė.
Rome, Italy September 29. 52nd Anniversary Celebration of the Dance Ensemble “Inkaras”, Argentina
52nd Anniversary Celebration of the Dance Ensemble “Inkaras”.
Buenos Aires, Argentina October 5. “Bridges of the Baltic Capitals” – workshops on making traditional straw gardens and palms, Sweden
“Bridges of the Baltic Capitals” – workshops on making traditional straw gardens and palms, performances by dance groups
Stockholm, Sweden October 10–12. Convention of the Lithuanian Community in Italy
Convention of the Lithuanian Community in Italy “In the Footsteps of M. K. Čiurlionis: Music, Art, Dance”
Turin, Italy October 11–12. “Magical Lithuanian Ethnoculture” – workshops on straw gardens and traditional sashes, Sweden
“Magical Lithuanian Ethnoculture” – workshops on straw gardens and traditional sashes
Gothenburg, Sweden October 11. “Meet the Neighbours” – the first joint event of Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians in Japan
“Meet the Neighbours” – the first joint event of Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians in Japan
Tokyo, Japan October 11–12. “The Sound of Lithuanian Folk Music: Education for Children, Parents, and Teachers”, Germany
Educational events “The Sound of Lithuanian Folk Music: Education for Children, Parents, and Teachers”
Berlin, Germany October 11–12. Los Angeles Lithuanian Days
Los Angeles Lithuanian Days – performances by Lithuanian groups, crafts, culinary heritage.
St. Casimir Lithuanian Parish in Los Angeles, USA October 13–17. Sessions of the Commission of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian World Community on diaspora topics 🛜
Sessions of the Commission of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian World Community on diaspora topics
Vilnius, Lithuania October 18. Diaspora Forum, Sweden
Diaspora Forum – on the topic of returning to Lithuania
Stockholm, Sweden October 18. “Čiurlionis Day” – three thematic educational activities for children and adults, Sweden
“Čiurlionis Day” – three thematic educational activities for children and adults
Franska skola, Molinsgatan 7, Gothenburg, Sweden October 18. Holy Mass and the reception of the Image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, community gathering, Argentina
Holy Mass and the reception of the Image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, community gathering
Cordoba, Argentina October 18. Children’s talent show, Iceland
Children’s talent show, concluding the charity month during which funds are raised for a special child
Iceland October 19. Commemoration of M. K. Čiurlionis, Australia
Commemoration of M. K. Čiurlionis
Adelaide, Australia October 19. Annual meeting of the Canberra Lithuanian Community, Australia
Annual meeting of the Canberra Lithuanian Community
Canberra, Australia October 24–26. Australian Lithuanian Community National Council Convention and 75th anniversary celebration
Australian Lithuanian Community National Council Convention and 75th anniversary celebration.
Canberra, Australia October 25. Concert „Classic im Schloss“ in Germany
The Lithuanian Community in Germany cordially invites you to the fourth concert “Classic im Schloss”, which will take place on:
🕕 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
📍 Schloss Rennhof, Hüttenfeld
💫 Giulia Scopelliti (soprano) –a former student of the February 16th Gymnasium, originally from Lampertheim, returning home after a successful career in France.
💫 Benjamin Russell (baritone) – a soloist performing in international opera houses, renowned for his rich voice.
💫 Yeon Seo Ra (piano, accompaniment) – a sensitive pianist who accompanies singers with a refined and professional performance.
💫 Marco Yang (piano, solo program) – a young talent from Lampertheim Music School, taught by Ms. Oh.
Tickets will be available at the entrance on the day of the event. November 2. 99th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Center, Argentina
99th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Center
Buenos Aires, Argentina November 7–8. Historical memory events – commemorating the 80th anniversary of Lithuanian displaced persons in Denmark
Historical memory events – commemorating the 80th anniversary of Lithuanian displaced persons in Denmark
Denmark November 9. 15th Anniversary of the “Laisva Lithuania Tandil” Association, Argentina
15th Anniversary of the “Laisva Lithuania Tandil” Association
Tandil, Argentina
2021 program, 2022 program, 2023 program, 2024 program
Ever since 1989, VMU has operated and has been recognized as the university of the Diaspora. Almost every one of its faculties has established close relations with the scientists and artists of the Lithuanian Diaspora and has implemented projects that were a result of joint efforts by Lithuanian and Diaspora scientists.
Over this time period, the university’s community has been joined by such world Lithuanians as Algirdas Avižienis, Bronius Vaškelis, Liucija Baškauskaitė, Arvydas Žygas, Milda Danytė, Viktorija Skrupskelytė, Algis Mickūnas, Birutė Galdikas, Emilija Sakadolskienė, Romas Vaštokas, Violetta Parutis, Dovilė Budrytė and many others. Organized events have included the Lithuanian Language and Culture Course, training for teachers of Lithuanian schools, project of Baltic centres, summer courses, and a traineeship programme for world Lithuanians.
In 2013, the university launched the platform of World Lithuanian University (WLU), whose main activities include a diaspora education programme for the Lithuanian society and the world Lithuanian community, promotion of the history of world Lithuanians, focus on the cooperation between world Lithuanian scientists and researchers as well as students and world Lithuanians who seek to educate and become educated.
As the synergy increased between VMU and its partners who devote special attention to the affairs of the Lithuanian Diaspora, the event series in October will aim to promote and reinforce the perception that the Lithuanian Diaspora is a part of Lithuania.