Traveling Museum: get to know yourself through art

Project facts

Project promoter:
Public institution MO museum(LT)
Project Number:
LT-CULTURE-0005
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€197,564
Final project cost:
€197,486
Donor Project Partners:
Museum of everyday life(IS)
Reykjavik Art Museum(IS)
Programme:

More information

Description

The Traveling Museum project is an international team of artists and art experts offering a unique opportunity to learn about contemporary art by visiting an interactive exhibition in their region.

Together, the symbiosis of  three museums envisages systematically improving the accessibility of modern art and cultural products and services to the Lithuanian population, reducing cultural exclusion in Lithuanian regions, creating conditions for every Lithuanian to get to know and understand contemporary art, and receive the highest quality art education services closer to their territory.

It is planned to organize activities in Lithuanian villages, districts and cities (Molėtai district, Šalčininkai district, Antalieptė village, Biržai district, Šilutė district, Akmenė district, Druskininkai, Marijampolė). The project envisages cooperation with local cultural and artistic institutions, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The results of the project are related to better communication between rural areas and cities, development of contemporary art audiences and knowledge of art through innovations. Based on the experience of the MO Museum and partners, contemporary art, when presented in an understandable language but in a non-traditional form, can have a positive impact on both children and young people, as through art a person discovers his identity, understands oneself better.

Summary of project results

The Traveling Museum project was designed to tackle several key issues or challenges related to contemporary art accessibility, cultural inclusion, and educational outreach in Lithuania. Some of the primary issues the project aimed to address include:

Limited Access to Contemporary Art in Rural Areas:

  • Geographical Disparities: Rural regions in Lithuania often lack exposure to contemporary art exhibitions, leading to cultural exclusion and limited access to diverse artistic expressions.

Cultural Exclusion and Disengagement:

  • Urban-Centric Art Focus: The dominance of contemporary art in urban centers often leaves rural communities excluded, leading to a lack of engagement and understanding among these populations.

Educational Gaps in Art Appreciation:

  • Limited Art Education: Insufficient access to quality art education programs in rural areas impedes the development of a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of contemporary art among children, youth, and families.

Social Inclusion for Special Needs Individuals:

  • Lack of Inclusive Programs: There is a deficiency in art-related activities tailored to individuals with special needs, leading to their exclusion from cultural engagements and educational opportunities.

Communication and Collaboration Barriers:

  • Disconnect between Regions: Challenges in communication and collaboration between urban cultural institutions and rural areas hinder the dissemination of contemporary art and cultural education initiatives.

Overall Cultural Enrichment and Integration:

  • Desire for Cultural Enrichment: The project aimed to enrich cultural experiences, foster integration, and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities by bringing high-quality contemporary art closer to diverse populations.

By addressing these challenges, the Traveling Museum project aimed to create a more inclusive and accessible cultural landscape in Lithuania, reducing cultural exclusion, enhancing art education, and fostering a deeper appreciation for contemporary art across different regions and demographics.

The Traveling Museum project is an international team of artists and art experts offering a unique opportunity to learn about contemporary art by visiting an interactive exhibition in their region. MO Museum in Lithuania stands out for its uniqueness, quality of services provided, abundant attendance, creative approach to the presentation of contemporary art. The Reykjavík Museum of Art in Iceland is a place of representation of works of high art value, as well as a gathering of young talent, with a unique methodology for cultural education and the presentation of modern art to children. "Museum of Everyday Life" is a museum established in Iceland that stands out for its sensitivity and social inclusion, successfully integrating people with special needs into its cultural activities, adapting art education programs according to a person''s abilities and possibilities.
Together, the symbiosis of these three museums envisages systematically improving the accessibility of modern art and cultural products and services to the Lithuanian population, reducing cultural exclusion in Lithuanian regions, creating conditions for every Lithuanian to get to know and understand contemporary art, and receive the highest quality art education services closer to their territory.
 

For the Lithuanian Population:

  • Enhanced Accessibility to Contemporary Art: The project facilitates the accessibility of modern art and cultural services to the Lithuanian population, especially in rural areas and smaller regions such as Molėtai, Šalčininkai, Antalieptė, Biržai, Šilutė, Akmenė, Druskininkai, and Marijampolė.
  • Reduced Cultural Exclusion: By bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, the project reduces cultural exclusion by providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage with contemporary art forms.

Beneficiaries:

  • Children, Youth, and Families: Participants aged up to 29 years, along with family and community members, benefit from engaging with the interactive exhibitions and innovative art education programs.
  • People with Special Needs: The collaboration with the "Museum of Everyday Life" in Iceland demonstrates a commitment to social inclusion by adapting art education programs to cater to individuals'' abilities and possibilities, thereby integrating people with special needs into cultural activities successfully.

Collaborative Impact:

  • Cross-Cultural Partnership: The collaboration between MO Museum in Lithuania and Reykjavík Museum of Art in Iceland has resulted in a symbiotic relationship aimed at fostering long-lasting and fruitful partnerships in the realm of contemporary art and cultural education.
  • Innovative Educational Approach: The project highlights the efficacy of presenting contemporary art in a comprehensible yet non-traditional manner, which positively influences self-discovery and identity formation, particularly in children and young people.

Collaboration and Engagement:

  • Local Partnerships: Collaboration with local cultural and artistic institutions, educational establishments, and non-governmental organizations amplifies the project''s reach and engagement, fostering better communication and cooperation between various entities.

The Traveling Museum project''s success lies in its dedication to fostering cultural inclusivity, expanding art education, and nurturing partnerships to bring contemporary art closer to diverse communities in Lithuania. Through its innovative approach and collaboration with esteemed Icelandic museums, the project has set the stage for a more connected and enriched cultural landscape within Lithuania, emphasizing accessibility and education in contemporary art.

Summary of bilateral results

Traveling Museum project significantly benefited from its donor project partner through expertise, and network expansion. The bilateral cooperation resulted in mutual learning, enhanced credibility, and strengthened collaboration practices. The project intends to continue this partnership, aiming for sustained engagement, long-term initiatives, and ongoing knowledge exchange for the advancement of contemporary art accessibility and education.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.