Traveling Museum: get to know yourself through art

Project facts

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

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 challenges related to contemporary art accessibility, cultural inclusion, and educational outreach in Lithuania. One of the primary issues it aimed to tackle was the limited access to contemporary art in rural areas. Rural regions in Lithuania often lack exposure to contemporary art exhibitions, leading to cultural exclusion and limited access to diverse artistic expressions. Another challenge was cultural exclusion and disengagement, as 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 were also a significant concern. 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.

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 was an international team of artists and art experts offering a unique opportunity to explore contemporary art through an interactive exhibition that visited different regions of Lithuania. The project brought together three distinguished museums:

  • MO Museum in Lithuania, known for its uniqueness, high-quality services, strong attendance, and creative approach to presenting contemporary art;
  • The Reykjavík Museum of Art in Iceland, a space that showcases valuable works of art and fosters young talent, with a unique approach to cultural education and modern art for children;
  • "Museum of Everyday Life" in Iceland, recognized for its sensitivity and social inclusion, successfully integrating individuals with special needs into its cultural activities and adapting art education programs to accommodate varying abilities and opportunities.

Together, the symbiosis of these three museums contributed to 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.

The Traveling Museum project contributed to enhancing the accessibility of contemporary 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. By bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, it contributed to reducing cultural exclusion, offering individuals of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to engage with modern art.

Key beneficiaries of the project included children, youth, and families, with participants up to 29 years old benefiting from interactive exhibitions and innovative art education programs. Additionally, the project contributed to social inclusion by collaborating with the "Museum of Everyday Life" in Iceland to adapt art education programs for individuals with special needs, successfully integrating them into cultural activities.

The collaboration between the MO Museum in Lithuania and the Reykjavík Museum of Art in Iceland has fostered a cross-cultural partnership, creating a symbiotic relationship that promotes long-lasting ties in contemporary art and cultural education. The innovative educational approach has proven effective in presenting contemporary art in a way that is both accessible and engaging, positively impacting self-discovery and identity formation, particularly among children and young people.

Local partnerships with cultural institutions, educational establishments, and non-governmental organizations have amplified the project’s reach, enhancing communication and cooperation among 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.