Petition by the Lithuanian cultural community against the Ministry of Culture’s “switcharoo”

We, the representatives and members of Lithuania’s cultural community – artists, curators, writers, designers, architects, musicians, dancers, film and theater directors, actors, critics, museum workers, librarians, researchers, producers, leaders of NGOs and festivals, cultural workers and citizens – express our deepest concern regarding the recent “switcharoo” – the Government’s decision to trade the Ministry of Culture as a pawn in their negotiations with the Nemuno Aušra political party. This party, known for its populist, antisemitic, and pro-Russian rhetoric, paid little to no attention to culture in their political program. Moreover, it has shown to have neither the required competencies to govern this extremely important part of the country’s life, nor a commitment to protect culture and its autonomy. The Ministry of Culture is not a pawn that can be exchanged or sacrificed for political gain. Culture is the living memory of a nation. Culture forms the foundation of a country’s democratic values and serves as a bridge connecting its past with its future. Culture is also crucial for a society to be able to resist propaganda and disinformation. Entrusting the management of this ministry to a political force that openly denies, distorts or discredits these values is dangerous not only for the cultural sector, but for the integrity of our society as a whole. - We condemn any actions that turn the cultural sphere into a matter of political leverage. We denounce the transfer of our collective heritage into the hands of those who are against diversity, pluralism and European democratic traditions. - We call on the President of the Republic of Lithuania: Not to approve any candidate proposed by Nemuno Aušra. We urge the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania, which won the last Parliament elections, to immediately withdraw from this agreement and ensure that the Ministry of Culture remains in responsible hands, and is led by people whose competence, leadership in the cultural field, strategic approach to cultural policymaking and integrity are proven. To reaffirm that cultural policy must serve the public good and inclusive social development, not narrow-minded political interests. To conduct transparent consultations with cultural organizations and civil society regarding cultural governance and the future direction of cultural policy. We strongly state that the cultural community will not remain silent when democratic principles are violated and our cultural institutions are under threat. Culture is not a commodity. It is the beating heart of a free and democratic nation. Signed by members of the cultural community and supporters of democratic values: