On Tuesday, the construction of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater (LMTA) officially started in Vilnius - a buried symbolic capsule for future generations.
It is planned that after the completion of construction on the plot On Holland Street the infrastructure of the academy scattered in different parts of Vilnius will be concentrated in one core of art and science.
The complex of eight buildings for art and science activities was designed by "Paleko Archstudios", the construction will be carried out by the general contractor "Infes".
The initiator of the LMTA study campus project, LMTA rector who is finishing his second term, Zbignevs Ibelgaupts, said that the community of art creators and researchers has been dreaming of separate modern study houses for music, theater, dance and other arts since the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
"And here today, after many years, thanks to the joint focus, purposeful efforts and persistent daily work of the Academy, as well as our associates and partners, we are participating in a symbolic act that marks the beginning of our big dream becoming a reality." The Academy is starting a new phase today - the construction of the LMTA study campus", said Z. Ibelgaupts during the ceremony.
The event was also attended by rector-elect Judita Žukienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sports Jurgita Šiugždinienė, Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys, Mayor of Vilnius Remigius Šimašius and other.
J. Žukienė read the text to the audience, which is placed in a symbolic capsule for future generations.
"In this place, we plant the hope that came from more than 100 years of dreams cherished by Lithuanian artists about a space suitable for art studies, gathering all creators and inspiring for joint works," the letter reads.
"We will make every effort to make the walls grown here a focus of creativity, a citadel of national culture and a center of future art ideas. We hope that the future generations of music, theater, cinema, dance creators and researchers in Lithuania and the world will enjoy the fruits of this hope and effort," the text included in the capsule reads.
S. Kairys pointed out that Lithuania will finally have a campus specifically dedicated to arts studies, and this "talent forge" will be surrounded by a special neighborhood - the MK Čiurlionis School of Arts and the Balis Dvarions School of Music.
"Although sometimes we still have to face the notion that cultural and artistic phenomena must be born somewhere in the dark, in misery, in suffering, I dare to consider such an attitude as outlived - it's a myth. Quality art is born only in a prosperous state. The creators of our culture and art, as well as the youth who are starting to walk this path, deserve the best conditions and a modern environment," he said.
J. Šiugždinienė emphasized that the importance of creativity and art is "irreplaceable in developing free creative personalities capable of creatively adapting to changing circumstances". She wished that the new campus would become a "real valley of creativity" that would increase the creative potential of the academy, Vilnius and the entire country.
The premier Ingrida Simonyte in the congratulation delivered by her advisor for culture Gabrielė Žaidytė, she said she hoped that the campus of the academy "will become a space of creative discoveries and inspiration not only for students, but also for everyone who values education, culture and art".
The idea to build the LMTA study campus arose ten years ago, in 2015 "Paleko Archstudija" won the architectural competition for the complex announced together with the Lithuanian Union of Architects.
According to LMTA, the Theater and Cinema Faculty and the Small Block of Halls, currently under construction, are planned to be completed in 2023, and the second phase of construction will take place later. The project also provides for the buildings of the Faculty of Music, the Great Hall Block, the Theoretical Lectures-Administration, the library and the student dormitory.
According to the investment project, out of the ten buildings currently used for LMTA study activities, it is intended to leave the central building on Gediminas Avenue as a representative space. The Center for Creative Innovation will operate in the premises, lifelong learning, qualification improvement, non-formal education and other activities will be carried out.
After the sale of the other buildings, the funds will be added to the European Regional Development Fund and the Lithuanian budget for construction - 13 million. euros.
Photo: Modesto Endriushkos 
Photo: Modesto Endriushkos 
Photo: Modesto Endriushkos 
Photo: Modesto Endriushkos 
Photo: Modesto Endriushkos 
Photo: Modesto Endriushkos
