Curatorial Study Trip

From 7–9 November 2024, Curatorial Studies organized a study trip to Vilnius, Lithuania, in the context of the 15th Baltic Triennial: Same Day.

The program began with a visit to the National Gallery of Art, showcasing a collection of Lithuanian art from the late 20th century to the present. This exhibition explored the political, social, and cultural transformations that shaped modernity during the Soviet era. Participants were introduced to the collection by Lolita Jablonskienė, Director of the National Gallery, who provided valuable insights into its historical and curatorial context.

The itinerary continued with a guided tour of the 15th Baltic Triennial: Same Day at the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC). Led by Virginija Januškevičiūtė, Head Curator of CAC, the exhibition—curated by Maya Tounta and Tom Engels.The visit also included an informal gathering in the CAC Reading Room with artists Elena Narbutaitė and Gintaras Didžiapetris, who elaborated on their contributions to the Triennial and their broader artistic approaches, fostering dialogue and critical reflection.

The following day began with a visit to Atletika Projects and SODAS 2123, a cultural center managed by the Lithuanian Interdisciplinary Artists’ Association. Curator Lina Rukevičiūtė provided an overview of Sam Keogh’s exhibition and discussed the center’s role as a community-based platform for artistic and cultural initiatives.

The group then proceeded to Rupert, an independent contemporary art center and residency program. Curator Liam Murtaugh presented Rupert’s Alternative Education Programme (AEP), emphasizing its focus on the intersections of artistic research, education, and practice. This visit was followed by a studio meeting with artist Lou Sheppard, who shared insights into her creative process.

In the evening, participants visited Medūza, an art space affiliated with the Union of Lithuanian Artists. Located in Vilnius’ historic district, the venue hosted a screening by Daniel Muzyczuk, complemented by a presentation from curator Audrius, who discussed the institution’s evolving mission and future projects. The day concluded with the JCDecaux Young Artist Prize celebration at Draugų Vardai.

On the final day, the group visited the Vytautas Kasiulis Museum to view the work of Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko. Guided by Justė Janulevičiūtė, this exhibition offered a poignant reflection on the preservation of cultural heritage during times of conflict, focusing on the challenges of managing a collection in exile.

The program also included a visit to Editorial, a project space in Vilnius’ Old Town. The group engaged with Treasure Hunt by artist Daria Melnikova, with the curatorial team offering insights into the exhibition’s conceptual framework and the space’s broader artistic mission.

The trip concluded with a meeting in the CAC Reading Room with curator Valentinas Klimašauskas. Recently appointed as the Director of the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC), Valentinas, along with João Laia, had co-curated the Lithuanian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. He shared a behind-the-scenes perspective on these roles and provided an outlook on his plans for the CAC’s future.