The Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius participates in an international project 'E-Academy of Building Trades - E-learning Platform of Traditional Craftsmanship'. This project answers the great need for new, innovative approaches in the education of the craftsmanship related to traditional building methods. The main aim of the project is to assemble new, digital type of learning materials helping to revive and maintain these professions as lifetime occupations.
Project partners
EK Association (ÉK Egyesület), Budapest, Hungary – http://www.ekegyesulet.hu
The Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius, Vilnius, Lithuania – http://www.vdaa.lt
Association Vanaajamaja, Mooste, Estonia – http://www.vanaajamaja.ee
Architecture Studio Tektum, Cluj Napoca, Romania – http://www.tektum.ro
Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden – https://www.gu.se/
Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal – https://www.upt.pt/
Main project activities
- Preparation of methodical study 'E-Academy of Building Trades - E-learning Platform of Traditional Craftsmanship' about crafts tutorial courses in 7 languages;
- Creation of an online accessible, open-access distant learning educational platform that hosts training courses of disappearing architectural professions;
- Creation of short film cycles which consist tutorial courses of traditional architecture crafts and professions;
- Implementation of European Festival of Traditional Building Trades in all partner countries;
- Implementation of international exchange seminars in Portugal, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Estonia and Sweden.
Project target group
The project primarily targets young people and low-skilled or low-qualified adults, offering them an online accessible, open-access distant learning educational platform that hosts training courses of disappearing architectural professions.
More about the project
http://buildingtrades.ekegyesulet.hu/
https://www.facebook.com/BuildingTradesAcademy
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsJqaBtGWtnKB5YGnY1Zl9Q
Project is financed by Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic partnership program, project no. 2019-1-PT01-KA204-061399.
Project partners
EK Association (ÉK Egyesület), Budapest, Hungary – http://www.ekegyesulet.hu
The Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius, Vilnius, Lithuania – http://www.vdaa.lt
Association Vanaajamaja, Mooste, Estonia – http://www.vanaajamaja.ee
Architecture Studio Tektum, Cluj Napoca, Romania – http://www.tektum.ro
Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden – https://www.gu.se/
Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal – https://www.upt.pt/
Main project activities
- Preparation of methodical study 'E-Academy of Building Trades - E-learning Platform of Traditional Craftsmanship' about crafts tutorial courses in 7 languages;
- Creation of an online accessible, open-access distant learning educational platform that hosts training courses of disappearing architectural professions;
- Creation of short film cycles which consist tutorial courses of traditional architecture crafts and professions;
- Implementation of European Festival of Traditional Building Trades in all partner countries;
- Implementation of international exchange seminars in Portugal, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Estonia and Sweden.
Project target group
The project primarily targets young people and low-skilled or low-qualified adults, offering them an online accessible, open-access distant learning educational platform that hosts training courses of disappearing architectural professions.
More about the project
http://buildingtrades.ekegyesulet.hu/
https://www.facebook.com/BuildingTradesAcademy
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsJqaBtGWtnKB5YGnY1Zl9Q
Project is financed by Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic partnership program, project no. 2019-1-PT01-KA204-061399.
2019. Educational project “Providing socio-cultural services for elderly people”
The Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing the project “Providing socio-cultural services for elderly people”. Project’s aim is to ensure creative activity for elderly people living in Vilnius city by organizing creative leisure time with educational craft activities in order to create constant and qualitative conditions for socio-cultural services in the workshops and galleries of the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius. Also, participants have a chance to gain (or improve) new practical and theoretical skills in well known or new crafts, to communicate with other elderly persons, exchange knowledge and practice with them and craftsmen. So, educational workshops are considered as great social and cultural activities providing practical and emotional benefits. Project’s activities are creative workshops, tours and lectures in the topics of ancient and traditional crafts. Target group: elderly people living in Vilnius city. Project is financed by Vilnius City Municipality. For more in formation: Marija Kajotienė, +370 628 71246, marija.navickaite12@gmail.com |

2018. Educational project “Let’s meet Lithuania’s Centenary together: educations of traditional crafts for national minorities of Vilnius city”
The Old Crafts Workshop of the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing the project dedicated to commemorate the Centennial of the Restored State of Lithuania by inviting members of communities of national minorities in Vilnius city and region.
Project’s aim is to integrate nowadays members of communities of national minorities in Vilnius city and region into the life of Vilnius, put them and members of general public together for a joint activity, and give a cultural meaning for multicultural historic Vilnius.
Main tasks of the project are:
1) to organize educational activities for members of communities of national minorities in Vilnius city and region and general public under the topic of Lithuania’s statehood; 2) to represent exhibitions of historical, archaeological reconstructions by professional craftsmen which h would represent the history, crafts, traditions and culture of Vilnius and Lithuania; 3) to organize lectures about the period of Lithuania’s State restoration by paying attention to the society and especially to the national minorities if that time.
These educational activities will be implemented:
– “Silhoutte portraits of 100 free citizens of Lithuania”
Master: Edita Namajūnienė
Duration 1,5 h
During the education participants get acquainted with a very popular leisure time activity of townspeople in 18th-19th century – drawing of silhouette pictures. Once it was the way to capture and trace the changing images of relatives and closest friends. Silhouette portraits of participants are drawn with a reconstructed device used to draw silhouettes and natural scale portraits are reduced to the required size by using a pantograph – device invented in 17th century and analogous to machine for enlarging or reducing drawings. After that silhouette pictures are designed and framed. The only thing left is to decorate your walls with these baroque-style portraits or to give them as presents for your relatives and friend.
– “Making leather bracelets with the symbols of statehood”
Master: Martynas Švedas
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will be introduced to the different kinds of leather, working tools, and different leather items made in ancient times (pouches, belts, belt bags, footwear, etc.). Participants test the leather decoration and processing tools.
– “Making glass beads or stained glass”
Master: Daiva Jusiūtė-Tarailienė
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will make glass beads by using “lampwork” technique or stained glass by using “tiffany” technique. Participants can use colors, shapes and symbols which are characteristic to national minorities.
– “Making bracelets from yarn”
Madter: Virginija Rimkutė
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will braid bracelets using a technique dated back to medieval times. Particopants can use colors and shapes characteristic to national minorities.
– “Bind a book with stathood symbols”
Masters: bookbinders Rimas Supranavičius and Sigitas Tamulis
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will bind a souvenir book and ornament its covers with statehood symbols.
Also, exhibition of reconstructed jewelry of Baltic tribes by jeweler Evaldas Babenskas will be represented.
Project ir partially financed by Vilnius City Municipality
For more information: Agnė Žilinskaitė, +370 613 81889, zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
The Old Crafts Workshop of the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing the project dedicated to commemorate the Centennial of the Restored State of Lithuania by inviting members of communities of national minorities in Vilnius city and region.
Project’s aim is to integrate nowadays members of communities of national minorities in Vilnius city and region into the life of Vilnius, put them and members of general public together for a joint activity, and give a cultural meaning for multicultural historic Vilnius.
Main tasks of the project are:
1) to organize educational activities for members of communities of national minorities in Vilnius city and region and general public under the topic of Lithuania’s statehood; 2) to represent exhibitions of historical, archaeological reconstructions by professional craftsmen which h would represent the history, crafts, traditions and culture of Vilnius and Lithuania; 3) to organize lectures about the period of Lithuania’s State restoration by paying attention to the society and especially to the national minorities if that time.
These educational activities will be implemented:
– “Silhoutte portraits of 100 free citizens of Lithuania”
Master: Edita Namajūnienė
Duration 1,5 h
During the education participants get acquainted with a very popular leisure time activity of townspeople in 18th-19th century – drawing of silhouette pictures. Once it was the way to capture and trace the changing images of relatives and closest friends. Silhouette portraits of participants are drawn with a reconstructed device used to draw silhouettes and natural scale portraits are reduced to the required size by using a pantograph – device invented in 17th century and analogous to machine for enlarging or reducing drawings. After that silhouette pictures are designed and framed. The only thing left is to decorate your walls with these baroque-style portraits or to give them as presents for your relatives and friend.
– “Making leather bracelets with the symbols of statehood”
Master: Martynas Švedas
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will be introduced to the different kinds of leather, working tools, and different leather items made in ancient times (pouches, belts, belt bags, footwear, etc.). Participants test the leather decoration and processing tools.
– “Making glass beads or stained glass”
Master: Daiva Jusiūtė-Tarailienė
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will make glass beads by using “lampwork” technique or stained glass by using “tiffany” technique. Participants can use colors, shapes and symbols which are characteristic to national minorities.
– “Making bracelets from yarn”
Madter: Virginija Rimkutė
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will braid bracelets using a technique dated back to medieval times. Particopants can use colors and shapes characteristic to national minorities.
– “Bind a book with stathood symbols”
Masters: bookbinders Rimas Supranavičius and Sigitas Tamulis
Duration 1,5 h
Participants will bind a souvenir book and ornament its covers with statehood symbols.
Also, exhibition of reconstructed jewelry of Baltic tribes by jeweler Evaldas Babenskas will be represented.
Project ir partially financed by Vilnius City Municipality
For more information: Agnė Žilinskaitė, +370 613 81889, zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
2018. Qualification improvement project “Non-traditional Marketing of Traditions: Creative Workshop for Entrepreneurship and Creativeness”
Project’s problematic. During the 20th century the need and adaption of traditional crafts changed due to economic changes, and it became a narrow and specific field which needs a new perception and view. Project’s aim is to broaden knowledge and information about traditional and modern crafts in the daily life of craftsmen, artists, culture workers and representatives of education system in order to adapt crafts innovatively considering future perspectives of education and labor market and principles of circle economics. Project’s tasks are: I. To organize and implement seminars and creative workshops (3 times) and 1 exhibition in the themes of innovative adaption of crafts; II. To ensure participation of qualified and professional lecturers in seminars and creative workshops and spread innovative information about circle economy, perspectives of crafts adaptation, education and labor market in regions, small towns; III. To encourage culture workers to be interested in innovations of their work field, and unite them for creative workshop; IV. To include pupils, teachers, students, lecturers into the target group and introduce future opportunities in the fields of crafts. Target group: members of The fine Crafts Association of Vilnius, employees of traditional crafts centers and culture centers, professional craftsmen and masters, students, pupils, teachers. Lecturers, artists, craftsmen. ~ Vaida Griškevičienė. Director of the Association of Eco Design. ~ Rūta Kukevičienė. Designer, art teacher, founder of Eco Design Studio. ~ Žilvinas Stankevičius. Designer and artists in the field of ecology and industrialism. ~ Rasa Balaišė. Designer in the fields of creating furniture, elements of interior, founder of RASA deSIGN studio. ~ Simonas Tarvydas. Artist, designer, member of creative studio INDI narys, creator of interior objects from recycled paper. ~ Odeta Tumėnaitė-Bražėnienė. Traditional craftswoman, papercuttings, wood carving. ~ Sandra Makutėnienė. Traditional craftswoman, soap making. ~ Martynas Švedas. Traditional craftsman, leather pouch, shoes maker. Creative workshops: 2018 October-November Lecture “What impact does circle economy and cohesive environment have on business and art” Lecturer Vaida Griškevičienė Creative workshop. Master: Rūta Kukevičienė (“Eco ceramics from coffee grounds: making decorative amulets”), master Žilvinas Stankevičius (“Making wooden kaleidoscopes”), master Odeta Tumėnaitė-Bražėnienė (“Traditional folk graphics: wood carvings”). Location: Traditional crafts center “Svirnas“, 18A K. Ladygos Street, Utena Lecture “What impact does circle economy and cohesive environment have on business and art” Lecturer Vaida Griškevičienė Creative workshop. Master: Rūta Kukevičienė (“Eco ceramics from coffee grounds: making decorative amulets”), master Rasa Balaišė (“Let’s reuse wool”), master Sandra Makutėnienė (“Making natural cosmetics”). Location: Traditional crafts center of Trakai region, 41 Karaimų Street, Trakai Lecture “What impact does circle economy and cohesive environment have on business and art” Lecturer Vaida Griškevičienė Creative workshop. Master: Rūta Kukevičienė (“Eco ceramics from coffee grounds: making decorative amulets”), master Simonas Tarvydas (“Products of recycled paper”), master Martynas Švedas (“Making leather bracelets”). Location: The Old Crafts Workshop, 10 Savičiaus Street, Vilnius. Project is partially financed by Lithuanian Council for Culture. For more information: Agnė Žilinskaitė, +370 613 81889, zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com |
2018. “Fair of Not Lost Findings: craft fest in the reconstructed Savičiaus Street”
The Old Crafts Workshop of the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing the project “Fair of Not Lost Findings: craft fest in the reconstructed Savičiaus Street”. Its aim is to cherish culture of Vilnius city, promote and encourage value growth of Lithuania’s culture and cultural industries, and promote traditional crafts. This fair is held in Savičiaus Street in order to develop a network between local craftsmen, workshops, cultural galleries, business and cultural sector. Main activities of the project are: - To unite craft workshops located in Savičiaus Street (craftsmen club “Artisans of the Manor”, textile workshop “Beautiful Patch”, glass workshop “Uta Glass”, weaving manufactory “Jurate”, amber gallery “Arza”, gallery-museum of Čiurlionis, Ramintoja Church), to include other members of the Fine Crafts Association, individual Lithuanian craftsmen; - To organize craftsmen fair accessible to everyone; - To give an opportunity for visitors to participate in craft demonstrations, presentations and educational activities; - To include children and youth as much as possible; - To get support, attention and perception from society and government that Vilnius Old Town is UNESCO World Heritage site and craftsmanship, its restoration and modern development is a source of capital’s intangible heritage and cultural vitality. Target group: general public. Project ir partially financed by Vilnius City Municipality For more information: Agnė Žilinskaitė, +370 613 81889, zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com |

2018. Educational project “Educational cycle of craft activities for the members Lithuanian Jews community Journeys of Jews Costume”
The Old Crafs Workshop of the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing educational cycle of craft activities for the member of Lithuania Jewish (Litvaks) Community. Craft activities consist of crafts such as making knotted dolls (without using a needle), making shadow puppets from paper, Shadow Theater without words, theatrical improvisations.
This project is dedicated only for the members of Jewish Community: preschool children, teenagers, mixed families and few family generations. The main aim is to put community’s members together for joint activities, unite different generations of the same family, strengthen community, spread knowledge and promote long traditions and history of Jewish costume and its journeys through the time.
Other aims of this project are:
– to create conditions to preserve and promote Jewish clothing traditions among the members of Lithuanian Jewish Community, especially children and youth;
– to organize cycles of creative workshops in order to promote activities of creative community- and self-expression;
– to create additional educational, cultural and social value for community members.
Project was implemented with 2 cycles of educations each consisting of 4 different craft activities:
1. Making knotted dolls (without using a needle)
Participants are briefly introduced to the history of dolls. Samples of soft dolls made in a few different ways are shown. Participants can make a doll themselves by using the oldest and easiest method – knotting.
2. Making shadow puppets (theater) from paper
Actors will show how to make a small paper theater in home conditions. Similar “theaters” were made by children a couple of hundred years ago.
3. Shadow theater without words
Participants will try to create a small play based on traditional Jewish fairy tales. Participants together with actors will discuss a storyline, will create scenography, shadow puppets, and will learn various ways how to record characters’ sounds “without words”.
4. Theatrical improvisations
Improvisation is one of the types of theater which gives a total artistic and creative freedom. Participants will use this technique during the process of creative workshop.
It is hoped that project activities will receive a huge interest from members of Lithuanian Jewish Community while enchancing communal and personal abilities with the means of vocational education. All project activities are continuous, so cooperation is being planned in the future, too.
The project is partly funded by Good Will Foundation.
For more in formation: Agnė Žilinskaitė, +370 613 81889, zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
Educational project "Ancient Technologies for Today"
2017
Project "Ancient Technologies for Today" was implemented during the summer of 2017. The goal of this project is to popularize cultural heritage and ancient technologies, to stimulate their revival, creativity and their adaptation to contemporary culture. While implementing this project, three educational reconstruction exhibitions of the old crafts - book binding, glass bead making, making bone and antler tools for textile and textile producing technologies - has been arranged. Also, three public lectures on the themes of old crafts has been arranged. These lectures thoroughly introduced the exhibits and introduced participants with ancient (Baltic, Grand Duchy of Lithuania) characteristics of crafts. Besides, three educational craft cycles has been implemented during which citizens and guests of Vilnius city not only was introduced with reconstructions of heritage objects displayed at the exhibitions, but also had a chance to be a part of intangible heritage dissemination - they acquired basic skills of each craft.
12 old crafts educations has been implemented (4 of each craft):
Archival manuscript binding and its interpretations, June 2017;
Ancient blue glass beads, July, 2017;
Bone, antler and textile, August, 2017.
All events took place at The Old Crafts Workshop, Savičiaus street 10, Vilnius.
Project is funded by Vilnius City Municipality (Program for Supporting Culture and Communities).
For more information please contact project manager Agnė Žilinskaitė: tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
2017
Project "Ancient Technologies for Today" was implemented during the summer of 2017. The goal of this project is to popularize cultural heritage and ancient technologies, to stimulate their revival, creativity and their adaptation to contemporary culture. While implementing this project, three educational reconstruction exhibitions of the old crafts - book binding, glass bead making, making bone and antler tools for textile and textile producing technologies - has been arranged. Also, three public lectures on the themes of old crafts has been arranged. These lectures thoroughly introduced the exhibits and introduced participants with ancient (Baltic, Grand Duchy of Lithuania) characteristics of crafts. Besides, three educational craft cycles has been implemented during which citizens and guests of Vilnius city not only was introduced with reconstructions of heritage objects displayed at the exhibitions, but also had a chance to be a part of intangible heritage dissemination - they acquired basic skills of each craft.
12 old crafts educations has been implemented (4 of each craft):
Archival manuscript binding and its interpretations, June 2017;
Ancient blue glass beads, July, 2017;
Bone, antler and textile, August, 2017.
All events took place at The Old Crafts Workshop, Savičiaus street 10, Vilnius.
Project is funded by Vilnius City Municipality (Program for Supporting Culture and Communities).
For more information please contact project manager Agnė Žilinskaitė: tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com

International project "Making and Growing – Traditions between Fibre & Fabric"
2015-2017
Traditional and old crafts is an important part of Lithuanian culture, it marks uniqueness of regions, as well as it is an additional income source for members of small communities. Nowadays the craftware is usually being presented in fairs and during festivities. It is a pity that only the motivated people come to the workshops, ethnographical events, where one seeks to know Lithuanian crafts on his own will. This way is not innovative or attractive to transfer crafts and it does not reach general public. Furthermore, craftsmen face the difficulty to find their niche in the market (older age, adjustment to fast developing economical situation, lack of entrepreneurship, good financial possibilities). Weaving is an important part of Lithuanian and Norwegian culture: In Norway – wool, in Lithuania – linen. Fabric is one of the most beautiful arts of the national heritage. The treasure of weaving survived and it shows how rich of deep traditions in weaving both cultures are. It is a pity, that this archaic heritage is no longer interesting in the modern life, the number of craftsmen is diminishing as well. It is necessary to find modern and innovative niche to save and protect this craft, the interesting side of the craft should be presented for the society. In order to make crafts to be the big part of popularizing arts, culture and cultural tourism in the regions, it is necessary to seek for new ways to display and present them.
Based on the relevance of mentioned issue, in 2015 the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius together with the donor country begun to implement international project: Making and Growing – Traditions between Fibre & Fabric. The project is funded according to the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 Promotion of Diversity in Culture and Arts within European Cultural Heritage Program.
Duration of the project is 11 months.
MAIN GOALS OF THE PROJECT
The aim of this project is to reconstruct, exchange and spread traditional knowledge of textile making within two different cultures, to perform the reconstructed process of textile crafts, to make the mobile exhibition of this topic from different perspectives and to make contacts with local partners of professional and non-professional artisans within the field throughout the process.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Research of Norwegian sheep wool and Lithuanian linen production through the scientific and physical processes.
This dual study let us investigate the traditional tools and archaic practical methods of production of weaving in both countries. In this way the research of museum artifacts and practical knowledge of craftsmen will be joined through historical reconstruction techniques. The perspective of these two activities reflects the philosophy of "making and growing”, i.e. continuous learning through the production process.
Creation of the innovative product – mobile, life, open and educational exhibition.
The exhibition will aim to establish contacts between craftsmen-professional and amateur or 'newcomers' and the general public at the international level. During this exhibition the path of linen and wool from the birth of fiber to the fabric will be demonstrated, as well as the exchange of intercultural educational knowledge will be done and skills transmitted to the public. There will be presented mobile workshops created during the project’s process and adapted for working for several educators, introducing tools for wool / linen processing, yarn twisting, weaving, allowing learners to test the reconstructed tools, access the information material (stand, examples).
Publication of the process of scientific research and reconstruction on the project’s website provided in tree languages (Lithuanian, Norwegian and English).
This website (blog) will initiate discussions online while teaching or exchanging information, ideas and knowledge. In this way the project will create additional qualitatively good alternative to transmission of art, culture and knowledge and the development of cultural tourism. It also creates the possibility to touch the life history at a non-traditional environment, will ensure the interests in social, cultural, artistic and nature environment of the local region. Using the examples of good practice (partner’s experience) there will be found a new way to introduce the crafts to the public and thus to increase attractiveness and competitiveness not only in Vilnius, but also in other Lithuanian regions.
PARTNERS OF THE PROJECT
The Norsk Folkemuseum is Norway’s largest museum of cultural history. With collections from around the country, the museum shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present. The 160 buildings in the Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. Museum shows 4 craft workshops – jeweller, potter, weaver, candle moulder. Exhibitions, educational programs and other activities are constantly held here in order to protect the intangible cultural heritage.
More information: Norsk Folkemuseum website.
The Krikštėnai village community in Ukmergė region. Due to the enthusiastic members of this community educational lessons for children under the title „The road of linen“ are being organized. 3 craftswomen show this craft for the interested and all of them are involved in the activities of the project.
Gyvoliai village community in Mažeikiai region. 82 active members participate in the project. The community does not have any lodging, so people who have similar hobbies and interests (needlework, singing, acting etc.) meet at each other‘s places.
More information about the project: Indrė Rutkauskaitė, tel./fax (370 5) 2619886, mob.tel. +37068413902, e-mail: vdaa.info@gmail.com
2015-2017
Traditional and old crafts is an important part of Lithuanian culture, it marks uniqueness of regions, as well as it is an additional income source for members of small communities. Nowadays the craftware is usually being presented in fairs and during festivities. It is a pity that only the motivated people come to the workshops, ethnographical events, where one seeks to know Lithuanian crafts on his own will. This way is not innovative or attractive to transfer crafts and it does not reach general public. Furthermore, craftsmen face the difficulty to find their niche in the market (older age, adjustment to fast developing economical situation, lack of entrepreneurship, good financial possibilities). Weaving is an important part of Lithuanian and Norwegian culture: In Norway – wool, in Lithuania – linen. Fabric is one of the most beautiful arts of the national heritage. The treasure of weaving survived and it shows how rich of deep traditions in weaving both cultures are. It is a pity, that this archaic heritage is no longer interesting in the modern life, the number of craftsmen is diminishing as well. It is necessary to find modern and innovative niche to save and protect this craft, the interesting side of the craft should be presented for the society. In order to make crafts to be the big part of popularizing arts, culture and cultural tourism in the regions, it is necessary to seek for new ways to display and present them.
Based on the relevance of mentioned issue, in 2015 the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius together with the donor country begun to implement international project: Making and Growing – Traditions between Fibre & Fabric. The project is funded according to the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 Promotion of Diversity in Culture and Arts within European Cultural Heritage Program.
Duration of the project is 11 months.
MAIN GOALS OF THE PROJECT
The aim of this project is to reconstruct, exchange and spread traditional knowledge of textile making within two different cultures, to perform the reconstructed process of textile crafts, to make the mobile exhibition of this topic from different perspectives and to make contacts with local partners of professional and non-professional artisans within the field throughout the process.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Research of Norwegian sheep wool and Lithuanian linen production through the scientific and physical processes.
This dual study let us investigate the traditional tools and archaic practical methods of production of weaving in both countries. In this way the research of museum artifacts and practical knowledge of craftsmen will be joined through historical reconstruction techniques. The perspective of these two activities reflects the philosophy of "making and growing”, i.e. continuous learning through the production process.
Creation of the innovative product – mobile, life, open and educational exhibition.
The exhibition will aim to establish contacts between craftsmen-professional and amateur or 'newcomers' and the general public at the international level. During this exhibition the path of linen and wool from the birth of fiber to the fabric will be demonstrated, as well as the exchange of intercultural educational knowledge will be done and skills transmitted to the public. There will be presented mobile workshops created during the project’s process and adapted for working for several educators, introducing tools for wool / linen processing, yarn twisting, weaving, allowing learners to test the reconstructed tools, access the information material (stand, examples).
Publication of the process of scientific research and reconstruction on the project’s website provided in tree languages (Lithuanian, Norwegian and English).
This website (blog) will initiate discussions online while teaching or exchanging information, ideas and knowledge. In this way the project will create additional qualitatively good alternative to transmission of art, culture and knowledge and the development of cultural tourism. It also creates the possibility to touch the life history at a non-traditional environment, will ensure the interests in social, cultural, artistic and nature environment of the local region. Using the examples of good practice (partner’s experience) there will be found a new way to introduce the crafts to the public and thus to increase attractiveness and competitiveness not only in Vilnius, but also in other Lithuanian regions.
PARTNERS OF THE PROJECT
The Norsk Folkemuseum is Norway’s largest museum of cultural history. With collections from around the country, the museum shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present. The 160 buildings in the Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. Museum shows 4 craft workshops – jeweller, potter, weaver, candle moulder. Exhibitions, educational programs and other activities are constantly held here in order to protect the intangible cultural heritage.
More information: Norsk Folkemuseum website.
The Krikštėnai village community in Ukmergė region. Due to the enthusiastic members of this community educational lessons for children under the title „The road of linen“ are being organized. 3 craftswomen show this craft for the interested and all of them are involved in the activities of the project.
Gyvoliai village community in Mažeikiai region. 82 active members participate in the project. The community does not have any lodging, so people who have similar hobbies and interests (needlework, singing, acting etc.) meet at each other‘s places.
More information about the project: Indrė Rutkauskaitė, tel./fax (370 5) 2619886, mob.tel. +37068413902, e-mail: vdaa.info@gmail.com

Educational Project “Cycle of Traditional Crafts Workshops for the Jewish Community of Lithuania”
2015-2016
The Old Crafts Workshops of The Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing the cycle of workshops for the members of the Jewish (Litvakes) Community of Lithuania. During the traditional crafts workshops of this project these ancient crafts of our region will be presented: making of knotted dolls (without using needle), shadow theater and making of shadow puppets, leather processing, bone work, the old table games, cyanotype (the old photography), textile jewelry creation and soap making in a cold way.
The goal of the project is to bring together members of the Jewish Community of Lithuania, unite various age groups and strengthen the sense of community through the meaningful leisure activities, as well as:
4 cycles of workshops for different age groups will be held during the project. They will be consisted of these activities:
1. Workshop of Cyanotype postcards
During the session the technique of cyanotype is introduced and photograms are printed.
2. Shadow theater introduction-play and making of shadow puppets
During the play participants get to know magical shadow theater of XIX century.
3. The ancient craft of leather processing
Participants will be introduced to the different kinds of leather, working tools and different leather items made in ancient times (pouches, belts, belt bags, footwear, etc.).
4. Craft of bone work
Participants will be introduced to the history and technology of the craft. The examples of reconstructions will be shown.
5. Soap making in a cold way
Participants will be introduced to the ancient soaps and their making methods (ash, soap stone, etc.).
6. The old table games
Participants will get to know what table games were played since the ancient Egypt till the 19th century, as well as Lithuanian table games.
7. Making of knotted dolls (without using needle)
Participants will be briefly introduced to the history of dolls. Samples of soft dolls made in a few different ways will be shown. Later on participants can make a doll themselves using the oldest and easiest method – tying.
8. Sewing of Lithuanian patchwork
During the session participants will be introduced to patchwork sewing traditions and techniques, their purpose and symbolism.
9. The old photographic technology „five minutes“
„Five minutes“ is the old photographic technology when shooting is taken with the old bellows photo camera similar to „Polaroid“.
We hope that the activities of this project will receive a great interest from the members of The Jewish (Litvakes) Community of Lithuania. The sense of community will be strengthened and personal abilities enlarged through non-formal education.
All the activities of this project are continuous and ongoing what leads to further future collaboration.
The project is partly funded by Good Will Foundation.
For more information please contact project manager Agnė Žilinskaitė: tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
2015-2016
The Old Crafts Workshops of The Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius is implementing the cycle of workshops for the members of the Jewish (Litvakes) Community of Lithuania. During the traditional crafts workshops of this project these ancient crafts of our region will be presented: making of knotted dolls (without using needle), shadow theater and making of shadow puppets, leather processing, bone work, the old table games, cyanotype (the old photography), textile jewelry creation and soap making in a cold way.
The goal of the project is to bring together members of the Jewish Community of Lithuania, unite various age groups and strengthen the sense of community through the meaningful leisure activities, as well as:
- To create conditions for the preservation of ancient craft traditions, expression and dissemination;
- To create educational, cultural and social added value for the Jewish Community‘s of Lithuania members.
4 cycles of workshops for different age groups will be held during the project. They will be consisted of these activities:
1. Workshop of Cyanotype postcards
During the session the technique of cyanotype is introduced and photograms are printed.
2. Shadow theater introduction-play and making of shadow puppets
During the play participants get to know magical shadow theater of XIX century.
3. The ancient craft of leather processing
Participants will be introduced to the different kinds of leather, working tools and different leather items made in ancient times (pouches, belts, belt bags, footwear, etc.).
4. Craft of bone work
Participants will be introduced to the history and technology of the craft. The examples of reconstructions will be shown.
5. Soap making in a cold way
Participants will be introduced to the ancient soaps and their making methods (ash, soap stone, etc.).
6. The old table games
Participants will get to know what table games were played since the ancient Egypt till the 19th century, as well as Lithuanian table games.
7. Making of knotted dolls (without using needle)
Participants will be briefly introduced to the history of dolls. Samples of soft dolls made in a few different ways will be shown. Later on participants can make a doll themselves using the oldest and easiest method – tying.
8. Sewing of Lithuanian patchwork
During the session participants will be introduced to patchwork sewing traditions and techniques, their purpose and symbolism.
9. The old photographic technology „five minutes“
„Five minutes“ is the old photographic technology when shooting is taken with the old bellows photo camera similar to „Polaroid“.
We hope that the activities of this project will receive a great interest from the members of The Jewish (Litvakes) Community of Lithuania. The sense of community will be strengthened and personal abilities enlarged through non-formal education.
All the activities of this project are continuous and ongoing what leads to further future collaboration.
The project is partly funded by Good Will Foundation.
For more information please contact project manager Agnė Žilinskaitė: tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
International project Revival of Disappearing Architectural Professions
2014-2016
The long-term objective of REDIAPRO’s partnership is a contribution to the forming of a small scale construction industry from traditional architectural professions, building customs and architecture-related handicrafts. The program makes a suggestion for relinking the former connections between handicrafts and architecture while providing a working model for the comeback of arts and crafts to the architectural thinking and contributing to the revival of the old and disappearing building traditions. The movement’s general aim is strengthening the local communities with preserving their unique culture and providing valuable professions, lifetime occupations locally, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas.
Welcome to the website of REDIAPRO: www.rediapro.com
2014-2016
The long-term objective of REDIAPRO’s partnership is a contribution to the forming of a small scale construction industry from traditional architectural professions, building customs and architecture-related handicrafts. The program makes a suggestion for relinking the former connections between handicrafts and architecture while providing a working model for the comeback of arts and crafts to the architectural thinking and contributing to the revival of the old and disappearing building traditions. The movement’s general aim is strengthening the local communities with preserving their unique culture and providing valuable professions, lifetime occupations locally, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas.
Welcome to the website of REDIAPRO: www.rediapro.com

Fine crafts association's of Vilnius educational project
„Traveling Workshops of The Analogue Photography“
Fine crafts association of Vilnius is implementing educational project for children and youth of various age “Traveling Workshops of The Analogue Photography” in 2014. The goal of the project is to promote, rediscover and preserve the heritage of the analogue photography in Lithuania, as well as to recall the old tradition of shooting the family‘s portraits when everyone was meticulously preparing and the photo shoot was a small family‘s ritual, and photographic stamp was very protected and cherished.
5 educational lectures will be held during the project (till 2014 December) for children of various school age at schools of Kupiškis and Utena districts and at Museum of Ethnography and Local History in Utena.
During these lectures pupils and local community will be acquainted with:
• camera operation principle while staying inside the camera and watching as image is being formed (camera is constructed from the trailer);
• local history of photography and its artists.
Everyone will have an opportunity to:
• perpetuate themselves using the old photographic technology „five minutes“ when the shooting is taken with the old bellows photo camera. Also during the project, pupils and local residents will be encouraged to be interested in their family‘s biography, analyze the old family albums comparing the current family photos with the old ones.
Everyone will have an opportunity to try and to make:
• postcards by using the cyanotype – the vintage way of making photographic prints. A photographer Anna Atkins released the first book illustrated with photos made exactly in this way in 1843;
• authentic images of mixed technologies of graphics and photography – „Cliché Verre“, which was widely used by the nineteenth century artists, especially during the movement of Pictorialism.
This type of workshops has not traveled yet through the small towns of Lithuania. People of all ages and social status will have the opportunity to participate in this project. The exhibition will be organized at Museum of Ethnography and Local History at the end of the project. While visiting the exhibition, the local community residents and pupils‘ relatives can enjoy the crafts created by pupils. The project is planned to be continued also visiting the other regions of Lithuania by encouraging, promoting and stimulating the interest of the photographic heritage of the country of young people and local communities.
The project „Traveling Workshops of The Analogue Photography“ is partly funded by The Lithuanian Council for Culture at the Ministry of Culture and the project‘s partner „The Open Workshop of Photography“.
For more information please contact leader of the project Agnė Žilinskaitė: tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
„Traveling Workshops of The Analogue Photography“
Fine crafts association of Vilnius is implementing educational project for children and youth of various age “Traveling Workshops of The Analogue Photography” in 2014. The goal of the project is to promote, rediscover and preserve the heritage of the analogue photography in Lithuania, as well as to recall the old tradition of shooting the family‘s portraits when everyone was meticulously preparing and the photo shoot was a small family‘s ritual, and photographic stamp was very protected and cherished.
5 educational lectures will be held during the project (till 2014 December) for children of various school age at schools of Kupiškis and Utena districts and at Museum of Ethnography and Local History in Utena.
During these lectures pupils and local community will be acquainted with:
• camera operation principle while staying inside the camera and watching as image is being formed (camera is constructed from the trailer);
• local history of photography and its artists.
Everyone will have an opportunity to:
• perpetuate themselves using the old photographic technology „five minutes“ when the shooting is taken with the old bellows photo camera. Also during the project, pupils and local residents will be encouraged to be interested in their family‘s biography, analyze the old family albums comparing the current family photos with the old ones.
Everyone will have an opportunity to try and to make:
• postcards by using the cyanotype – the vintage way of making photographic prints. A photographer Anna Atkins released the first book illustrated with photos made exactly in this way in 1843;
• authentic images of mixed technologies of graphics and photography – „Cliché Verre“, which was widely used by the nineteenth century artists, especially during the movement of Pictorialism.
This type of workshops has not traveled yet through the small towns of Lithuania. People of all ages and social status will have the opportunity to participate in this project. The exhibition will be organized at Museum of Ethnography and Local History at the end of the project. While visiting the exhibition, the local community residents and pupils‘ relatives can enjoy the crafts created by pupils. The project is planned to be continued also visiting the other regions of Lithuania by encouraging, promoting and stimulating the interest of the photographic heritage of the country of young people and local communities.
The project „Traveling Workshops of The Analogue Photography“ is partly funded by The Lithuanian Council for Culture at the Ministry of Culture and the project‘s partner „The Open Workshop of Photography“.
For more information please contact leader of the project Agnė Žilinskaitė: tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com
Fine crafts association's of Vilnius educational project for children “19th century shadow theater and shadow puppets creation”
Fine crafts association of Vilnius is implementing educational project for children of various age “19th century shadow theater and shadow puppets creation” in 2014. The goal of the project is to introduce children to the heritage of 19th century shadow theater and to stimulate children's cognitive, creative and technical skills using its means of expression.
10 educational lectures will be held during the project (2014 May-December) for children of various age:
- shadow puppet workshop, during which the old production technology of the puppets will be reconstructed;
- creation of shadow theater and acting. Expressions of the shadows and playfulness of the lights aesthetically enrich creative ideas and give impetus to new ideas and self-expression.
Educational project for children “19th century shadow theater and shadow puppets creation” is the first project of its kind in Lithuania, where the organizers are not only trying to revive 19th century Lithuanian theater traditions, but also to encourage children and youth to take an interest in this forgotten Lithuania's cultural heritage.
The project is partly funded by The Lithuanian Council for Culture at the Ministry of Culture and public organization “Kultūros paveldo akademija”.
For more information please contact leader of the project Agnė Žilinskaitė, tel. 861381889, e-mail: zilinskaite.agne@gmail.com