The project “Unsleeping Neighborhoods” has been inviting people to free cultural events in Vilnius’ microdistricts for the fourth year in a row. The organizers, who have chosen unexpected spaces for their events, say that the project aims to promote community spirit and revitalize public spaces. From September 4 to 14, residents of as many as six Vilnius microdistricts will receive a cultural initiative and have the opportunity to participate in creative events.
Culture in Vilnius neighborhoods
Pašilaičiai, Pilaitė, Lazdynai, Naujoji Vilnia, Žirmūnai, Trakų Vokė are on this year’s festival map. Residents of these neighborhoods are invited to get involved in creative activities in their neighborhood environment.
Project creators Eglė Belozaraitė and Gintarė Šatevičiūtė say that events are just one of the forms that can enliven the life of the district.
“With this project, we aim to show that you can spend a cozy evening in your own apartment building yard, all it takes is a little effort and imagination. Neighborhood gatherings, book exchanges, film screenings, neighbor brainstorming or other activities create a cozy atmosphere and encourage community spirit. We ourselves can create a friendly environment, get to know and communicate with those who live nearby. Our events are a small event in the life of the neighborhood, but they encourage us to come together and create for ourselves,” says E. Belozaraitė.
The real estate development company Eika, which has been supporting the project for the third year, supports the initiative to create cultural centers in residential areas.
“Small initiatives grow into beautiful and meaningful projects. A quality life depends on a safe and friendly neighborhood. We strive for public spaces near homes to serve communities, be visited and lively. Fostering community spirit is in each of our hands; by creating and communicating, we can contribute to each of our well-being and a beautiful life,” says Jorūnė Juodžbalytė, Head of Marketing and Communications at Eika.
From houseplant exchanges to open-air cinema
The project, which will launch in Trakai Vokė on September 4, will surprise with a wide program of events and initiatives. From ecological workshops, where residents will be invited to use old magazines to make home decorations, or houseplant exchanges, where you can exchange your old fern for a sprout of another plant, to open-air cinema screenings.
Organizers say that residents can expect fun activities for the whole family.
“At our events in the microdistricts, both young and old will find interesting and heartwarming activities. We will create postcards with the symbols of the city of Vilnius with children, invite residents on a tour of the microdistrict spaces, weave modern city gardens, and discuss the district’s past and its face.”
This year, the event program is complemented by public lectures about the development of the microdistrict. Vilnius researcher Darius Pocevičius will give a public lecture in each district, presenting previously unheard stories of the microdistricts,” says G. Šatevičiūtė.
Events of the festival “Unsleeping Districts 2019”:
September 4th in Trakai Vokė
September 5th in New Vilnius
September 10 in Lazdynai
September 12 in Žirmūnai
September 13th in Pašilaičiai
September 14 in Pilaite
Full program of events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Nemiegantys.rajonai
