At the first-ever organized “Heritage DNA” awards by the National Commission for Cultural Heritage, the best-maintained cultural heritage properties, the most distinguished individuals in this field, and the most successful initiatives and projects were recognized. Additionally, acknowledgments were distributed to representatives of the heritage community from across Lithuania.
On September 29th, the first “Heritage DNA” awards organized by the National Commission for Cultural Heritage. It took place at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania. During the awards ceremony, nine nominees were announced across three categories – Objects, People, and Works. Additionally, seven members of the cultural heritage community received special acknowledgments from the Heritage Commission.
Statuettes of glass artist Remigijus Kriukas were presented to three laureates:
In the category of “People”, the laureates announced were Karolis Banys and Petras Gaidamavičius, founders of the Art Deco and Amsterdam School Museum (Kaunas city municipality). The winners were nominated for independently and with their own resources establishing and opening two apartment-museums in Kaunas to the public. Other nominees included Dominykas Chlebinskas, owner of restored villas “Loebel” and “Maria” (Neringa municipality), and Arminas and Martynas Vareika, restorers of Pumpėnai Windmill (Pasvalys district municipality).
We invite you to get acquainted with the “Heritage DNA” nominees in the category of “People” (videos in Lithuanian language here)
In the category of “Objects”, the Wooden City Architecture Museum (Vilnius city municipality) triumphed. The museum was recognized for maintaining authenticity during building restoration and for active practical activities such as serving as a consultation center and providing educational programs. Other participants in this nomination were Aleksandra Iljinienė’s house (Kaunas city municipality) and Laurynas Radziukynas’ school in Kurnėnai (Alytus district municipality).
We invite you to get acquainted with the “Heritage DNA” nominees in the category of “Objects.” (videos in Lithuanian language here
In the category of Works (Initiatives), the Rauboniai Mill and the Wool Carding-Spinning Workshop together with Vaidotas Gikis (Pasvalys district municipality), emerged as the winners. The residents of Pasvalys were recognized for revitalizing the abandoned mill, preserving its original purpose, and actively involving the community. Other nominees included the Innovators’ Valley along with Arūnas Survila (Zarasai district municipality) and the homestead of Martynas Jankus (Pagėgiai municipality).
We invite you to get acquainted with the “Heritage DNA” nominees in the category of “Works” (videos in Lithuanian language here)
During the awards ceremony, special acknowledgments were also presented by the Heritage Commission.
Please find videos about them in Lithuanian here
The awards were established by the National Commission for Cultural Heritage. Heritage Commission is an expert and advisor to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, President of the Republic of Lithuania and to Government of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the national policy of cultural heritage protection, its implementation, evaluation and improvement.
The awards ceremony is supported by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda.
The event’s media partner is LRT (Lithuanian National Radio and Television).
Video features about the nominees are partially funded by the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture.
Heritage Commission is an expert and advisor to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, President of the Republic of Lithuania and to Government of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the national policy of cultural heritage protection, its implementation, evaluation and improvement.