The City of Vilnius came up with an idea: to invite artists to showcase their works of art in the city free of charge with all costs being covered by the City and "JCDecaux Lithuania", continuously supporting art initiatives. The unique element of this exhibition is that all art objects are for sale with every artist`s contacts and artwork pricing details to be found on dedicated website www.menasbestogo.lt.
"Although art galleries are already open, the restrictions for social gatherings remain in place," said Remigijus Šimašius, the mayor of Vilnius. "Therefore, Vilnius "takes its roof off." We have turned the city centre into a huge open-air gallery. It is one of the largest art exhibitions in Vilnius containing the works of 100 artists. We hope that the project will stimulate creativity and some works will find their way into people's homes."
All in all, 553 artists have submitted their works for review within 4 days after the announcement. Among the authors are artists of international renown, such as Vilmantas Marcinkevičius, Vytenis Jankūnas, Laisvydė Šalčiūtė, Svajonė and Paulius Stanikas (SetP Stanikas), as well as Algis Kriščiūnas and Živilė Žvėrūna. The objects for the exhibition were selected according to several criteria: the portfolio of the author, the visuality of work and its integration with the landscape of the city. Selecting committee had a goal to compose an exhibition that would best represent the Lithuanian art in all its variety. Inhabitants and city guests can use a virtual map to navigate through the exhibition.
„As city media, we continuosly support art initiatives and believe that Outdoor exhibition „Art needs no roof“ will invite people to come back to cultural life. We were very happy to see such an active participation by the artists and now hope that the audience will notice both art pieces and creators behind them. Hopefully, some people will consider the idea of artworks „moving“ to their homes from the streets“ – Žaneta Fomova, CEO of „JCDecaux Lithuania“ has commented.
Mr. Kriščiūnas, who is an artist of multiple talents, including music, photography and painting, thinks that the “Art Needs No Roof” exhibition is a great way of exploring the city. As an artist, he is known for the ability to combine art with social function. In 2019 he made an installation "We Are Kings of Garbage" in one of the shopping malls. Now Mr. Kriščiūnas suggests the "Trip of Hundred Art Objects" - a trip around all objects of “Art Needs No Roof,” combining physical and mental exercise. "That could be a whole day trip," - he explained. "Such a day could change the entire perception of the city. I think that this project is a new window to the hearts of the audience. When art is exhibited only in galleries, the artists are excluded from society: not everyone will take time to come and see the exhibition. But the art objects of “Art Needs No Roof” will be seen by all people on the street."
“Art Needs No Roof” will last until July 28th. Some artworks have already been pre-booked just one day after the launch of the project.
