Speeches

Remarks by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the National Awards Ceremony

Honorable National Award Laureates,
Distinguished Participants of the Ceremony,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lithuania and creativity are two words that go powerfully hand in hand. Since ancient times, our ancestors had been building a state and creating a nation. And we continue doing it every day.

It is symbolic that every year on February 16 we honor and applaud the winners of National Culture and Art Awards - men and women who embody the creative spirit of our people.

It is great that in your creative endeavors you promote diversity and celebrate continuity.

Freedom and Creation are two fundamental values that cannot be measured or priced. They are vital to the existence of our nation and community of citizens in the world - so that we can feel dignified and strong.

Culture has been always cherished in our country - even at times of interrupted statehood. Political freedoms can be extinguished and a nation's right to independence can be brutally denied. However, even in the darkest of nights, our values and ideals would persist. Ideas would emerge to rally the people for the cause of freedom and independence. And creative work is the most direct way to freedom. 

For twenty years now our creative potential is no longer shackled: there is no censorship, there is no compulsory bowing to the Absurd, there is no need to hide or fear.

Art reflects the colors of the world, both bright and dark. A modern cultured society is not only capable of identifying the sublime, but it also accepts and learns from criticism which at times may be very harsh. The works of great creators open up the experience of the unexplored and the unexpected. Let us not forget that art is not for enjoyment alone; it changes us and makes us better. It is here to teach us dialogue and understanding. All celebrated works of art impart tolerance and compassion.

Every year, February 16 reminds us of the time when our state was reborn and opened up to the world. It did so firstly through language and culture. We are interesting to the world only in so far as we promote our national identity and share it with other peoples.

I extend my congratulations to this year's laureates. Thank you for your input to our culture! I would wish us to never forget Lithuania's creative men and women, and to reach out to their forceful artistic discourse. They are the bridge builders between ourselves and the world and the guides on the path of mutual understanding between the world and ourselves.

As long as we can be proud of and grateful to those who contribute, successfully and importantly, to the development of national culture and arts, we are enormously rich.