Rarely has art been so pertinent to real life. When Lithuania’s second city kicked off its E.U. Capital of Culture program in January, it looked like an underrated destination getting some time in the spotlight. But then Russia invaded Ukraine, and suddenly Kaunas’ shining moment seemed frighteningly timely.
The yearlong cultural program explores the city’s turbulent history—under Nazi occupation in World War II, and later as an unwilling part of the Soviet Union—through exhibitions by the likes of Marina Abramovic, William Kentridge, and Yoko Ono.
Kaunas has turned that spotlight onto current events with its innovative CulturEUkraine initiative, which provides a space—in the former Central Post Office, a historic city landmark—for Ukrainian artists and entrepreneurs to create new projects and kick-start new businesses, including an artist-in-residence program. Stay at the superhip and modern Moxy Kaunas Center, which opened in the run-up to Capital of Culture just 500 yards from the Central Post Office.
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
