The Last Summer School in Panevėžys
January 20, 2025
The Summer School in Lithuania
The TRUSTMAKING project has already held winter schools in Vienna and Delft together with Rotterdam and a summer school in Vienna and Oslo, and the time has come for the project team’s meeting in person in Lithuania. Hence, the summer school was held in July 2024. The summer school took place in various cities in Lithuania. The project team visited Vilnius, where The Critical Agency (Xwhy) team is based; Kaunas, where the Kaunas University of Technology team is based; and Panevėžys, which is a case study of the project. Here, we would like to share our experiences from this get-together in Lithuania.
The First Stop in Vilnius
Monday morning in Vilnius began with a warm welcome and a kick-off in the office of The Critical Agency (Xwhy). Two working sessions took place that day. In the first one, updates and research results of the Urban Living Labs (ULL) on the trust principle were presented; in the second one, an exchange on general guidelines for trust building took place. After productive discussions, participants embarked on an urban exploration of the Šnipiškės neighbourhood, a unique area that beautifully illustrates the conflict between old and new. Led by urban sociologist Jakaterina, teams learned about the rich history of Šnipiškės, where century-old wooden houses stand in stark contrast to modern skyscrapers and bustling business centres. This neighbourhood has become a focal point for discussions around preserving cultural identity amid rapid urbanisation. As participants walked through the streets, they experienced first-hand the tension between historical preservation and contemporary development, gaining a deeper appreciation for the stories these buildings tell. Located close to the city centre, this area has become a battleground between the preservation of historical heritage and rapid urban development. While the modern skyline of skyscrapers reflects the economic growth and transformation of the neighbourhood into a business centre, the remaining old wooden houses stand as symbols of the neighbourhood’s past and illustrate the ongoing tension between preserving cultural identity and adapting to the demands of modern city life. The project teams had the opportunity to touch them with their hands during the city tour. After exploring the city, there was a tour of the regenerated cultural complex and visits to unique cultural spaces. The day concluded with a tour of a regenerated cultural complex, showcasing innovative spaces that celebrate Vilnius’s artistic spirit. Participants visited unique cultural venues that reflect the city’s dynamic evolution, leaving them inspired by the blend of tradition and modernity. As this event unfolds, it highlights the importance of fostering trust and collaboration in urban development while honouring the rich cultural narratives that shape our cities.
The Second Stop in Panevėžys
On the second and third days of summer school, the team spent in Panevėžys at the cultural centre Pragiedruliai. It is a place that inspired the local team to take part in the TRUSTMAKING project. It is a place for culture and open-minded creativity in Panevėžys. The teams toured the site, but most importantly, the working sessions occurred again. The exchange on general trust-building guidelines continued, followed by a session on communication. On this day, visits to various locations in Panevėžys took place. The next day, the team discussed how to convert the general trust-building guidelines into a book that could be suitable for experts in the field. Additionally, there was a discussion on academic publications as an outcome that suits researchers. After the meetings, before travelling on to Kaunas, the teams visited the Stasys Museum. This is a brand-new museum exhibiting the work of the well-known Lithuanian artist Stasys Eidrigevičius. The museum displays a collection of his surreal and symbolic paintings, drawings and illustrations, etc.
The Second Stop in Panevėžys
On the second and third days of summer school, the team spent in Panevėžys at the cultural centre Pragiedruliai. It is a place that inspired the local team to take part in the TRUSTMAKING project. It is a place for culture and open-minded creativity in Panevėžys. The teams toured the site, but most importantly, the working sessions occurred again. The exchange on general trust-building guidelines continued, followed by a session on communication. On this day, visits to various locations in Panevezys took place. The next day, the team discussed how to convert the general trust-building guidelines into a book that could be suitable for experts in the field. Additionally, there was a discussion on academic publications as an outcome that suits researchers. After the meetings, before travelling on to Kaunas, the teams visited the Stasys Museum. This is a brand-new museum exhibiting the work of the well-known Lithuanian artist Stasys Eidrigevičius. The museum displays a collection of his surreal and symbolic paintings, drawings and illustrations, etc.
Brief Sum-Up
Summer School provided an excellent opportunity for the project team to discuss the progress of the project itself, establish and expand the network, and generate new ideas. Although the project is heading towards its final moments, the project team became stronger and more inspired to develop and elaborate on the research of trust, inclusive urban development, placemaking and so on.