As the founder of Word Up, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration as I reflect on the unforgettable evening we shared at the Van Gogh Museum on May 31st. Vincent on Friday - DREAMS - Word Up Showcase was not just an event, but a profound celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of female voices in spoken word poetry. [read on…]

Recently, I had the immense privilege of being invited to the National Cultural Forum at Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) in Kaunas organized by the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries. [read more…]

As a photographer, I often find myself in the privileged position of witnessing and immortalizing moments of significance in people's lives. But nothing quite prepared me for the honor of documenting my friend's doctoral defense in the grand Lutheran church of old Amsterdam. [read more…]

A little reflection on my trip to visit and old friend and some old and not so old sights around Leeds, the UK. [Read more…]

What a humbling feeling to close another memorable semester teaching and holding space for growth and inspiration. I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that teaching Intercultural Communication and Leadership is and how much it has illuminated the transformative power of genuine connection and the beauty of embracing vulnerability. [read more…]

After more than a decade, I found myself returning to Copenhagen, a city that holds countless memories from my past. But this time, the journey wasn't solely about revisiting familiar streets and landmarks; it was about rekindling a connection, one that had only recently sparked into existence.

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In the rhythm of our daily lives, there often comes a moment when the soul yearns for respite, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. For me, that sanctuary lies in the embrace of travel—the opportunity to explore new or already familiar horizons, immerse myself in cultures, and reconnect with the essence of life itself. This time, my journey led me to the sun-kissed shores of Puglia, Italy, [read more…]

Last night, amidst the warm glow of the Lili Centre in Luzern, surrounded by friends and colleagues, something truly special unfolded. It was the opening of Lina Petravičiūtė's solo exhibition, "Ringo 1986" – a deeply personal journey into the depths of pain, vulnerability, and healing.

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But I did. Through the rainy streets of Utrecht I followed my way into a cozy cafe to find my dear dear friend Jackie preparing for her premiere of “None of Us Are Enjoying This” crafted by her with collaborator Jędrzej Jędraszyk. To me it was not merely a performance but an invitation to pause, contemplate, and feel. [read more..]

In the face of this deafening silence, a ray of hope emerges with the global premiere of "War on Education." Directed by Stefano di Pietro, this compelling film delves deep into the heart of Ukraine's struggle, shedding light on a dimension of the conflict too often relegated to the sidelines.

As the sun gently set over the picturesque landscapes of Friesland, I was grateful to be there at Museum Belvédère for a remarkable cultural event thanks to the Embassy of Lithuania graciously extended invitation. [read more…]

As someone who has had the privilege of working closely with Ukrainians in the Netherlands for a considerable time, I recently had the opportunity to attend a captivating talk by Ukrainian food historian Dr. Olena Braichenko. The event, titled “Ukrainian Taste Decolonized: Flavors, Ingredients, Context,” offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culinary heritage and its significance in contemporary society. [read more…]

Embracing the Tapestry of Life: A Journey of Creativity, Community, and Celebrating Every Chapter with Word Up [read more…]

I grew up with no Christmas.
It was forbidden. Everything associated with religion, family and Christmas peace, according to the Soviets, was supposed to disappear, but it never did. They tried to convince that Christmas is a pagan holiday celebrated only by dark people and that educated communists do not engage in such nonsense. I grew up with Christmas that was a very different experience. [read more..]

Past few weeks have been a journey. Out of my comfort zone mostly, out of the usual crazy schedule to an even more timed existance. I received an invitation to speak at a Forum “Culture + Ecology” and I walked into my fear. [read more…]

Some moments from the Embassy of Lithuania in the Kingdom of the Netherlands organized for the Embassy Festival.

Marking yet another trip around the sun I really wanted to open up on the importance of balancing professional, personal and everything in between. I did spend some good time reflecting on the monumental moments and especially standing on a verge of a new era for me. [read more…]

For almost a year now I have been teaching in an academic setting and, honestly, I have had some moments and hesitations with it. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. But I love education period. I love being able to challenge and question and, hopefully, inspire people.
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With this spring that is a bit confusing and still raining fear, bombs and shelling in Ukraine, I have also learned so much about Ukrainian culture. I heard this phrase “Ukrainian people are boarn with the knowledge of gardening". The way that sentence was presented to me was “Ukrainian women are boarn with the knowledge of the earth” and it really made me thinking. It made me reflecting how much women I talk to every week are excited about seeds and planting. […]

Lately I have been thinking about distances. From now to tomorrow. From here to home when your flight has been cancelled. From my status quo to the new culture I am still not familiar with. How do things feel when you don’t have enought space on your skin. […]