On September 12th, 2024, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) hosted a remarkable international symposium on the future of WWII Restitution Policies. It was an event where experts, historians, and cultural leaders gathered to explore vital issues around provenance research and restitution, and I had the honor of working with a fantastic team to help make it happen. [read more...]

I had the pleasure of supporting Kevin-Ahn Kwang Soo-Groen, the brilliant organizer behind the event, who brought together a stunningly diverse lineup of artists, poets, musicians, and performers. The night was everything it promised to be—sensual, raunchy, humorous, and deeply moving. Whether it was raw fantasies, stories of dates gone right (or hilariously wrong), or intimate moments of self-reflection, the performers bared their souls and took us on an emotional journey.
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It's all about the gardens—literal and emotional—that we tend to. Last year, I discovered Lietuvos Vizionieres by Elena, whose writing about emotions and mental health captivated me. After a serendipitous social media exchange, we met for coffee and formed a meaningful connection. Inspired by her work under the name "Elenas Garden of Emotions," I envisioned a photoshoot in her actual garden, bringing her writing to life. Last month, we made that happen, capturing the essence of both her spirit and her serene surroundings. I’m excited to share some of those beautiful moments.

Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Laura Mančauskaitė. Ji - kūrėja bei edukologė, gyvenanti Londone, Didžiojoje Britanijoje.

[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Laura Mančauskaitė who is a creator and a creative as well as education specialist, currently living in London, the UK.

Yesterday was an inspiring day as I joined friends, and supporters to celebrate an incredible milestone in my friend Reka’s life. After over a decade of hard work, passion, and perseverance, Reka has not only published her long-awaited book but also established her own publishing company, Yellow Stairs Publishing. It was an unforgettable moment, marking the culmination of her creative journey and the beginning of a new chapter.

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I usually find myself in Lithuania and try to explore different ways to celebrate it with small-town communities. This year was no different and it brought me a new experience which I actually looked a bit deeper into - henna tatto. What began as a simple interest in trying something new turned into a meaningful experience that connected me to an ancient tradition rich in history, culture, and symbolism.

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Seeing my photograph published in The Word’s Faire “The Feast” has been a very special moment for me. As a photographer, I’ve always aimed to capture moments that tell a story, evoke emotion, and share beauty with the world. And to have this opportunity to be seen in the copy of the publication is a very special experience.

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Crafting an authentic Lithuanian "sodas" is a deeply enriching experience that goes far beyond the creation of a beautiful object. A sodas., which translates to "garden" in English, is a traditional Lithuanian ornament made from straw, characterized by its intricate geometric designs. These delicate mobiles have been an integral part of Lithuanian culture for centuries, carrying profound symbolism and connecting the maker to a rich heritage of craftsmanship and spirituality.
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One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Réka Szentirmay:

What inspired you to choose setting up a publishing house over the self-publishing route for your book?

As I sat down to reflect on another year, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder. A year has passed since I last reflected on the words of Anaïs Nin, "We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are." Today, I find myself contemplating another profound idea by Charles Horton Cooley: “I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.” [read more..]

In my vision, it was a sunny afternoon in 1964, and I can almost see a young Danielius Kvartunas, at the tender age of 16, holding his very first camera—a "Smena 6"—with a sense of pride and excitement. This simple, yet cherished, piece of equipment became an extension of his being, a portal through which he could freeze time and capture the essence of his surroundings. Decades later, we celebrate his - my fathers - legacy through a photography exposition that takes us on a journey back to those early days, offering a vivid glimpse into the world as he saw it.
Danielius Kvartunas’ photographs are not just images; they are windows into the past. Each photograph tells a story, painting a picture of life as it was in 1964.
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Nestled in the heart of Vilnius on Gediminas Avenue, the majestic Pirklių Rūmai stands as a testament to the seamless blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation. This architectural gem, originally constructed in 1913 by the Merchants’ Club, exudes an aura of elegance and luxury that captivates every visitor. Today, I had the pleasure of exploring this remarkable palace with my dear friend Marina Zinovič, a passionate event organizer dedicated to connecting people and fostering vibrant communities. [read more…]

One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Renate Matroos:

In what ways do emerging technologies influence the landscape of entrepreneurship within the digital education sector, and what challenges and opportunities do they present?

The amazing Christina Kefala extended the invitation to be a guest speaker for CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) students, where I shared my life journey and insights on the transformative power of creativity. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, as I had the opportunity to connect with bright, inquisitive minds and delve into the fascinating world of creativity. [read more…]

Today, I had the incredible privilege of visiting the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague, courtesy of Ambassador Riaz Hamidullah and Mrs. Sazia Ahmed. I was there for an inspiring lecture by my dear friend, Dr. Shahana Siddiqui, about the intricate and beautiful sarees of Bangladesh. This enriching experience not only deepened my appreciation for this traditional garment but also sparked a newfound curiosity to explore more about the rich culture and history of Bangladesh and its surrounding regions. [read more…]

Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Svetlana Zigel. Ji - įkvepianti moteris, dviejų vaikų mama, gyvenanti Leeds, Didžiojoje Britanijoje.

[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Svetlana Zigel who is a very inspiring woman, a mother of two children who live in Leeds, the UK.

Reflecting on my experience teaching a summer intensive course at CIEE fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Over three intense weeks, I had the privilege of guiding a dedicated group of students through a rigorous curriculum, meeting for four hours every day. What made this journey particularly impactful was our embrace of embodied learning. [read more..]

One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Heidi Clements:

How do you address societal pressures and stereotypes about ageing, especially as a woman in the public eye?

Recently, I was invited to be a guest lecturer for a group of high school exchange students at the CIEE offices in Amsterdam thanks to the kind invite extended by Bruno Miguel Correia and Daria Zelenukhina. This opportunity was particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to share insights on a subject that is deeply personal and crucially important: the humanistic approach to understanding and supporting refugees and migrants. [read more..]

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…]