Arts Printing House is a unique creative phenomenon in Lithuania, a vibrating performing arts venue and a meeting place for artistic souls. Established in a former printing house dating back to 1805, nowadays it produces a different kind of layouts, typecasts and linotypes – those that help develop a new understanding of creativity within the modern society.
Typography of Arts
Located in the old town of Vilnius, the premises of the Arts Printing House had previously been used as a printing house for books from 1805 and then converted into a communist printing house for main newspapers of the regime in 1965. After Lithuania gained independence, several performing arts NGOs used the premises for independent arts projects. In 2002 the Arts Printing House was established and a lease contract between Municipality of Vilnius and the newly founded organization was signed. Since then a number of theatrical, contemporary dance, interdisciplinary and educational projects take place in the building annually.
Transforming old into new
While harboring the unique history, at the same time the Arts Printing House strives to bring about change and become the first infrastructural complex for creative industries in Lithuania. It aims to foster creativity and support performing arts NGOs. In other words, our vision is to serve as a matrix-case, which collects different types of independent performing arts projects into one place and is a medium allowing them to share their artistic vision with the audience.
In November 2004 we joined one of the oldest European cultural organizations network, Trans Europe Halles, which unites cultural centres established in non-traditional, often post-industrial spaces.
Currently the premises of the Arts Printing House are undergoing a reconstruction, the main part of which has been funded by EU Structural Funds and Vilnius City Municipality. In the next few years the space of 3800 m2 will open up as a performing arts centre with 2 venues, 4 rehearsal spaces, non-commercial film cinema, offices, resource library, café-club and a guesthouse.
Funding
For continuous support we are grateful to Vilnius City Municipality and company Vilniaus energija. Our projects are funded by Lithuanian Ministry of Culture and Culture Fund of the Republic of Lithuania.
Should you be interested in more information about Arts Printing House, feel free to contact us.
Contacts
Arts Printing House
Šiltadaržio skg. 6, Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel./ fax +370 5 2040832
Email: info@menuspaustuve.lt
Director: Mr. Audronis Imbrasas
