“Golden Phoenix” Awards at St. Catherine’s Church: A Distinguished Recognition for Contributions to National Culture

On February 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., in Šv. Kotrynos bažnyčia, the Lietuvos kultūros centrų asociacija will host the prestigious national cultural award ceremony “Auksinis Feniksas” (Golden Phoenix). It is one of the most important annual events for Lithuania’s cultural center community, bringing together state leaders, politicians, regional cultural creators, and patrons.

The “Golden Phoenix” is awarded to individuals and organizations that strengthen the cultural center system, enhance regional cultural vitality, and contribute to the overall cultural maturity of the state. According to Romualdas (Romas) Matulis, President of the Lithuanian Cultural Centers Association, the award carries a clear message to the state:

“Regional culture is the core of the national cultural ecosystem; therefore, it is the duty of the state to create conditions for communities and creators throughout Lithuania to create, renew, and grow.”

Invited guests include national leaders, members of the Seimas and Government, municipal mayors, cultural policymakers, directors of cultural centers, artists, and cultural supporters. The event serves as an important platform for national dialogue on the role of culture in strengthening regions and fostering social cohesion.

During the ceremony, “Golden Phoenix” statuettes will be presented in five categories: Best Cultural Center Director of the Year, Cultural and Arts Creator of the Year, Cultural Center Partner of the Year, Cultural Patron of the Year, and Cultural Politician of the Year.

The ceremonial evening will be enriched by an artistic program featuring the historical dance studio “Baltoji Pavana” of the Anykščiai Cultural Center (led by Jūratė Uselienė), the fanfare orchestra of the Pabradė City Cultural Center (led by Bronislovas Vilimas), and soloists Amelija Junonytė, Katažyna Paršuta, and Diana Grochovskytė. The ceremony will be hosted by Rasa Lukošiūnaitė.

Organized since 2012 by the Lithuanian Cultural Centers Association, the “Golden Phoenix” award is not only an expression of gratitude for achievements but also a reminder of the essential role cultural centers play as hubs of community life, creativity, and civic engagement in Lithuania’s regions.

The event is organized by the Lithuanian Cultural Centers Association together with the Vilnius and Molėtai Cultural Centers. Event partners include the cultural centers of Pabradė, Anykščiai, Šiauliai, and Plungė.

Admission is by invitation only.

For more information: +370 687 30484, Romas Matulis, President of the Lithuanian Cultural Centers Association.