International Artists’ Symposium-Creative Workshops “Sunny Šiauliai” Dedicated to the Anniversary of the City of Šiauliai

From 13 to 18 July 2026, the international artists’ symposium-creative workshops “Sunny Šiauliai”, held for the third time, will return to the historic Zubovai Palace (Aušros al. 50), long regarded as one of the most important cultural hubs in Šiauliai. Organised by Šiauliai Culture Centre, the event will bring together twenty professional artists from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Armenia. Throughout the week, artists will create, interact and invite the public to observe the process of painting from up close, while the accompanying events will reveal the diverse world of art and different forms of creative expression.
Organised by Šiauliai Culture Centre. Funded by Šiauliai City Municipality. Events are free of charge.

In just three years, the artists’ symposium-creative workshops have become a significant tradition in the cultural life of Šiauliai. The symposium was first held in 2024. At that time, its theme “Sunny Šiauliai” invited artists to reveal the City of the Sun through their own eyes – through personal experiences, the atmosphere of the city and individual artistic perspectives. Last year, the symposium theme “Sun Flower” was symbolically linked to the international folklore festival “Sun Flower”, which celebrated its tenth anniversary.

This year, the artists’ attention turns to another exceptional occasion – the 790th anniversary of the city of Šiauliai. Artists are invited to transfer the festive atmosphere onto canvas and interpret the city’s identity in their own way. Creative ideas may also be inspired by the symbols of the Šiauliai city coat of arms highlighted in the narrative of the anniversary year – the bull, the bear, the ducal hat and the Eye of Providence, representing the city’s strength, protection, historical memory, awareness and light. However, the artists are not restricted to specific motifs – some may choose recognisable city landmarks, while others may draw on imagination, memories, emotions or even the mood of the moment, thus giving their own meaning to the spirit of the anniversary year.

The official opening of the international artists’ symposium-creative workshops “Sunny Šiauliai” will take place on 13 July (Monday) at 6 p.m. at Zubovai Palace. That evening, the participants of the creative workshops will be introduced and the painting exhibition “Traces of Time” by Šiauliai artist Antanas Šeronas will be opened. The exhibition will remain on display until the end of the creative workshops on 18 July. Characterised by distinctive colouring and expressive painting, A. Šeronas’ work will invite visitors to reflect on traces of time, memories and stories hidden in everyday life. The exhibition will be presented by art historian Dr Dalia Karatajienė, who will also accompany the symposium participants throughout the creative week.

Although the official opening will take place in the evening, intensive work will begin at Zubovai Palace from early morning – the artists will settle in and embark on their first creative explorations. The very next day, 14 July (Tuesday), the doors of Zubovai Palace will also open to visitors – throughout the week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., everyone interested will be able to visit the workshops, observe how paintings are created, interact with the artists and see up close the painting process that usually remains unseen by audiences. Only on the final day of the workshops, 18 July (Saturday), visitors will be welcome until 4 p.m.

The symposium will also be complemented by other cultural events. On 15 July (Wednesday) at 6 p.m., Zubovai Palace will host a screening of the film “Ticket to Taj Mahal” (1991) by one of the creative workshop participants, director Algimantas Puipa. The director himself will also attend and share stories about the making of the film and little-known behind-the-scenes details.

On 18 July (Saturday) at 6 p.m., the symposium’s creative week will conclude with the electronic meditation “Sand and Water”. Gediminas Dapkevičius (synthesisers, guitar) and Deimantė Kraujutytė (vocals, violin) will perform in Zubovai Palace Park, inviting listeners on a meditative journey of music and improvisation.

This year, the international artists’ symposium-creative workshops “Sunny Šiauliai” will once again become an open creative space where different experiences, cultures and artistic visions meet. The works created at Zubovai Palace will become a symbolic gift to the city for its 790th anniversary in September, during “Šiauliai Days” – a respectful look at the past of Šiauliai, a meaningful greeting to the present and a creative wish for the future.

Participants of the artists’ symposium-creative workshops “Sunny Šiauliai”: Dalia Karatajienė, Algimantas Puipa, Juozas Pranckevičius, Antanas Jasenka, Ilona Janulienė, Edita Utarienė, Ieva Skauronė, Živilė Jasutytė, Vaidė Gaudiešiūtė, Gagik Parsamian, Pharaon Mirzoijan, Sarmīte Caune, Inta Klasone, Solvita Spirge-Sene, Aldis Kļaviņš, Gražina Vingrienė, Birutė Kuicienė, Ričardas Garbačiauskas, Rokas Šakys and Evaldas Jasiūnas.

Photos from the archives of Darius Ančerevičius and Rolandas Parafinavičius.

Information is provided by Kristina Alseikė, Event Organiser at the Exhibitions Department of Šiauliai Culture Centre, tel. +370 658 80 507, e-mail kristina.alseike@siauliukc.lt.