Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila”
Creative Residencies Program 2026–2028
The Curonian Spit, a fragile UNESCO-protected landscape created through the interaction between human and natural elements, has long been recognised as a place where creative transformation occurs. For centuries, this landscape has attracted artists and creators from different fields.
The long-term experience of the Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila” (hereinafter referred to as “Agila”) working with creators from various disciplines allows us to consider inspiration not as a coincidence but as a recurring phenomenon. Here in Neringa, experiencing a “wow moment” of inspiration is surprisingly common. Artists who have creative ties with Neringa highlight many factors that encourage them to come or return: the visually harmonious environment, the nature and landscape of the Curonian Spit, historical uniqueness, a sense of peace and silence, a slower rhythm of time, the opportunity to step away from everyday routines and focus on creative work, and the possibility to restore creative balance after burnout.
Continuing the strategy of attracting creators to Neringa, on 27 August 2018, the investment project “Reconstruction of Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila” in Nida, Taikos St. 4” (hereinafter referred to as the Investment Project) identified the establishment of a creative residency and artist mobility program for performing arts and film creators. This initiative expands the map of creative residencies in Neringa, complementing institutions such as the Nida Art Colony, the International Translators and Writers Centre, and other creative residencies operating in the area.
In order to implement the directions defined in the Investment Project, the “Agila” Creative Residencies Program for 2026–2028 (hereinafter referred to as the Program) has been prepared.
The Program defines the goals, objectives, directions, implementation principles, and evaluation indicators of the creative residencies organised by “Agila”.
The purpose of the Program is to create conditions for professional Lithuanian and international artists to research, create, experiment, collaborate, and present new works and creative projects, while strengthening Agila's role as a platform for creative activity, cultural dissemination, and artistic innovation.
Program Implementation Period
The Program will be implemented during 2026–2028.
In 2026, the program structure and communication strategy will be developed, 2–3 pilot residencies will be organised, and partnerships will be established.
In 2027, the number of residencies will increase and cooperation with partners will expand.
In 2028, residencies will continue to be implemented, the program's results will be evaluated, and a new program will be prepared.
The implementation of the Program will be evaluated based on the following indicators:
number of residencies organised;
number of artists participating in residencies;
number of creative presentations and educational activities;
number of cooperation projects.
“Agila” implements the Program in cooperation with Lithuanian and international cultural organisations and artists.
Mission, Vision and Values of the Program
Mission
To create an open creative space for artists that supports professional creative processes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the dissemination of culture in society.
Vision
To become an internationally recognised creative residency centre that attracts Lithuanian and international artists, fosters new art forms, and strengthens the region's cultural identity and vitality.
Program Goal
To create favourable conditions for professional and emerging artists to create, experiment, and present new works, strengthening the role of Agila as a creative platform and cultural attraction.
Key priorities:
creation of new works;
development of interdisciplinary creative processes;
exploration of the identity of the region;
cooperation with the local community;
public presentation of creative outcomes.
The Program brings together key participants in the creative ecosystem — artists, the host organisation, and the local community — whose interaction aims to:
explore and develop specific themes or new artistic concepts;
create new artistic and cultural content through the creative process;
improve skills and professional competencies;
develop professional networks and reach new audiences;
contribute to positive social change guided by the principles of the New European Bauhaus: sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.
Program Objectives
Organise creative residencies for artists from different artistic disciplines;
Encourage the creation and public presentation of new works;
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across artistic fields;
Develop cooperation between the cultural institution and local, regional, national, and international cultural organisations, NGOs, and businesses;
Engage the local community in creative processes and educational activities;
Increase the visibility and attractiv
eness of “Agila” for artists and audiences both nationally and internationally.
Program Areas
Performing Arts – for creators working in theatre, dance, performance, and other performing arts.
New Circus – for contemporary circus artists and companies. New circus combines acrobatics, physical theatre, dance, visual stage forms, and dramaturgy.
Music – for composers, performers, sound artists, and music creators.
Film and Audiovisual Arts – for filmmakers, documentary creators, video artists, and multimedia artists.
Possible Thematic Directions
Examples of thematic directions may include:
place and memory;
landscape as a stage;
sound and image: dialogues;
slow creation.
Program Participants
Professional Lithuanian and international artists
Emerging Lithuanian and international artists
Lithuanian and international creative organisations and collectives
Expected Results
Creation of new performing arts, music, contemporary circus, or audiovisual works;
Development of collaboration networks;
Strengthening of local cultural and creative identity;
Expansion of Agila’s artistic and cultural program;
Increased involvement of the local community in creative processes;
Ensuring the continuity and long-term sustainability of the creative residency program.
Principles for Organising Residencies
Residencies take place during the off-season (October–May).
Artistic fields include performing arts, film, music, and contemporary circus.
The duration of residencies ranges from 2 to 6 weeks.
Artists are selected either through an open call or by invitation.
Agila provides access to creative spaces and technical infrastructure and arranges accommodation for residents in cooperation with local hospitality businesses in Neringa.
“Agila” ensures communication and publicity for the residencies, provides mentoring when needed, cooperates with the local tourism sector, and introduces residents to the local culture, history, and traditions.
During residencies, activities such as creative workshops, open rehearsals, and community meetings may be organised.
Residencies conclude with a public presentation of the creative outcomes.
Program Funding
The Program may be funded through:
project funding from municipal, national, and international programs;
contributions from private sponsors and partners;
institutional budget funds;
other legally obtained funding sources.