The Stasys Museum has gathered a community of more than 100 volunteers

In Panevėžys, a new contemporary art museum named after the multi-layered artist Stasys Eidrigevičius – ‘Stasys Museum’ – will open its doors this week (on May 31). The museum team aims to create a modern art mecca that brings together not only artists but also serves as a unifying community phenomenon. In preparation for the opening and to assist during ongoing events, they have enlisted volunteers. Over 100 volunteers of various ages and professions have signed up for the volunteer program ‘Our Museum.’

‘The people of Panevėžys want and can create the museum together, as evidenced by the museum’s volunteer program and the impressive number of people ready to help. From students to senior citizens, everyone is engaged in activities, works, and is eager to open the heart of the museum to visitors. We are grateful to them for their time, ideas, experiences, and community spirit,’ said Vaida Andrijauskaitė, the director of ‘Stasys Museum.’

Volunteers will participate in various museum activities – events, education programs, celebrations, other projects, and daily operations. As V. Andrijauskaitė mentioned, there is always interesting and meaningful work available at the museum tailored to everyone’s age and abilities.

Nedas Balčiūnas, a resident of Panevėžys who is actively involved in the volunteer program, also feels the desire to create a friendly, open museum that invites people to spend their leisure time with like-minded individuals.

‘I am glad that Panevėžys will finally have such a large-scale unique object. I have no doubt that the contemporary art museum named after a world-class artist and the unique collection of Stasys Eidrigevičius’ works will add to the city’s popularity – attracting youth, capturing the attention of foreign art lovers, boosting tourism, and providing another place for meaningful and quality experiences. I am very excited and looking forward to the opening,’ said N. Balčiūnas.

This is not Nedas’ first experience with volunteering. He will be working with a camera during the opening and at other ‘Stasys Museum’ events, capturing the most memorable moments of the opening, educational programs, and other activities, and contributing to various tasks.

Violeta Kabelytė, who is from Panevėžys and has lived in Scotland with her family for five years, volunteers while raising two children. As soon as she saw the museum’s call for volunteers, the young mother did not hesitate to register and join the team.

‘My childhood dream is coming true. I have been drawn to drawing and fascinated by art since I was young, so when I learned about the opportunity to volunteer, I didn’t think twice. After joining the program and visiting the museum for the first time, I was very surprised by how wonderfully Stasys Eidrigevičius’ works resonate with the impressive volumes and strange shapes of the interior spaces. Spending more time there gives you the feeling that you become a part of Eidrigevičius’ painting,’ shared volunteer V. Kabelytė.

The volunteer program ‘Our Museum’ has attracted participants not only from Panevėžys. Residents from Panevėžys district, Vilnius, Kaunas, Kėdainiai, and Biržai have also expressed their desire to contribute to the museum’s activities.

The youngest volunteer at the museum is Kotryna, who is 12 years old. She promises to assist the museum’s education team on weekends. Meanwhile, the oldest volunteer, artist Henrikas Mazūras, will celebrate his 70th birthday this year. The expert teacher from the arts gymnasium will lead tours in the museum this fall, telling stories about the exhibits, artworks, and historical artifacts.

The museum will open its doors to visitors this Friday at 11 AM.