Lessons of internationalization in the Lithuanian culture sector

Abstract

The methodology for this paper is based on the results of a series of surveys done by joint efforts of the Depart¬ment of International Economics and Management at Vilnius Gediminas "technical University, Lithuania, and Lithuanian Centre for the Perfection of Cultural Administrators. In the first survey, done in September 2005 among operators of the country's cultural institutions, 125 public servants of the culture departments in city and county municipalities, museums and libraries, along with 30 branch representatives of the Department of National Minorities and Lithuanians Living Abroad, give their opinions on the opportunities and threats inter-nationalization may pose to the cultural sector in Lithuania. We will also analyze fofure needs in international cultural co-operation and quantify the existing possibilities and qualifications of the specialists in the field for the development of the sector. We will consider recommendations of "Policies for Culture*, "Europe as a Cultural Project", as a theoretical basis tor our research. The main finding Along with some other important findings, our research suggests that there are politico!, economic, social and especially, psychological issues to be considered when establishing inter national contacts. The of networking often hits the obstacle that Lithuanians are by nature "solitary villagers" (as one of me respondents noted), fearing harsh competition in the field. Existing informal or quasi-formal networks among art and culture operators in the Baltic region in general and the country in particular often fail to cover issues concerning overall cul¬ture policies. That is why having strong leaders such as ones mentioned previously, representing SEE countries, is intrinsic for the internationalization process to start. The body that could unite our fragmented efforts and serve as a prototype for the co-operation of this kind in Lithuania is the Association of Culture Administrators.