The project promoted poet Justinas Marcinkevicius’ literary legacy initiated his commemoration in his homeland, promoted active adult and youth reading, developed linguistic and literary skills for readers in various age groups.
The project was implemented together with the following partners: Prienai Cultural and Leisure Centre, Communities’ Association of Prienai District Municipality, Prienai and Birstonas Creators’ Association Gabija. Representatives of the aforementioned institutions and organisations actively participated in all the activities of the project – non-traditional literature classes in poet Justinas Marcinkevicius’ memorial room, second Justinas Marcinkevicius’ readings in Vazatkiemis, the Poet’s Day to commemorate his 83rd birthday, book presentations and greetings.
On 10 March, poet Justinas Marcinkevicius’ 83rd birthday was commemorated, which included a poetry and music hour “Banks of Light” (Lith. Šviesos krantai) during which actors Rasa Jankauskaite, Liubomiras Laucevicius and flutist Andrius Radziukynas performed a literary musical programme.
On 7 May, the presentation of book Justinas Marcinkevicius’ Lessons (Lith. Justino Marcinkeviciaus pamokos) welcomed the compiler of the book Stepas Eitminavicius, actor Birute Mar, authors of memoirs Anarsija Adamoniene and Justinas Jonyka. On 7 September, during the second reading of “Oh Homeland, Oh Colourful Butterfly of the Meadow” (Lith. O tėviške, laukų drugeli margas) by Justinas Marcinkevicius, the poet’s works were read by almost 30 participants of different ages from Alksniakiemis, Balbieriskis, Silavotas, Birstonas, Jieznas, Prienai, Naujoji Uta, Nemajunai, Uzuguostis, Vilnius and Kaunas. On this day, a commemorative stone for Justinas Marcinkevicius was uncovered in Vazatkiemis – the poet’s native village. On 9 December, night “Coming Back via That Road” was organised, Justinas Marcinkevicius book “Naturally” (Lith. Iš natūros) was welcomed together with a sequel to book “About Justinas Marcinkevicius” (Lith. Apie Justiną Marcinkevičių) by Valentinas Sventickas; also, exhibition of photos “...my homeland is my life...” (Lith. ...gyvenimas mano ta žemė...) that introduced photos from personal archives. Approximately 1,000 spectators and listeners took part in the events.
The Lithuanian Cultural Fund funded the project and provided 5,000 LTL