It is becoming something of a tradition for the VVJ Art Gallery to exhibit works by young aspiring artists during the summer, which, with the help of established artists, are transformed into a striking themed installation. This year’s exhibition, JOKIO JOKIO TVANO, is curated by the artist Eglė Lekevičiūtė.

It is probably not easy to explain to children the threats that we, as adults, feel today. But why not give it a go? Without scaring them, and in a playful way.

It all began with a rhyming picture book of the same name, "JOKIO JOKIO TVANO" (Audra Baranauskaitė, “Tikra knyga”), then its illustrator, Eglė Lekevičiūtė, together with the team from the “Children’s Book Island” festival, came up with the idea of turning several of the book’s illustrations into installations; by adding new works, the book is given a second life in the form of an exhibition.

Second-hand items are also given a new lease of life here – clothes, kitchen utensils, bottle caps, various packaging and so on.

This is a space where there is certainly plenty for children to do, and where adults too will find things to look at and read.

The installation spaces invite visitors to play, create, experience and learn about the challenges facing the world – the impact of climate change on our planet.

We applied for additional funding from the Lithuanian Council for Culture for this exhibition.

When the results were announced, the application received an excellent written evaluation, but the scores fell short and did not reflect the comments. Our project came third, just missing out. We were less than one point short of the exhibition receiving funding.

We are delighted that the exhibition received support from “Audėjas” and “Baltic Sofa”, as well as partial financial support from Vilnius City Council. Thanks to this support, we were able to stage the exhibition, but there are insufficient funds to cover the fees of everyone who contributed to it.

Although most of the artists, upon learning of the situation, have kindly waived their fees, we understand that this should not be the case, as a great deal of work has been put in and everyone’s contribution is vital to making the exhibition what it is today.

So we are reaching out to you, the exhibition visitors!

If you have come and felt that the exhibition is inspiring and engaging, and you wish to support it, we invite you to do so here or by visiting the exhibition in person.

If you are unable to contribute at this time, you are still very welcome to visit the exhibition!

The exhibition is free!

Financial support is voluntary!

Exhibition curator and lead installation designer – Eglė Lekevičiūtė;

Exhibition coordinator – Eglė Kielaitė;

Co-authors of the installations: Šarūne Pečiukonytė, Milda Paukštė, Vida Židonienė;

Technical implementation of the exhibition – Rytis Urbakavičius;

Supervisors of the children’s creative works – Vida Židonienė, Loreta Zdanavičienė;

Exhibition consultant – Justinas Kilpys;

Author of exhibition texts – Audra Baranauskaitė;

Exhibition design – Birutė Bikelytė;

Creator of the fluttering birds – Rūta Stonkienė;

Photographer – Joaguin Mora;

Assistance in preparing the exhibition – Inesa Adamonytė, Andrius Dabšys;

Financial partner – Vilnius City Municipality;

Sponsors – “Audėjas”, “Baltic sofa”.