The international festival “ConTempo” was visited by 14 thousand spectators

This summer, Kaunas and the Kaunas district transformed into a vibrant center for performing arts – the international festival “ConTempo” took place here, attracting more than 14,000 spectators from Lithuania and across Europe.

Visitors who came specifically for the event had the opportunity to witness 44 performances, presented in 23 different locations throughout the city and district of Kaunas.

The festival’s program impressed with its diversity: audiences were treated to performances ranging from dance shows, object theatre, contemporary circus, and acrobatics. Equally colorful was the variety of venues – from public spaces, theatres, and sports halls to amphitheaters and even the Lampėdžiai quarry.

This year’s festival atmosphere was created by professional artists from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Lithuania. As every year, part of the events were free of charge, giving everyone the opportunity to experience top-level performing arts.

According to the festival’s director, Gintarė Masteikaitė, although the festival naturally evolves and develops, its core values remain the same.

“Our goal is to present the highest-quality national and international contemporary performing arts productions, to promote diversity in the performing arts, and to ensure access to culture in Kaunas and the Kaunas district,” she emphasized.

“We want everyone – regardless of where they live, their experience, or social status – to have the opportunity to experience professional performing arts up close. Not just to watch, but to engage, to feel, to live through it. Because we believe that art has the power to change not only moods or moments but also one’s mindset, one’s relationship with oneself and the environment,” said G. Masteikaitė.

The “ConTempo” festival is funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.

Photos by G. Jovaiša, M. Plepys, G. Žaltauskaitė