Ulytė Republic

The purpose of this project is to create the beginning of new Lithuanian cultural islands not in mega-pole centres but rather in natural lees. The word Lithuanian is identified with the name of the country and the verbs to pour, to merge. On such basis, the project is open to the connection with various cultures both locally and globally.

Net culture (ceremony), as a possible metaphor, is a covering joint of of the idea of archaic and modern cultures (as, for example, Whipping culture, etc.) in the movements of the present.

During the discussion of this idea with the sponsors, 6 potential places of the centres are in perspective anticipated in other Lithuanian places. In this way it is sought “to make a net” and through a new artistic prism adequately and critically react to modern tendencies from new points and create alternative perspectives.

Ulytė Republic is the project of individual beginning which was begun since 2001 in the old family place (steading, 4 km from Anykščiai). This place can be rethought in a development of at least two centuries. The oldest present weaves on the casing of the house are of 1829 and according to the memories transmitted – barns are even older.

With the project of cultural centres a new relation of nature-culture is looked for.

Evaluating the general cultural heritage of Anykščiai of the 19-20^th centuries and spiritual field, left by the artists, as well as modern stereotype and formal cultural projects (Dutch Voruta (Mindaugas) castle, leisure centres, etc.), the aforementioned place seeks creating the centre which would be alternative to the so-called pop-culture.

The activity anticipated in the programme covers all year: painting pleners, concerts, poetry and philosophy evenings and educational programmes for children.

Architectural bulk-spatial conception: traditional street Gothic (so-called saw) upholstering plan is emphasized and the action is organized on both sides of the street on one axis.

Architectural functional conception: by the old street left in the steading, called Ulyčia, by two old house and barn) and one newly built bulk (120m²), the composition is projected organically composing 4 archetypical Upper Lithuanian two-pitched bulks (about 70m² each). The buildings are designed for the usage as the residences for artists. It is projected to build a barn bulk further from the street (about 400m²), which would be used as a gallery and the great joining area – for various purpose. 3 wooden rotundas are anticipated in the forests for the arts of sound, quietness and writing (40m² each).

It is projected to use materials, close to the present natural context for the material form of the buildings (wood, clay, straw, natural pigment, etc.).