The Lithuanian Culture Ministry has announced its plan to participate in the upcoming Venice Architecture Biennale after initially considering opting out due to budget constraints. The ministry stated it would allocate €50,000 from the current year's budget and plans to secure an additional €250,000 from the next fiscal year's budget, indicating a thorough review of the funds available for the architecture sector. This decision comes after criticism from the cultural community, which expressed concerns over the diminishing support for the arts in light of the government’s financial priorities.

Earlier announcements suggested that Lithuania would not participate in the biennale due to a reduction in the Cultural Ministry's budget, which prompted calls for prioritizing essential funding areas. However, after discussions with architectural experts, Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė reversed this decision, emphasizing the necessity to maintain Lithuania's presence at a significant international architectural event. She acknowledged the tight timeline for preparation but assured that all necessary processes would be timely undertaken.

The Venice Architecture Biennale is a critical event in the global architecture community, providing a platform for countries to showcase their architectural innovations and cultural narratives. Lithuania's participation signifies its commitment to the arts and architecture on an international stage, despite financial challenges. The ministry's strategy indicates a renewed focus on finding sustainable funding solutions while also demonstrating the importance and value of cultural representation in the global arena.