On 19–20 June, the annual “In the Rhythm of Cultures” World Refugee Day events brought together participants to raise awareness of the experiences of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or crises, while also promoting public understanding, empathy and openness.
The events were organised under the Lithuanian–Swiss Cooperation Programme “Civic Engagement”, which seeks to promote social openness, intercultural dialogue and inclusion. The programme was curated by the arts agency “Artscape”.
The experiences of refugees are often accompanied by social exclusion, language barriers and limited opportunities to participate in the labour market and community life. These challenges are not only individual stories but also broader issues of social integration. Through culture, dialogue and the arts, the “In the Rhythm of Cultures” events sought to address these issues by creating spaces for mutual understanding beyond formal boundaries.
On 19 June, a discussion entitled “How Does Music Create Community and a Sense of Belonging?” brought together representatives of Refuge Worldwide. The programme continued with musical performances curated by Radio Vilnius and Refuge Worldwide, while the evening concluded with a concert by Egyptian poet, musician and performer Abdullah Miniawy.
On 20 June, the programme began with a community brunch, followed by discussions on “How Can Young People Contribute to Building an Inclusive Society?” and “The Artist as an Activist”, featuring Swedish rapper and social activist Silvana Imam, who was born in Lithuania. Theatre workshops were also organised, encouraging participants to explore social situations through experiential methods and to strengthen empathy and civic engagement. The day concluded with a major concert featuring a range of performers, including well-known Lithuanian singer Gabrielė Vilkickytė, who has volunteered at a refugee centre in Vilnius, Silvana Imam, and artists from the Ukrainian Beats collective – Alex A.F, Plushka and Kalendaryk.
Held in Palanga, the events provided a space for meetings, conversations and cultural exchange. The programme demonstrated how culture, music and the arts can help foster a sense of community, encourage dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding between refugees and local communities.
The World Refugee Day events “In the Rhythm of Cultures” are part of the project “Improving the Integration Environment for Residents with Migratory Background by Raising Public Awareness” (2025–2028), funded under the Lithuanian–Swiss Cooperation Programme “Civic Engagement”.
