Solemn 2025 Ministry of Culture Event
On the evening of Friday, 14 November 2025, national, municipal, and community patrons who were awarded these honorary titles in 2025 were recognised. During the official Ministry of Culture ceremony at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, they received patron insignias.
“Patronage is not just support. It is a sign of a mature society and an old, noble tradition that we now see being revived with new strength. On the eve of Patronage Day, I would like to sincerely thank those who take responsibility and shoulder a significant share of the concern for our culture, art, science, education, civic engagement, and social wellbeing. Your contribution is not merely financial support. It is a belief that culture, science, and civil society are not a luxury, but a necessity. You are not simply investing—you are giving opportunities to young talents, scientists, artists, and those who need help the most,” said Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė as she expressed gratitude to the patrons.
National Patron Titles
The titles of National Patrons were posthumously awarded to Angelė and Sigitas Kazlauskas, Lithuanian expatriates from the Biržai region who lived in Canada and worked as dentists and philanthropists. They donated more than 3 million euros to the Vilnius University Fund for the development of paediatric dentistry, and the improvement of dental studies and research.
National Patron insignias were also awarded to Rolandas Valiūnas for providing over 1.4 million euros of support to the public institution “Lithuanian Art Knowledge Centre TARTLE”; to UAB Agrokoncernas, which donated more than 1.1 million euros to the charity and support fund “Švieskime vaikus”; to UAB Agrokoncerno grūdai, which supported the public institution “Naisiai Summer Theatre” with more than 1.1 million euros; to Prof. Eugenijus Arvydas Janulaitis (UAB J investicijos), who provided nearly 1.1 million euros to the Future Biomedicine Fund; to Vaidas Barakauskas (UAB Ilzenbergo dvaras and UAB Indeco: Investment and Development), who supported the renovation of Onuškis St Michael the Archangel Church with 1 million euros; and to Mantvydas Juozapavičius (posthumously) for donating 1.3 million euros to the Vilnius University Fund.
Municipal Patron Titles
In the municipal patron category, the title and insignia of Pakruojis District Municipality Patron were awarded to AB Dolomitas for providing more than 211,000 euros in support for a municipality-endorsed project benefiting the public. The Šiauliai District Municipality Patron insignia was awarded to the agricultural company Draugas for donating more than 318,000 euros to the public institution “Naisiai Summer Theatre”.
During the ceremony, community patrons were also honoured. In the culture and arts category, community patron insignias for support provided last year to MO Museum were awarded to: the company Baltisches Haus (50,000 euros), Prof. Vladas Algirdas Bumelis (over 57,000 euros), and Žilvinas Mecelis (50,000 euros). In the cultural heritage category, a community patron insignia was presented to the charity organisation Janukonis Fund for over 142,000 euros of support for the restoration of the Chapel of the Lord Jesus.
Education categor
In the education category, community patron insignias for support to the Vilnius University Fund were granted to the Šiauliai Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (50,000 euros), Arnas Jurskis, founder and director of UAB Arimex (100,000 euros), and Eglė and Romualdas Danieliai (UAB HFL Holding, 150,000 euros). In the civil society strengthening category, community patron titles were awarded to Arvydas and Ramutė Neniškiai for donating 104,000 euros to the project supported by the public institution “Blue/Yellow” in aid of Ukraine.
Community Patron Insignias
Community patron insignias in the field of social wellbeing were awarded to five patrons: the companies Arijus, Veikmė, Vilniaus Sigma, as well as Aurelijus Rusteika and Regimantas and Rasa Buožiai, each donating 50,000 euros to the endowment capital of the Marius Čiuželis Charity and Support Fund. The mission of this fund is to promote ideas of positive ageing in Lithuania’s ageing society, challenge negative stereotypes about old age, and ensure a dignified life for the elderly. To achieve these goals, the fund created and since 2016 has implemented the friendship and emotional support project for older adults, “Silver Line”.
All patron titles are recorded in the Patron Book, which is kept at the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Patron titles have been awarded in Lithuania since 2018, and last year Patronage Day, celebrated on 15 November, was added to the list of commemorative days.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: Ministry of Culture and Sports
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