Vilnius is the first city in the Baltics to host one of the world’s top international street art and graffiti festivals.
Meeting Of Styles in August brought more than 40 artists from 23 countries to Lithuania’s capital to collaborate on big, permanent, open-air artworks.
A spokesperson for Go Vilnius, which promotes tourism in the city, says: “As travellers increasingly seek authentic urban experiences beyond traditional museums, Vilnius is emerging as a worthy street art destination. Beyond the festival, Vilnius offers a rich street art trail for visitors interested in urban culture, contemporary art and creative neighbourhoods.
“The festival reflects a broader shift in art-led travel.”
Artists from Chile, Uruguay and Japan as well as across Europe came together for the Meeting Of Styles festival.
One of its highlights is the creation of a new centrepiece mural by Romanian artist Lost.Optics and Lithuanian muralist and painter Linas Kaziulionis (K ART 7).
“For me, painting in the street has always been about energy — the energy of the place, the people and the artists who bring their own style into the mix,” says Daniel, also known as Lost.Optics.
“Vilnius surprised me because it already has a strong visual identity and a street art culture that feels authentic, not forced. Seeing artists from different countries, generations and scenes working side by side was exactly what street art is about: sharing ideas, respecting different styles and leaving something behind for the community.”
+ More about Vilnius: govilnius.lt
+ Vilnius street art trail: neakivaizdinisvilnius.lt/en/routes/vilnius-street-art/
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails