The Lithuanian capital of 555,000 inhabitants, which shares the title of European Capital of Culture with Austrian city Linz in 2009, is the first Baltic city to be awarded the accolade.
"Vilnius is the most important city for Lithuanians. I believe that next year, when Lithuania will celebrate the millennium anniversary of its name in written form and five years of membership of the European Union, Vilnius […] will become an important city for the whole of Europe," said Lithuanian Ambassador to the EU Rytis Martikonis.
But Martikonis warned of the need to "create and cultivate culture, not just talk about it". Officials hope that around three million people will take part in some 900 events in and around the city over the course of the year, including exhibitions by Lithuanian and international artists. The organisers estimate that the year will cost around €85m to host.
"In 2009 we are aiming to enthral visitors with a great many events that are being prepared together with the world’s most famous artists," said Elona Bajorinienė, project director of the team behind the cultural year.
Programme highlights include a lights festival, an 'Art in Unexpected Places' initiative, concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra led by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, an opera festival and exhibitions by Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani.
The city will also host the Central European leg of the popular Creamfields dance music festival, while there are plans to hold a rock festival near the Belarusian border.
"The year 2009 is the best opportunity to see the unique capital of a new EU member state, situated at the centre of the continent at the crossroads of many cultures, languages, religions and architectural styles," said Lithuanian Socialist MEP Justas Paleckis.
This year's EU cultural capitals were Liverpool (UK) and Stavanger (Norway), while the French port of Marseille (EurActiv 17/09/08) and Slovakian city Košice (EurActiv 11/09/08) were chosen as EU cultural capitals for 2013 in September.
