On August 29, Saturday, at 11 a.m., a creative workshop will take place here, during which residents and community representatives, together with the Vilnius City Municipality and the Vilnius Development Company, are invited to find the best solutions for one of the capital’s favorite riverside recreational areas. The workshop will be led by curator and artist Julia Janus.
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The renovation of the Valakampiai First Beach is one of the projects implementing the Vilnius City Municipality’s vision for the development of the Neris riverbanks. To understand what kind of future Vilnius residents expect for one of the city’s most important summer recreation spots, a representative survey of residents was conducted this summer. The results showed that city dwellers support a moderate renewal of the area, expect higher quality infrastructure, clearer functional zoning, and preservation of Valakampiai’s natural character.
“Valakampiai Beach is a special place by the Neris, valued for its naturalness, greenery, and long-standing traditions of riverside recreation. We want the renovated beach to be more convenient for people while preserving what makes this place special. Therefore, it is important for us to create solutions together with the people who visit here and know this space best,” says Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
According to Laura Joffė, head of the Vilnius Development Company, which develops and manages public interest objects in the capital, the survey was only the first stage of the project.
“The survey helped to better understand the general attitudes and expectations of Vilnius residents, but it cannot answer all questions. Now we are moving to the next stage – direct dialogue with Vilnius residents. We want the concept to be created not only by specialists but also by people who spend their summers in Valakampiai, do sports, meet friends, and visit with families. We invite everyone who cares about the future of this place to join the creative process and become co-authors of this place,” says L. Joffė.
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During the creative workshop, participants will discuss with the project team the future functions of the beach, the needs of different visitor groups, and possible development scenarios for the area. There will be discussions about family, sports, and quiet zones, beach infrastructure, movement convenience, and preservation of the natural environment. The collected ideas and suggestions will become important material for preparing the renovation concept of the Valakampiai First Beach.
The creative workshop will be led by curator and artist Julia Janus, who has experience working with communities and moderating creative processes. During the workshop, participants will be invited not only to express their opinions but also to jointly seek creative ideas and solutions that will help shape the vision of the renovated beach.
The event is part of the public space exploration festival “Vilnius Greenery” program. During it, Vilnius residents are invited to explore the city’s public spaces, discover their stories, and become active creators of their future.
Valakampiai First Beach Creative Workshop:
- August 29 (Saturday)
- 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- In the meadow near the Lifeguard House, Valakampiai First Beach
- The workshop will be led by curator and artist Julia Janus
All participants arriving at the start of the workshop at 11 a.m. will be able to actively participate. Visitors joining later are also welcome but will be able to observe the workshop proceedings and discussions from the sidelines.
