Positive Stories: Exhibition Opening at the Embassy
The opening of the Positive Stories exhibition at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands was a special and meaningful morning - one that felt both deeply personal and wonderfully communal. What began in 2021 as an intimate project documenting Lithuanian women in the diaspora found a new expression on the walls of the embassy, surrounded by the very community whose stories inspired the work.
The event was officially opened by Interim Ambassador Mindaugas Zickus, who welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of initiatives that highlight the experiences and contributions of Lithuanian communities abroad. The conversation that followed was thoughtfully moderated by Saulius Buivys, creating space to reflect on the project, the stories behind the portraits, and the broader themes of identity, migration, and belonging. It was also such a pleasure to hear directly from Aušra Vitkutė, one of the women featured in the exhibition, who generously shared her own experience during the discussion. Her reflections added a deeply personal dimension to the event, reminding everyone present that behind each portrait is a real journey, a voice, and a life lived between places.
It was incredibly moving to see the space filled with people - friends who have supported this project from the beginning, new acquaintances discovering the work for the first time, and visitors curious about the stories behind the photographs. Conversations unfolded naturally throughout the morning, often beginning with a portrait and continuing into reflections about diaspora, identity, and the many ways we define home.
Another element that brought warmth to the gathering was the presence of my friend Julia from Lick the Plate, whose delicious snacks helped create a welcoming atmosphere where people could pause, connect, and continue the conversations sparked by the exhibition.
Opening the exhibition on March 8 - International Women’s Day - and in close proximity to March 11, the day marking the re-establishment of Lithuania’s independence in 1990, added a powerful layer of meaning. It was a moment to celebrate both collective and personal forms of resilience: the independence of a nation and the strength of women building their lives across borders.
I left feeling deeply grateful - to the women who trusted me with their stories, to the embassy for hosting the exhibition, and to everyone who came to share this moment. Projects like Positive Stories grow through dialogue and connection, and this opening was a beautiful reminder of how stories can bring people together. The exhibition remains on view at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, continuing to invite visitors to encounter the women whose journeys form part of Lithuania’s living global story.
