Regaining a sense of belonging
Pragiedruliai Creativity Center
Unifying Center of Creativity - Pragiedruliai mansion
Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre is a newly revitalized cultural hub in Panevėžys, transforming the historic Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis mansion into a dynamic space for art, education, and community engagement. Located in Skaistakalnis Park,the center bridges professional arts and local communities, offering applied arts, audio-video, and theater studios. Through residency programs, creative placemaking, and cultural entrepreneurship training, it fosters innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity
Lithuania
Local
Panevezys city
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-04-30
Yes
Project is funded under the Culture Programme of the EEA and Norway Grants, 2021 and
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund, 2019
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The main objective of the Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre project is to promote public involvement in cultural processes through the revitalisation of the heritage homestead, enhancing local community ties by offering a vibrant hub for cultural engagement and education.
The project targets the local community of Panevėžys, including children, youth, adults, the elderly, and socially vulnerable groups, as well as national and international artists and cultural enthusiasts. The initiative particularly aims to re-engage the community with its local heritage and foster new cultural dynamics that resonate with contemporary societal needs through creative place-making methods and cultural entrepreneurship trainings.
Skaistakalnis Park, one of the oldest parks in the centre of Panevėžys, was the site of a red-brick mansion built in the 1926, where the famous local poet Juozas Čerkesas lived, and where artists and intellectuals used to gather, making it a vibrant centre of cultural life. However, after the II World War and the Soviet invasion, Čerkesas property was nationalized and over time, the house and its surroundings fell into disrepair.
This two-part project first focused on the homestead’s restoration, preserving its historical character with authentic details carefully reproduced. The second involved the development of a 350 sqm glass extension, creating a CC with modern facilities for theatre, music, and art, designed to host a diverse range of activities for the local community, visitors and artists. The curved glass structure integrates smoothly and blends with the surroundings, allowing the park's greenery to flow into the building's interior spaces through its large windows.
Just like when J. Čerkesas lived, the center's role as a cultural hub continues to bring people together to gather, share and create, thus maintaining its purpose of fostering a sense of community belonging.
The project targets the local community of Panevėžys, including children, youth, adults, the elderly, and socially vulnerable groups, as well as national and international artists and cultural enthusiasts. The initiative particularly aims to re-engage the community with its local heritage and foster new cultural dynamics that resonate with contemporary societal needs through creative place-making methods and cultural entrepreneurship trainings.
Skaistakalnis Park, one of the oldest parks in the centre of Panevėžys, was the site of a red-brick mansion built in the 1926, where the famous local poet Juozas Čerkesas lived, and where artists and intellectuals used to gather, making it a vibrant centre of cultural life. However, after the II World War and the Soviet invasion, Čerkesas property was nationalized and over time, the house and its surroundings fell into disrepair.
This two-part project first focused on the homestead’s restoration, preserving its historical character with authentic details carefully reproduced. The second involved the development of a 350 sqm glass extension, creating a CC with modern facilities for theatre, music, and art, designed to host a diverse range of activities for the local community, visitors and artists. The curved glass structure integrates smoothly and blends with the surroundings, allowing the park's greenery to flow into the building's interior spaces through its large windows.
Just like when J. Čerkesas lived, the center's role as a cultural hub continues to bring people together to gather, share and create, thus maintaining its purpose of fostering a sense of community belonging.
heritage
sustainability
co-creation
inclusion
place-making
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre is a sustainability model, combining adaptive reuse of heritage, ecological integration, and environmental responsibility. Instead of demolishing an abandoned historic site, the 1926 Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead was restored and repurposed, reducing construction waste and preserving its cultural identity.
The 350 sqm glass extension follows sustainability principles, maximizing natural light and reducing energy consumption. A green roof enhances biodiversity, improves insulation, and provides a community space for workshops and cultural activities. The revitalization of Skaistakalnis Park included clearing overgrown vegetation, improving accessibility, and enhancing the visibility of the Žagienis stream as a valued park feature.
The circular economy is embedded in educational activities, with workshops on upcycling, material repurposing, and sustainable production, promoting responsible consumption. Collaborations with local industries have resulted in waste-to-art installations, demonstrating how creative practices drive sustainability awareness.
The community garden, co-developed with Nabolagshager AS (Norway), fosters urban agriculture, food sustainability, and ecological responsibility. Alongside environmental education programs, it ensures long-term community engagement in sustainable practices.
By integrating heritage preservation, sustainable design, and ecological education, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre serves as a replicable model for sustainable cultural spaces across Europe.
The 350 sqm glass extension follows sustainability principles, maximizing natural light and reducing energy consumption. A green roof enhances biodiversity, improves insulation, and provides a community space for workshops and cultural activities. The revitalization of Skaistakalnis Park included clearing overgrown vegetation, improving accessibility, and enhancing the visibility of the Žagienis stream as a valued park feature.
The circular economy is embedded in educational activities, with workshops on upcycling, material repurposing, and sustainable production, promoting responsible consumption. Collaborations with local industries have resulted in waste-to-art installations, demonstrating how creative practices drive sustainability awareness.
The community garden, co-developed with Nabolagshager AS (Norway), fosters urban agriculture, food sustainability, and ecological responsibility. Alongside environmental education programs, it ensures long-term community engagement in sustainable practices.
By integrating heritage preservation, sustainable design, and ecological education, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre serves as a replicable model for sustainable cultural spaces across Europe.
Pragiedruliai stands out for its aesthetic expression and its ability to create an enriching experience through design connection with nature leading to a cultural vibrancy. CC is a a place where history, creativity, and community coexist beautifully, offering visitors both visual delight and meaningful engagement:
- Landscape design. The historic surrounding park was revitalized alongside the building development. Improved pathways, all season varied greenery, rest areas, sports & activities zones and nature paths are welcoming visitors not only to explore the culture center, but the park itself.
- Cultural and Creative Environment. Pragiedruliai fosters a cultural and creative environment that emphasizes social connections and cultural exchange through various events and creative processes. It hosts five discipline-specific studios led by professional artists in design and scenography, film and directing, photography, applied theatre, and visual arts. This setup makes CC more than just a space to view art; it invites active participation in the creative processes. The design of the center emphasizes openness and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, from families to artists, feels welcome and can engage fully with the cultural offerings.
- Architectural Harmony. The project beautifully blends the historic homestead with a contemporary glass-walled extension and artworks can be viewed both inside and outside the building. This fusion of old and new appears in a contrast principle. Visually marking the differences between the heritage protected architectural details and new functions and features resulting in a harmonious architectural ensemble, celebrating both tradition and innovation.
The landscaping and adaptation of the homestead in the park for cultural purposes and community involvement has become a complete part of the aesthetic composition of the natural corner of the city centre and the cultural heritage site.
- Landscape design. The historic surrounding park was revitalized alongside the building development. Improved pathways, all season varied greenery, rest areas, sports & activities zones and nature paths are welcoming visitors not only to explore the culture center, but the park itself.
- Cultural and Creative Environment. Pragiedruliai fosters a cultural and creative environment that emphasizes social connections and cultural exchange through various events and creative processes. It hosts five discipline-specific studios led by professional artists in design and scenography, film and directing, photography, applied theatre, and visual arts. This setup makes CC more than just a space to view art; it invites active participation in the creative processes. The design of the center emphasizes openness and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, from families to artists, feels welcome and can engage fully with the cultural offerings.
- Architectural Harmony. The project beautifully blends the historic homestead with a contemporary glass-walled extension and artworks can be viewed both inside and outside the building. This fusion of old and new appears in a contrast principle. Visually marking the differences between the heritage protected architectural details and new functions and features resulting in a harmonious architectural ensemble, celebrating both tradition and innovation.
The landscaping and adaptation of the homestead in the park for cultural purposes and community involvement has become a complete part of the aesthetic composition of the natural corner of the city centre and the cultural heritage site.
The Pragiedruliai project embodies inclusion through its architecture, programs, and ethos. The renovated homestead and new glass extension follow universal design principles, making the entire center wheelchair-accessible with ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Bright spaces with natural lighting and clear navigation cater to those with visual impairments or neurodiverse conditions, enhancing accessibility.
Skaistakalnis Park, surrounding the center, has been upgraded with better pathways and seating, making it more accessible for seniors, families with strollers, and individuals with disabilities, thus encouraging all community members to actively enjoy the park.
In terms of economic accessibility, most art exhibitions, workshops, and events at Pragiedruliai are free or very low cost, allowing people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate. The community garden and park are open 24/7, offering spaces for interaction without financial barriers.
Non-formal education plays a crucial role, with five art studios hosted by local institutions offering diverse activities for all age groups, including the unemployed and socially excluded, promoting lifelong learning and active participation in art. This initiative also boosts local employment by providing cultural, artistic, and volunteer opportunities.
Pragiedruliai functions as a social innovation hub, going beyond traditional arts center roles by fostering co-creation, experimentation, and community building. It promotes collaborative and inclusive cultural spaces, viewing culture as a communal resource that improves local involvement and accessibility. These practices strengthen community bonds and enhance a sense of belonging, demonstrating how art can integrate with community life to act as a bridge for social engagement and cohesion.
Skaistakalnis Park, surrounding the center, has been upgraded with better pathways and seating, making it more accessible for seniors, families with strollers, and individuals with disabilities, thus encouraging all community members to actively enjoy the park.
In terms of economic accessibility, most art exhibitions, workshops, and events at Pragiedruliai are free or very low cost, allowing people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate. The community garden and park are open 24/7, offering spaces for interaction without financial barriers.
Non-formal education plays a crucial role, with five art studios hosted by local institutions offering diverse activities for all age groups, including the unemployed and socially excluded, promoting lifelong learning and active participation in art. This initiative also boosts local employment by providing cultural, artistic, and volunteer opportunities.
Pragiedruliai functions as a social innovation hub, going beyond traditional arts center roles by fostering co-creation, experimentation, and community building. It promotes collaborative and inclusive cultural spaces, viewing culture as a communal resource that improves local involvement and accessibility. These practices strengthen community bonds and enhance a sense of belonging, demonstrating how art can integrate with community life to act as a bridge for social engagement and cohesion.
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre was designed with strong community engagement, ensuring that local residents and cultural organizations were not just beneficiaries but active participants.
The Aukštaičių-Žemaičių Community played a crucial role from the start, contributing to design consultations and program development. Other partners, including Panevėžys Menas Theatre, Stasys Museum, and the Musical Theatre, helped shape the cultural and artistic offerings. Since its opening in May 2024, the center has hosted over 5,000 participants in workshops, exhibitions, and community events.
To empower citizens, three key training sessions were held: Creative Placemaking, Cultural Entrepreneurship, and Community Training. These provided both community members and professionals with tools to actively shape their cultural environment. In addition, international study visits to Iceland and Norway gave professionals insights into best practices in art residencies and sustainable urban projects, which were then adapted to the Pragiedruliai model.
The project also launched "Mainytuvės", a monthly clothing exchange initiative, and collaborated with local businesses to repurpose fabric waste, deepening the community’s engagement with sustainability.
Beyond cultural engagement, social impact was a priority. Special training programs, including public speaking and confidence-building courses, were targeted at the unemployed and those affected by economic challenges, boosting their employability and social inclusion.
By fostering co-creation and inclusivity, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre demonstrates how cultural spaces can strengthen community bonds, empower individuals, and drive long-term sustainability.
The Aukštaičių-Žemaičių Community played a crucial role from the start, contributing to design consultations and program development. Other partners, including Panevėžys Menas Theatre, Stasys Museum, and the Musical Theatre, helped shape the cultural and artistic offerings. Since its opening in May 2024, the center has hosted over 5,000 participants in workshops, exhibitions, and community events.
To empower citizens, three key training sessions were held: Creative Placemaking, Cultural Entrepreneurship, and Community Training. These provided both community members and professionals with tools to actively shape their cultural environment. In addition, international study visits to Iceland and Norway gave professionals insights into best practices in art residencies and sustainable urban projects, which were then adapted to the Pragiedruliai model.
The project also launched "Mainytuvės", a monthly clothing exchange initiative, and collaborated with local businesses to repurpose fabric waste, deepening the community’s engagement with sustainability.
Beyond cultural engagement, social impact was a priority. Special training programs, including public speaking and confidence-building courses, were targeted at the unemployed and those affected by economic challenges, boosting their employability and social inclusion.
By fostering co-creation and inclusivity, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre demonstrates how cultural spaces can strengthen community bonds, empower individuals, and drive long-term sustainability.
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre was developed through multi-level collaboration, ensuring broad participation, shared ownership, and long-term sustainability.
At the local level, the Aukštaičių-Žemaičių Community, along with local artists and institutions (Stasys Museum, Menas Theatre, and Musical Theatre), played a key role in shaping the project through design consultations and programming. Since its opening, over 5,000 people have attended workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events, demonstrating strong community involvement.
At the regional and national levels, the Panevėžys Municipality supported administrative approvals and integrated the center into urban development plans. The Ministry of Culture of Lithuania ensured heritage conservation compliance, while NGOs and cultural platforms helped expand art residencies, inclusive education programs, and sustainability initiatives.
At the European level, Nabolagshager AS (Norway) contributed expertise in creative placemaking, ecological design, and sustainable urban development. This partnership led to the creation of an eco-garden and community sustainability workshops, bringing Scandinavian best practices to Lithuania. The project has also gained recognition in European architecture and cultural heritage networks, further strengthening its impact.
This multi-level engagement ensures Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre is not a top-down initiative but a co-created, community-driven space. By integrating insights from local residents, cultural institutions, policymakers, and international experts, it stands as a model for participatory urban transformation, fostering a deep sense of belonging and long-term cultural sustainability.
At the local level, the Aukštaičių-Žemaičių Community, along with local artists and institutions (Stasys Museum, Menas Theatre, and Musical Theatre), played a key role in shaping the project through design consultations and programming. Since its opening, over 5,000 people have attended workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events, demonstrating strong community involvement.
At the regional and national levels, the Panevėžys Municipality supported administrative approvals and integrated the center into urban development plans. The Ministry of Culture of Lithuania ensured heritage conservation compliance, while NGOs and cultural platforms helped expand art residencies, inclusive education programs, and sustainability initiatives.
At the European level, Nabolagshager AS (Norway) contributed expertise in creative placemaking, ecological design, and sustainable urban development. This partnership led to the creation of an eco-garden and community sustainability workshops, bringing Scandinavian best practices to Lithuania. The project has also gained recognition in European architecture and cultural heritage networks, further strengthening its impact.
This multi-level engagement ensures Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre is not a top-down initiative but a co-created, community-driven space. By integrating insights from local residents, cultural institutions, policymakers, and international experts, it stands as a model for participatory urban transformation, fostering a deep sense of belonging and long-term cultural sustainability.
The CC embodies an interdisciplinary approach, integrating heritage conservation, architecture, urban planning, sustainability, cultural entrepreneurship, and community engagement to transform a heritage site into a multifunctional cultural hub.
The restoration of the Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead was guided by heritage specialists, ensuring historical integrity while integrating contemporary design solutions. Architects from MB "PUPA - strateginė urbanistika" designed a modern glass extension, blending tradition with innovation while maintaining harmony with Skaistakalnis Park. The project also improved green spaces, pedestrian pathways, and visibility of the Žagienis stream, led by landscape architects and environmental specialists.
Sustainability played a crucial role, with green roofs, passive lighting, and ecological landscaping minimizing environmental impact. The eco-garden, fosters biodiversity and sustainable food production, positioning Pragiedruliai as a model for environmentally responsible cultural spaces.
The center features 5 creative studios for theatre, film, photography, applied arts, and visual arts, developed in collaboration with local artists and institutions. These spaces support residencies and co-creation between artists, community members, and professionals.
Sociologists, educators, and cultural managers helped design inclusive programs, making the center accessible to socially vulnerable groups. Public engagement ensured that residents and organizations actively shaped the space and its activities. Additionally, training programs in cultural entrepreneurship provide artists and creative professionals with skills in project management, networking, and business development.
By combining heritage conservation, sustainability, cultural entrepreneurship, and community-driven design,Pragiedruliai CC sets a new benchmark for inclusive and sustainable heritage revitalization, fostering creativity, learning, and social engagement.
The restoration of the Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead was guided by heritage specialists, ensuring historical integrity while integrating contemporary design solutions. Architects from MB "PUPA - strateginė urbanistika" designed a modern glass extension, blending tradition with innovation while maintaining harmony with Skaistakalnis Park. The project also improved green spaces, pedestrian pathways, and visibility of the Žagienis stream, led by landscape architects and environmental specialists.
Sustainability played a crucial role, with green roofs, passive lighting, and ecological landscaping minimizing environmental impact. The eco-garden, fosters biodiversity and sustainable food production, positioning Pragiedruliai as a model for environmentally responsible cultural spaces.
The center features 5 creative studios for theatre, film, photography, applied arts, and visual arts, developed in collaboration with local artists and institutions. These spaces support residencies and co-creation between artists, community members, and professionals.
Sociologists, educators, and cultural managers helped design inclusive programs, making the center accessible to socially vulnerable groups. Public engagement ensured that residents and organizations actively shaped the space and its activities. Additionally, training programs in cultural entrepreneurship provide artists and creative professionals with skills in project management, networking, and business development.
By combining heritage conservation, sustainability, cultural entrepreneurship, and community-driven design,Pragiedruliai CC sets a new benchmark for inclusive and sustainable heritage revitalization, fostering creativity, learning, and social engagement.
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre redefines cultural and community spaces, moving beyond traditional heritage restoration to create a dynamic, co-creative hub where culture, education, sustainability, and social innovation intersect.
One of its key innovations is the integration of heritage conservation with contemporary architecture and placemaking methodologies. The restored Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead, contrasted with its modern glass extension, demonstrates how heritage sites can evolve rather than remain static. The extension functions as an interactive cultural space for workshops, performances, and community events, ensuring continued relevance.
The project pioneers circular economy principles in the cultural sector, embedding upcycling, sustainable material use, and ecological restoration. Unlike traditional cultural centers, Pragiedruliai integrates community-led sustainability initiatives, including an eco-garden co-developed with Norwegian partners, and workshops on sustainable design, repurposing waste, and ecological responsibility. This makes it a laboratory for sustainable cultural practices rather than just an artistic venue.
A major innovation is its co-governance model, empowering local residents, artists, and cultural institutions to shape development and programming. Unlike traditional top-down cultural projects, Pragiedruliai fosters inclusive decision-making, ensuring long-term community ownership and engagement.
By blending heritage preservation, modern design, sustainability, and participatory governance, Pragiedruliai sets a new standard for cultural heritage revitalization—proving that such projects can drive social and environmental transformation, rather than serving as mere preservation efforts.
One of its key innovations is the integration of heritage conservation with contemporary architecture and placemaking methodologies. The restored Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead, contrasted with its modern glass extension, demonstrates how heritage sites can evolve rather than remain static. The extension functions as an interactive cultural space for workshops, performances, and community events, ensuring continued relevance.
The project pioneers circular economy principles in the cultural sector, embedding upcycling, sustainable material use, and ecological restoration. Unlike traditional cultural centers, Pragiedruliai integrates community-led sustainability initiatives, including an eco-garden co-developed with Norwegian partners, and workshops on sustainable design, repurposing waste, and ecological responsibility. This makes it a laboratory for sustainable cultural practices rather than just an artistic venue.
A major innovation is its co-governance model, empowering local residents, artists, and cultural institutions to shape development and programming. Unlike traditional top-down cultural projects, Pragiedruliai fosters inclusive decision-making, ensuring long-term community ownership and engagement.
By blending heritage preservation, modern design, sustainability, and participatory governance, Pragiedruliai sets a new standard for cultural heritage revitalization—proving that such projects can drive social and environmental transformation, rather than serving as mere preservation efforts.
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre was developed as a multidisciplinary, participatory, and sustainability-driven cultural hub, following four key principles: co-creation, creative placemaking, sustainability, and cultural entrepreneurship.
Co-creation played a central role, with local residents, artists, and institutions shaping the space through public workshops and consultations. The Aukštaičių-Žemaičių Community, Panevėžys Menas Theatre, Stasys Museum and Musical Theatre actively contributed to programming, ensuring the center meets real community needs.
Creative placemaking integrated heritage, culture, and public engagement. The adaptive reuse of the Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead preserved its architectural legacy, while a modern glass extension improved accessibility and functionality. The project also enhanced Skaistakalnis Park, improving pedestrian connectivity and increasing the visibility of the Žagienis stream.
A sustainability-first approach minimized environmental impact through local materials, energy-efficient design, and natural lighting. The green roof and eco-garden, support biodiversity, food sustainability, and ecological education. The center also promotes a circular economy, integrating waste reduction and upcycling workshops into its activities.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project fosters cultural entrepreneurship. Training programs in creative industries, public speaking, and project management equip local artists with skills to sustain their initiatives. Unlike traditional cultural spaces, Pragiedruliai promotes self-sufficiency through partnerships, revenue streams, and a model that blends cultural, educational, and environmental activities.
By combining co-creation, placemaking, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre sets a new benchmark for heritage-based cultural innovation, ensuring lasting impact and accessibility.
Co-creation played a central role, with local residents, artists, and institutions shaping the space through public workshops and consultations. The Aukštaičių-Žemaičių Community, Panevėžys Menas Theatre, Stasys Museum and Musical Theatre actively contributed to programming, ensuring the center meets real community needs.
Creative placemaking integrated heritage, culture, and public engagement. The adaptive reuse of the Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead preserved its architectural legacy, while a modern glass extension improved accessibility and functionality. The project also enhanced Skaistakalnis Park, improving pedestrian connectivity and increasing the visibility of the Žagienis stream.
A sustainability-first approach minimized environmental impact through local materials, energy-efficient design, and natural lighting. The green roof and eco-garden, support biodiversity, food sustainability, and ecological education. The center also promotes a circular economy, integrating waste reduction and upcycling workshops into its activities.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project fosters cultural entrepreneurship. Training programs in creative industries, public speaking, and project management equip local artists with skills to sustain their initiatives. Unlike traditional cultural spaces, Pragiedruliai promotes self-sufficiency through partnerships, revenue streams, and a model that blends cultural, educational, and environmental activities.
By combining co-creation, placemaking, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre sets a new benchmark for heritage-based cultural innovation, ensuring lasting impact and accessibility.
The Creativity Centre offers a replicable model that integrates heritage conservation, sustainability, participatory governance, and cultural entrepreneurship.
One of the most transferable aspects is the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings, demonstrating how abandoned structures can be revitalized into multifunctional cultural hubs. Pragiedruliai’s blend of historical restoration and modern design sets an example for integrating contemporary architectural elements into heritage sites while maintaining historical authenticity.
The co-creation and participatory governance model is another key transferable feature. Local communities, artists,and cultural institutions were involved from the start through design workshops and collaborative planning,ensuring long-term engagement. This approach could be replicated in other cities seeking to activate cultural sites through community involvement.
The creative placemaking strategies used in Pragiedruliai—such as integrating cultural activities with natural elements,revitalizing park areas, and increasing accessibility—can inspire other urban and rural communities looking to connect public spaces with cultural functions.
Sustainability initiatives like the eco-garden, upcycling workshops, and circular economy practices can be adapted by other cultural centers seeking to embed environmental responsibility into their activities.
Additionally,the cultural entrepreneurship training implemented in Pragiedruliai provide artists, cultural professionals, and community members with essential skills in project development, creative industries, and financial sustainability. Such programs could be replicated to empower local creative sectors in other cities.
Lastly,the cross-sector collaboration model, engaging municipalities, cultural institutions, businesses,and international partners, demonstrates a holistic approach to cultural development that can strengthen local creative ecosystems elsewhere.
One of the most transferable aspects is the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings, demonstrating how abandoned structures can be revitalized into multifunctional cultural hubs. Pragiedruliai’s blend of historical restoration and modern design sets an example for integrating contemporary architectural elements into heritage sites while maintaining historical authenticity.
The co-creation and participatory governance model is another key transferable feature. Local communities, artists,and cultural institutions were involved from the start through design workshops and collaborative planning,ensuring long-term engagement. This approach could be replicated in other cities seeking to activate cultural sites through community involvement.
The creative placemaking strategies used in Pragiedruliai—such as integrating cultural activities with natural elements,revitalizing park areas, and increasing accessibility—can inspire other urban and rural communities looking to connect public spaces with cultural functions.
Sustainability initiatives like the eco-garden, upcycling workshops, and circular economy practices can be adapted by other cultural centers seeking to embed environmental responsibility into their activities.
Additionally,the cultural entrepreneurship training implemented in Pragiedruliai provide artists, cultural professionals, and community members with essential skills in project development, creative industries, and financial sustainability. Such programs could be replicated to empower local creative sectors in other cities.
Lastly,the cross-sector collaboration model, engaging municipalities, cultural institutions, businesses,and international partners, demonstrates a holistic approach to cultural development that can strengthen local creative ecosystems elsewhere.
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre addresses global challenges by offering local solutions in sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural innovation.
One of the most pressing challenges tackled by the project is climate change and environmental sustainability. Through its adaptive reuse of a heritage building, Pragiedruliai reduces the carbon footprint associated with new construction. The integration of green roofs, energy-efficient design, and a community-led eco-garden, promotes biodiversity, local food production, and sustainable urban planning.
Social inclusion and community resilience are central to the project. Pragiedruliai actively involves socially vulnerable groups, unemployed individuals, and young creatives, offering public speaking workshops, confidence-building training, and affordable cultural activities. The monthly "Mainytuvės" clothing exchange initiative and upcycling workshops engage the community in circular economy practices, reducing waste and encouraging responsible consumption.
The project further supports cultural democracy, making professional and experimental art more accessible while fostering cross-sector partnerships between artists, businesses, and local government. By positioning Panevėžys as a cultural innovation hub, Pragiedruliai contributes to urban regeneration and the strengthening of cultural identity.
Through sustainability-driven design, social empowerment, and cross-sector collaboration, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre serves as a replicable model for cultural resilience and environmental responsibility in the face of global challenges.
One of the most pressing challenges tackled by the project is climate change and environmental sustainability. Through its adaptive reuse of a heritage building, Pragiedruliai reduces the carbon footprint associated with new construction. The integration of green roofs, energy-efficient design, and a community-led eco-garden, promotes biodiversity, local food production, and sustainable urban planning.
Social inclusion and community resilience are central to the project. Pragiedruliai actively involves socially vulnerable groups, unemployed individuals, and young creatives, offering public speaking workshops, confidence-building training, and affordable cultural activities. The monthly "Mainytuvės" clothing exchange initiative and upcycling workshops engage the community in circular economy practices, reducing waste and encouraging responsible consumption.
The project further supports cultural democracy, making professional and experimental art more accessible while fostering cross-sector partnerships between artists, businesses, and local government. By positioning Panevėžys as a cultural innovation hub, Pragiedruliai contributes to urban regeneration and the strengthening of cultural identity.
Through sustainability-driven design, social empowerment, and cross-sector collaboration, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre serves as a replicable model for cultural resilience and environmental responsibility in the face of global challenges.
The Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre has transformed a neglected cultural heritage site into a thriving community and cultural hub, reinforcing a sense of belonging in Panevėžys.
The protected red-brick Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead was carefully restored, with historical details preserved, while a modern, spacious glass extension was added to harmonize with the natural terrain of Skaistakalnis Park. The revitalized park and cultural space have become key gathering places for the community, hosting activities that promote awareness and create impact.
Since opening in May 2024, over 5,000 participants have engaged in workshops, exhibitions, and community-driven events, significantly increasing cultural accessibility and local engagement.
Pragiedruliai has played a major role in sustainability education. The eco-garden, co-developed with Nabolagshager AS (Norway), enhances biodiversity and urban food sustainability, while "Mainytuvės," a monthly clothing exchange, and upcycling workshops encourage responsible consumption and circular economy practices.
The center also supports socially vulnerable groups, providing public speaking and creative entrepreneurship training to boost confidence and employability.
Through cross-sector collaboration, Pragiedruliai has established partnerships between artists, businesses, and cultural institutions, resulting in innovative community initiatives.
The project’s impact has been recognized with:
- 1st place – Best Recreational Architecture Building 2023
- 1st place – Panevėžys Environmental Rating 2024
- Nomination – ArchDaily Building of the Year 2025.
By integrating heritage conservation, sustainability, and community participation, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre serves as a replicable model for inclusive cultural spaces, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.
The protected red-brick Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis homestead was carefully restored, with historical details preserved, while a modern, spacious glass extension was added to harmonize with the natural terrain of Skaistakalnis Park. The revitalized park and cultural space have become key gathering places for the community, hosting activities that promote awareness and create impact.
Since opening in May 2024, over 5,000 participants have engaged in workshops, exhibitions, and community-driven events, significantly increasing cultural accessibility and local engagement.
Pragiedruliai has played a major role in sustainability education. The eco-garden, co-developed with Nabolagshager AS (Norway), enhances biodiversity and urban food sustainability, while "Mainytuvės," a monthly clothing exchange, and upcycling workshops encourage responsible consumption and circular economy practices.
The center also supports socially vulnerable groups, providing public speaking and creative entrepreneurship training to boost confidence and employability.
Through cross-sector collaboration, Pragiedruliai has established partnerships between artists, businesses, and cultural institutions, resulting in innovative community initiatives.
The project’s impact has been recognized with:
- 1st place – Best Recreational Architecture Building 2023
- 1st place – Panevėžys Environmental Rating 2024
- Nomination – ArchDaily Building of the Year 2025.
By integrating heritage conservation, sustainability, and community participation, Pragiedruliai Creativity Centre serves as a replicable model for inclusive cultural spaces, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.
