For courageous authors for a creative Lithuania

As a child, I would visit our street basketball court in the evenings, despite it being considered unsafe due to frequent conflicts. I still felt confident and courageous because everyone knew my strong older brother was always there to protect me. Today, my playground is the world of theatre, where I feel just as safe and confident. LATGA has had my back many times, supported my creative work, and provided valuable knowledge and advice.

My late grandmother passed away thinking I had no job. She knew I was performing and singing my own songs. But she didn’t see how that could be considered work. Without a traditional job and salary, it all seemed too vague and unclear to her. Meanwhile, LATGA and I know very well that songwriting is work— one that takes time, energy, clear thought, and a touch of inspiration. LATGA pays me what is most like a salary for a songwriter: regular royalties. This money shows that the work, although created for the world, belongs to the author. It demonstrates that the world needs this work. Thank you, LATGA, for making the work of creators possible.

I am grateful to LATGA for the financial support for my film “Techno, Mama” at the earliest stage of its development. This support enabled my team and me to create a unique and powerful short film, which was nominated for the Golden Lion and the prestigious European Film Academy Awards. The film has already travelled to over a hundred film festivals and won over thirty different awards. Thank you for this support and journey together.

I associate LATGA with having my back and being a resource I can consult to find out how to protect myself as an author and create the best conditions for my work and its life.

Since joining the LATGA Council, I have seen this organisation brimming with energy and a positive, forward-thinking mindset. There is a drive to change, to push the boundaries, and to make LATGA accessible to everyone. It is becoming a hub for meetings, sharing, and creativity. I want to be part of this dynamic and crucial process.

People used to ask me, ‘Maybe think again? What if writing books is just a hobby for you? Maybe stick with a normal job?’ I heard these questions a lot five years ago. Why? Because right after getting a mortgage and facing the first challenges, as a responsible family man and father, I decided to quit my job. Despite the myths, I chose to live only on what gives me the most joy: writing children’s books! When you believe 140% in what you are doing, things that seem impossible become possible. Learning about LATGA, the remuneration they provide for book usage in libraries, and their support for Lithuanian authors boosted my confidence even more. Today, I am the most-read Lithuanian children’s writer!