On 8 May, at the “Hack the Arts: Art Meets Business” hackathon organised by KSU International University and held at the Energy and Technology Museum in Vilnius, first place was awarded to an international student team for their concept “Flow With The River” – a proposal to revitalise the courtyard of the Užupis Art Incubator.
The team, consisting of four KSU International University students, impressed the evaluation committee with their community-focused vision for transforming the Užupis Art Incubator courtyard into a vibrant cultural space open to a multicultural city and international visitors while preserving the unique spirit of the bohemian Užupis district. The team was mentored by Dr. Linas Eriksonas, Project Manager at the Lithuanian Innovation Centre.
The Challenge: Revitalising Užupis Without Losing Its Spirit
Despite its exceptional location on the banks of the Vilnelė River, this space—once known for hosting unconventional cultural events—has increasingly become a gathering place for antisocial activities. As a result, it has gradually lost part of its cultural identity and charm.
The challenge was clear: how can the area become safer and more vibrant without imposing restrictions that would undermine the free-spirited atmosphere that has defined the self-proclaimed “Republic of Užupis” for decades?
The team formulated a central question: How can this space become a safe and lively oasis of creativity and freedom while preserving what makes Užupis truly unique?
“Flow With The River”
The concept is built on the idea that living art can serve as a stronger form of protection than prohibitions or physical barriers. The students proposed creating a distinctive visual identity for the courtyard through murals, lighting, signage, and artistic installations that would immediately communicate its role as a place for culture and creativity.
The proposal also includes a weekly programme of community activities such as open painting and drawing sessions, ceramics workshops, poetry and music evenings, dance classes, stand-up performances, live music jams, and monthly mini-festivals. All events would be organised on a voluntary basis, free of charge, and open to both local residents and visitors.
A key element of the concept is the principle of a “community host.” Each week, a different local artist would curate the programme, helping to preserve Užupis’ informal atmosphere while creating a natural form of self-regulation through community presence and engagement.
According to the team’s estimates, the first activities could be launched within approximately two months by mobilising a network of volunteers, students, and local artists. The authors believe that more than 50 creators could become involved in the initiative.
“What made this project stand out was the team’s outsider perspective on this public space in Vilnius. The project was developed by international students who viewed Užupis from a completely different angle, clearly identifying the problem and seeking practical solutions. In the opinion of the evaluation committee, this perspective enabled the students to propose a simple, community-oriented, and realistically implementable solution,” said team mentor Dr. Linas Eriksonas, who supported the students throughout the creative process.
About the Hackathon
Seven student teams competed in the “Hack the Arts: Art Meets Business” hackathon. Challenges were presented by KSU International University, the Energy and Technology Museum, the Lithuanian Neighbouring Rights Association AGATA, Fourth Version Public Institution, the Lithuanian Innovation Centre, the Association of Social Leadership, Urban Food, the Šiauliai Art Gallery, and the Užupis Art Incubator.
The teams were supported by mentors from the fields of arts, culture, business, innovation, and academia, including representatives of the Lithuanian Innovation Centre, AGATA, the Užupis Art Incubator, ArtTech Agency Lithuania, the Association of Social Leadership, the Šiauliai Art Gallery, Fourth Version, and other organisations.
The evaluation committee consisted of:
- Associate Professor Dr. Gitana Neverienė, Rector of KSU International University;
- Professor Dr. Lidija Kraujalienė, Vice-Rector for Studies at KSU;
- Researchers and scholars from KSU International University’s Next Society Institute: Professor Dr. Augusto Cesar Silva Sales, Professor Dr. Vladislav Valentinov, and Professor Dr. Jari Kaivo-oja.
“We would like to thank all mentors, sponsors, and partners who contributed to organising the hackathon. The winning team has been given the opportunity to continue developing the ‘Flow With The River’ concept together with KSU and work towards its implementation. I hope that, with the involvement of our university, Užupis will gain another artistic space that enriches the spirit of this unique part of Vilnius,” said Associate Professor Dr. Gitana Neverienė, Rector of KSU International University.
Dr. Monika Palšauskaitė, creator and curator of the hackathon concept, added:
“We aim to make this hackathon an annual university tradition where art and other disciplines come together to generate new ideas.
Event Partners
The event was organised in partnership with the Energy and Technology Museum, the Lithuanian Innovation Centre, the Užupis Art Incubator, KIK Lithuania, AGATA, LATGA, ArtTech Agency Lithuania, Fourth Version, Vilnius FM, Vaga Publishing House, and other partners.
The presentation of the winning hackathon project can be found here.
