Partner – Visos idėjos
Location – Birštonas, Vilnius
Since 2017
Būtent (Eng. “Exactly”) is an annual, open, non-political discussion festival that brought together thinkers, creators, innovators, and decision-makers from various fields to engage in meaningful dialogue on contemporary social, cultural and political issues. The festival aimed to strengthen a culture of discussion and to provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue where the participants can exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and explore innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
In the summer of 2025 alone, the festival welcomed approximately 15 000 visitors from across Lithuania, becoming an open space for the exchange of ideas and the co-creation of a shared vision for the country. The programme addressed a wide range of topics, including technology, innovation, social justice, gender equality, culture, and human rights. Alongside discussions and lectures, the festival featured a rich cultural programme, including creative workshops, exhibitions, artistic installations, and concerts.
The British Council was one of the festival’s key partners, initiating and moderating discussions on youth empowerment, cultural integration, gender equality, critical thinking, and resilience to disinformation. Inspired by democracy festivals in the Nordic and Baltic countries, “Būtent!” became a unique platform for fostering trust, dialogue, and active participation in a democratic society.