The start of Vilnius’ year as the European Green Capital has brought some innovations to the city, with a spectacular installation ‘City — An Unfolding Flower’ presented in the centre of the capital. The piece of art was created by artist Jolita Vaitkutė from waste. It symbolises the ideas of sustainability and invites Vilnius residents and visitors to think about responsible consumption and a relationship with nature.

‘The title of European Green Capital 2025 awarded by the European Commission is an opportunity to be proud of the work we have done, from environmental initiatives to sustainable city development solutions. This award is not only recognition, but also a responsibility — to strive for higher standards every day, to boldly take on new projects, and to inspire other cities to reach for sustainability goals,’ says Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.

Materials used for the piece of art are urban waste

The installation that was created by artist Jolita Vaitkutė on the initiative of Vilnius City is a bee made from waste found in the city. Materials for the installation were provided by ‘Grinda’, a city cleaning company, and ‘Ekobazė’, a waste management company.

‘The topic of greenness and sustainability is very broad and all-encompassing, so sometimes it’s hard for people to understand every aspect. I try to contribute to this understanding visually, using my art pieces to help people understand these issues better. I have chosen materials that are fully involved in the recycling cycles — urban waste that has been temporarily removed from this cycle, but will return to it soon. For example, city benches, car tyres, plastic or metal structures,’ says the artist.

Marina Curko-Notkuvienė, Director of ‘Ekobazė’, hopes that the installation will not only decorate the capital, but also serve as an important reminder to everyone that everyone’s daily actions have an impact on the environment.

‘The installation ‘City — An Unfolding Flower’ is a great example of how waste can be reused. The installation was made from waste tyres and recycled plastic, which will be recycled again at the end of the project and used to create new products. This clearly shows that waste can be reused and can become a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and sustainability,’ says M. Curko-Notkuvienė.

The bee is a symbol of sustainability and connection to nature

The bee, which is the main part of the installation, was chosen for a reason. Bees are an essential part of nature’s ecosystem, and their life in the city is a testament to greenness and a harmonious relationship with nature.

‘For most Lithuanians, the image of a beehive and the symbolism of hard-working bees is very familiar and self-evident. In Vilnius, bees also find their place in hives on the city’s rooftops, where bees fly to carry out their important mission. This is a great example of how the urban environment can be in harmony with nature. Here, bees not only become a part of nature; they are also a symbol reminding us that the city is like a flower to which the bees fly to nurture life,’ says J. Vaitkutė.

The installation dedicated to Vilnius — The European Green Capital 2025 is open to Vilnius residents and visitors from the 23rd of January in Lukiškės Square.