BŪTENT!, DISCUSSION FESTIVAL
Būtent!, Lithuania
BŪTENT! (“Makes Sense!”) is an annual assembly in a cosy open-air area of Birštonas with a festival-type atmosphere, where people from political, business, academic, cultural and non-governmental organizations discuss important topics for the development of the state, share ideas and forge new collaborations.
Purpose and vision
“The festival’s mission is to contribute to the development of the democratic welfare state and united and advanced society by developing the culture of discussions, creating common ground and promoting tolerance. The festival aims to become the main discussion platform in Lithuania – the place for consideration, opinion-forming, consensus-building, for the development of a common vision of the welfare state”.
Founder and year of establishment
BŪTENT was initiated in 2017 by the Lithuanian non-governmental body “Visos idėjos”, which was established in the same year with the goal of being the founder of the Lithuanian Democracy Festival.
Organisational structure
Several private individuals run the non-governmental organization 'Visos idėjos,' which currently operates on a voluntary basis without permanent full-time employees, receiving strong support from all its main organizers and partners. In 2017, the festival was organized by the Lithuanian Open Society Foundation, the British Council, the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania, and Swedbank. Swedbank and the British Council continue to be the main partners of BŪTENT.
Location and length
BŪTENT takes place in the resort town of Birštonas, situated in the heart of Lithuania, approximately an hour's drive from Vilnius and Kaunas. Birštonas is home to approximately 2,700 inhabitants and is renowned for its traditional and newly opened spa hotels, as well as recreational facilities. Birštonas was chosen for its convenient location, easily accessible from all parts of Lithuania, its ample facilities, which can accommodate a large number of participants in local hotels, and the positive attitude of the local municipality. The first festivals were organized in early September and spanned two days. In 2023, the festival date was moved to late August.
Size – number of participants and events
"The first festival in 2017 had approximately 3,000 unique participants over the course of both days. There were more than 70 events and 200 speakers and panelists. Participants were counted by distributing participant cards with a map of the area. All the organisers’ and partners’ events were included in the programme, and there were no unofficial events. In 2023, the festival gathered more than 5,000 unique participants, along with almost 300 speakers and panelists.
People attending the festival
BŪTENT is a meeting place for public-spirited citizens, leaders, and active participants from political, business, academia, and non-governmental organisations. The organisers estimate that approximately two-thirds of the participants came from the capital city Vilnius and represented various organisations, including decision-making bodies. The remaining one-third of the participants were local citizens and individuals from other towns in Lithuania
Programme
There is an open call to the public inviting all interested parties to participate by suggesting topics for speakers and discussions. In 2017, a substantial portion of the topics and discussions were provided and organised by the main organisers and partners of the festival. The evening programme was followed by concerts and theatre performances, and a special programme was dedicated to children.