Foundation

Pontiff A. Baranauskas foundation “Lithuanian House” in Sejny is one of the youngest institutions created by Lithuanians in Poland. It started its activity in February 2002. The founders of the foundation are Lithuanian organizations operating in Poland (initiated by the Lithuanian Association of St. Casimir - Lietuvių Šv. Kazimiero draugija) and the Department of National Minorities and Emigration to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The office is situated in “Lithuanian House” in Sejny.

The foundation contributes to the preservation and advancement of Lithuanian cultural activities in the Lithuanian Community Centre in Sejny. For that reason the foundation is constantly searching for different sources of financial profits, not only to keep and administer the Centre, but also to develop Lithuanian cultural and educational activities, to protect cultural heritage and provide for other general needs of Lithuanians from the Sejny region.

The foundation has contributed to the rise of a several artistic groups which are still successfully operating and cultivating lithuanian traditions in Sejny. Concerts, festivals, competitions, international conferences and other meetings are taking place here in cooperation with other Lithuanian organizations.

The foundation devotes lots of attention to the youngest inhabitants of Sejny and surroundings, especially in the educational field. In this connection extracurricular activities for children are also organised here. Lessons sometimes take place. A library, which collects books and periodicals, is located in the Lithuanian Centre.