Welcome to The Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis Art Fund! Our website is currently under construction—but exciting updates are on the way. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when we launch and to receive updates on our upcoming events!
The Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis Art Fund is a family-owned organization dedicated to the stewardship, preservation, and growth of the Jakavičius family’s art collection. Unlike public or institutional art funds, which often involve multiple stakeholders, ours is a private, family-led initiative that embodies the unique values and vision of the Jakavičius family. Registered as a public institution (Viešoji įstaiga, VšĮ) in the Republic of Lithuania, the art fund operates under the statutory name of Liudviko Jakavičiaus-Lietuvanio meno fondas, VšĮ, with the legal entity code 306443087, and it is headquartered at Kęstučio g. 27-204, LT-44312, Kaunas, Republic of Lithuania.
Our art fund is proudly named after Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis (1871-1941), a pivotal figure in Lithuanian history. A visionary and multifaceted tycoon, he left an indelible legacy as a writer, editor, book carrier (knygnešys), actor, theater director, and banker, making significant contributions to the Lithuanian National Revival and the Interwar Lithuania periods.
While more intimate than some larger collections, our growing art fund features a carefully curated selection of over 100 works, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The collection showcases a diverse blend of Lithuanian and international contemporary artists. Lithuanian highlights include Antanas Sutkus, Linas Kaziulionis, Petras Vaitiekūnas, Rūta Matulvečiūtė, and Vigintas Stankus, to name a few. Internationally, the collection features works by celebrated figures such as Salvador Dalí, alongside contemporary artists like Bill Claps, Jaime Hayón, Leonardo Nierman, Lina Condes, Mouk Israfilov, and Salustiano García Cruz, as well as other notable talents. In addition to the art collection, the fund also preserves over 50 original books authored and published by Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis, with the earliest volume dating back to 1904.
Our mission is firmly rooted in three foundational pillars that guide our work and vision:
Art Collection Management
We are dedicated to the careful preservation, enhancement, and curation of the Jakavičius family art collection. This includes conserving artworks from previous generations, acquiring new pieces, and curating exhibitions that honor both the family’s heritage and the broader narrative of Lithuanian art. By promoting Lithuanian art, we aim to not only elevate its global recognition but also increase the value of the collection over time.
Global Promotion of Lithuanian Art
We hold Lithuanian visual arts in the highest regard and remain steadfast in our mission to showcase their brilliance on the global stage. Despite its rich heritage and artistic depth, Lithuanian art remains underrepresented in the international art market. Our fund is dedicated to transcending national boundaries, with a strong focus on global recognition. By forging strategic partnerships with esteemed cultural institutions in Lithuania, Austria, Spain, the United States, and beyond, we aim to position Lithuanian artistry within the global cultural conversation. Through thoughtful patronage and carefully curated promotional efforts, we strive to amplify the visibility of Lithuania’s finest artists worldwide, proudly uniting them under the distinguished “Made in Lithuania” banner to raise our nation’s profile in the art world. Our family is deeply patriotic, and one of the ways we wish to support Lithuania is by promoting its name in the art world. To achieve this, we will collaborate with Lithuanian artists, art historians, and cultural institutions.
Promotion of the Life and Work of Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis
In addition to enriching our art collection and championing Lithuanian art, we are deeply committed to honoring and perpetuating the legacy of our esteemed forefather, Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis. While celebrated for his contributions as a book carrier (knygnešys), writer, and actor, it is often overlooked—and rarely mentioned—that he was the largest publisher in Interwar Lithuania, producing over two million books. He also founded other Lithuanian ventures in Riga, such as the Lithuanian newspaper "Rygos Naujienos" and the Lithuanian-Latvian Savings Bank, among others. We believe his profound impact on Lithuanian heritage deserves broader recognition. Through our initiatives, we strive to illuminate his legacy, share his remarkable story with a wider audience, and secure his rightful place in the annals of Lithuania’s National Revival and Interwar history.