Vilnius launches awards for foreign-born residents who contribute to the city

Vilnius Municipality has established the Vilnius Is My City Awards to recognise foreign-born residents for their contributions to the city, LRT reports.

The awards will honour contributions to Vilnius business, culture, gastronomy and the city’s promotion abroad. They will be presented in four categories.

The Business Creating Vilnius category will recognise people and companies developing businesses in the city, creating jobs, investing, introducing innovations and contributing to its economic life.

The Cultural Vilnius award will go to people engaged in significant artistic and cultural activities, as well as those nurturing the city’s multicultural identity. The Tasty Vilnius category will recognise creators of cafes, restaurants, bars and other gastronomic initiatives that contribute to Vilnius’s food culture.

The Vilnius Ambassador category is intended for a person who actively promotes the city in Lithuania and abroad, including in their country of origin or international communities.

“We hope these awards will become a sign of the city’s gratitude to those who have chosen Vilnius and whose work helps it grow,” said Indre Laučienė, head of the Foreign Talent Department at Go Vilnius and International House Vilnius. “It is also an invitation for all of us to see how many different people, ideas and stories make up our city today.”

People across Lithuania can nominate candidates from August 11 to 20. A selection committee will choose three nominees in each category, while the winners will be selected through a public vote held in late August and early September.

The winners will be announced and presented with their awards at the Vilnius Is My City event on September 5.