Užupis is a self-proclaimed independent artist republic located in the eponymous district of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. The republic is an international model for peaceful and democratic transformation through artistic means. Užupis has over 500 ambassadors and honorary citizens worldwide, including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Užupis district had fallen into decay and was dominated by poverty and violence. The main street earned the nickname "Street of Death" due to the frequent muggings in its many courtyard entrances. Stricter laws and more police were not an option. With the establishment of the art university, more and more students moved to Užupis and also suffered from the situation. They were poor and vulnerable, with nothing but their imagination.

One day, an artist from Užupis dreamed that he was the president of a self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis, where from that day on, everyone would make art and be kind to one another. The listeners then decided to appoint themselves as ministers of this dream republic and simply proclaim it. Thus began the search for a new, old reality through community actions: they organized fun parades through the republic where anyone could participate, and formulated a constitution, which made the whole world smile. The dream seemed to be coming true. 

Over time, criminals and ruins turned into cats and sports cars. Today, Užupis is Lithuania’s most popular residential area and among the top tourist attractions in the Baltics. At the same time, it finds itself again in a rising conflict between east and west. What will happen next is up to the community. One thing is clear, history does not need to be linear or looping, there is always a way to stay friendly and peaceful.

Read the interview with Max Haarich