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Inspired by the idea of the european capital of culture and seeking to promote the cultural activity and creativity of the residents of lithuanian regions, the ministry of culture started the project "the lithuanian capital of culture" in 2008, which is aimed to develop culture and arts, creative industries and expand access to culture. any town of lithuania, except vilnius, selected in a competition may become a lithuanian capital of culture for one year. having announced one definite town as a lithuanian capital of culture, the project receives state financing for one year for a programme of various cultural events, which represent the region in the best possible way, with craft events, arts and other forms of culture.in evaluating the applications of towns, the projects are selected taking into account the following features:encouraging the development of various artistic and cultural activitiescontributing to the expansion/creation of a local identity and image by continuing the cultural traditions of the town and regioninvolving various groups of residents in an active cultural activitiesattraction of business and other private sources.in 2015, another competitive project – "the minor lithuanian capital of culture" – was initiated and started by the ministry of culture and the community of naisiai village. the minor lithuanian capital of culture competition is announced and organised by the union of rural communities of lithuania. it is a project that stimulates small villages to be involved in cultural life and creative processes.