On 28-29 August 2026, the Design Wings project took part in the Būtent! Discussion Festival in Bernardine Garden, Vilnius, inviting visitors to explore how design creates positive change in organisations and society.

16 Design Solutions and Engaging Activities

Throughout the festival, the Design Wings exhibition showcased selected design solutions developed during the 2025-2026 programme cycle. Visitors had the opportunity to explore 16 projects created by emerging designers across product design, communication design, and user experience and interface (UX/UI) design, while learning about the creative process, challenges addressed, and outcomes achieved.

The exhibition featured design solutions developed for organisations including BIOK LAB, Medicata Filia, Belt2Belt, Ribologija, and other. The designers themselves were present throughout the event, introducing their work, sharing insights into their creative processes, and answering visitors’ questions about design development and its impact on organisations.

Participating non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also presented their activities and initiatives, while visitors tested their design knowledge in an interactive quiz and competed for prizes.

Discussion on the International Visibility of Lithuanian Design

On 29 August, Design Wings hosted the discussion “We Have Talent but Lack Visibility: What Is Holding Lithuanian Design Back?”

When discussing global design leaders, countries such as Finland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom are frequently cited. Their international recognition is no coincidence, but rather the result of long-term strategic investment in design as a tool of national identity and economic development.

Lithuania also has exceptional talent, award-winning creators, and highly specialised design studios. However, many Lithuanian designers continue to build international recognition through individual efforts, while the broader design sector often relies on isolated initiatives rather than coordinated support.

The discussion explored key questions: Are Lithuanian designers becoming trapped between local success and international recognition? Which areas of Lithuanian design have already gained visibility abroad, and which remain underrepresented? Can a country strengthen its design reputation internationally without strategic partnerships between government and business?

The panel featured:

• Robertas Kalinkinas, fashion designer and founder of the international repair platform Tingit
• Edgaras Petručionis, Brand Manager at Burga
• Daiva Nazarovienė, Chief Adviser of the Strategic Change Group at the Ministry of Culture
• Algirdas Orantas, Chair of the Board of the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries

The discussion was moderated by Jūratė Žuolytė, Brand Manager at news portal Delfi.

About the Būtent! Festival

Būtent! is Lithuania’s largest festival of live intellectual discussions. Its mission is to foster a culture of dialogue and active listening among citizens, decision-makers, businesses, and non-governmental organisations. Through conversations on key issues shaping the country's future, the festival promotes tolerance of diverse perspectives, civic engagement, and better-informed public decision-making.

The Design Wings exhibition provided a valuable opportunity for visitors to meet members of the project community and discover first-hand how design helps create value for non-governmental organisations, businesses, and society as a whole.