Vilnius Academy of Arts, Telsiai Faculty

The Metal Art and Contemporary Jewellery programme combines a strong foundation in craftsmanship, material knowledge, and metalworking technologies with contemporary artistic research and critical thinking. Beyond object-making, students are encouraged to explore jewellery as a medium situated between body, object, space, and social context. The programme places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative practices, installation, performative approaches, exhibition-making, and site-responsive artistic strategies. Through studio-based experimentation, artistic research, international workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, students develop independent artistic positions while engaging with current cultural, environmental, and societal questions. The programme encourages an expanded understanding of jewellery and metal art, positioning them within contemporary art discourse and professional gallery practice.

Teaching staff: Head of the Programme, Assoc. Prof. and PhD Candidate Neringa Poškutė-Jukumienė; Prof. Remigija Vaitkutė; Prof. Laima Kėrienė; Assoc. Prof. Beata Zdramytė; Assoc. Prof. Mindaugas Šimkevičius; Assoc. Prof. Dr Juozas Laivys; Assoc. Prof. Dr Gvidas Slah, Lecturer Airidas Skublickas and Albertas Gedvilas.

Over the past decade, the Metal Art and Jewellery Programme at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, Telšiai Faculty has hosted a number of internationally recognized artists, educators, and researchers who have led workshops, lectures, and creative laboratories for students. 

Past workshops and visiting artists (2015–2025): Ruudt Peters (NL); Cristina Filipe (PT); Pedro Sequeira (PT); Daniela Malev (BG); David Snoo Wilson (UK); Kárlis Alainis (LV); Marcus Vergette (UK); Dan Hérouet (FR); Rasma Puspure and Nils Jumītis (LV); Ivana Slavikova (SK); Karina Kazlauskaitė, Benas Staškauskas, Karolis Kurklietis, Agnija Šeiko (LT)  and other Lithuanians and international artists, curators, and researchers working in the fields of contemporary jewellery, metal art, sculpture, and interdisciplinary practices.

Upcoming workshops and visiting artists (2026–2027): Erik Alalooga (EE) – interdisciplinary art, performance, kinetic and sound-based practices Wiebke Pandikow (DE) – sustainable jewellery, material practices, body–landscape–object relations. Additional international artists and researchers are currently being confirmed through Erasmus+ and international collaboration programmes.

The programme regularly develops workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects that connect students with contemporary artistic practices, international networks, and experimental approaches to jewellery, metal art, and artistic research. Students regularly participate in international events, including Munich Jewellery Week, Milano Jewellery Week, Amberif, Amber Trip, Metalophone, and Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes.


Grants, Scholarships and Exchange Opportunities
Students of the Metal Art and Jewellery Programme have access to a wide range of national and international funding opportunities that support artistic development, study mobility, internships, research, and participation in international projects.


Scholarships and Grants
State-funded and merit-based scholarships
Targeted scholarships for artistic and research activities
Erasmus+ mobility grants for studies and internships abroad
Nordplus mobility grants
Project-based funding and travel support for exhibitions, workshops, and artistic residencies
Opportunities to participate in competitions for individual grants and mobility funding
More information:
- VDA Scholarships and Financial Support
- VDA Application Portal


Exchange Programmes and International Mobility
Students are encouraged to gain international experience through:
- Erasmus+: Telšiai Faculty Autumn Semester & Telšiai Faculty Spring Semester
- Exchange studies and internships
- Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP)
- Nordplus mobility programmes
- KUNO, CIRRUS, and other Nordic-Baltic academic networks
- International workshops, summer schools, and collaborative projects with partner institutions

Vilnius Academy of Arts maintains an extensive network of international partner universities and artistic institutions across Europe and beyond, providing students with opportunities to study, intern, and participate in international artistic projects. 
Apply for Erasmus+ Exchange Studies


Residencies and Artistic Research Opportunities
Students and graduates may participate in creative residencies and workshops organized by Vilnius Academy of Arts, including activities at the internationally recognized Nida Art Colony, located in the UNESCO-protected Curonian Spit. The Academy also participates in international residency and research networks, creating opportunities for artistic exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The programme actively supports student participation in international exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and mobility schemes as an integral part of professional artistic development.


Art Collection and Exhibition Spaces
The Vilnius Academy of Arts has a long-standing tradition of collecting, preserving, and presenting student, alumni, and faculty artworks. The Academy’s collections include works from various disciplines, documenting the development of Lithuanian art, design, and artistic education.

At the Telšiai Faculty, students regularly exhibit their work in the VAA Telšiai Gallery, in The project and Art space “Kaktusai”, an on-campus exhibition space that serves as a platform for student projects, diploma exhibitions, visiting artist presentations, and international collaborations. The gallery functions as an experimental environment where students gain practical experience in exhibition-making, curatorial practice, and public presentation.

The programme actively encourages students to present their work publicly through exhibitions, performances, installations, and interdisciplinary projects, viewing exhibition practice as an integral part of artistic education and professional development.