Dainyklos: Strengthening Vilnius' Independent Music Scene

Vilnius has officially launched Dainyklos — a grassroots support program for independent music venues aimed at strengthening the city’s live culture scene from the ground up. This initiative recognizes and supports 17 diverse cultural spaces across the city, ranging from jazz and rock venues to poetry salons, queer party spaces, and experimental performance clubs.

What is a Dainykla?

A dainykla is a cultural venue dedicated to experimental performances and innovative events that challenge artistic boundaries and celebrate diversity in expression. These are often small, independently run places known for their intimate settings, accessible ticket prices, and vital support for up-and-coming artists. They play a crucial role in the city’s cultural vibrancy — but often operate within fragile business structures, facing financial, regulatory, and competitive challenges. What sets them apart is their dedication to cultural value rather than commercial profit.

The concept of dainyklos (or grassroots music venues) originally emerged in the United Kingdom as a response to the declining number of small music venues and the need to protect them. Today, the term represents the unique contribution of independent venues and bars to the music industry, urban development, and local communities. It also opens new pathways for public support, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

Support and Funding

In 2025, the city of Vilnius allocated €165,000 to support these venues, with each selected dainykla receiving up to €10,000 in annual funding. The funds can be used for:

• Artist, lecturer, or expert fees

• Technical implementation of activities

• Long-term equipment purchases (up to 30% of the grant)

• Licensing and rights for creative works

• Promotion and communication

• Administrative costs

The call for applications is announced each January, with selected venues confirmed by the end of March.

Who Can Apply?

The status of dainykla can be granted annually to legally registered cultural and food service entities operating in Vilnius. To qualify, venues must meet the following criteria:

• Host at least 50 events per year

• Have a proper stage or platform, sound and lighting system

• Ensure visitor safety, including CCTV and security measures

• Provide refreshments, including at least one plant-based snack option and free table water

• Commit to participating in social campaigns, training, and other cultural development activities

A Diverse Cultural Network

What makes Dainyklos truly special is the incredible diversity of participating venues. These are spaces where live music meets community, where rock concerts are followed by spoken word evenings, where queer nightlife exists alongside experimental jazz. This variety is the strength of the initiative — reflecting Vilnius’ rich and evolving cultural identity.

A Milestone for the Music Community

"On a personal level, it’s incredibly exciting to see something we’ve been working on for so long finally become reality. We’re confident this program will energize Vilnius’ music scene, bring more people to the venues, and help artists get the recognition and compensation they deserve. It’s also a meaningful gesture of respect from the city toward these cultural spaces — some of which have been holding up the local scene for over 20 years — and we’re genuinely thrilled to see how many venues showed interest and jumped in.

We hope Dainyklos will not only support local talent but also draw cultural tourists and introduce more residents to the incredible range of venues that already exist in their city."

The list of dainyklos and their events can be found on Vilnius Night Office’s website – www.vnb.lt/dainyklos/ 

For more information and information on other initiatives by the Vilnius Night Office – please contact gabija@vnb.lt