Sonia Gaskell

Commemorating Sonia Gaskell: A New Sculptural Composition in Vilkaviškis

Preserving Vilkaviškis' Cultural Heritage – 2024 Initiative

Vilkaviškis is rich in cultural heritage, boasting over 1,350 notable figures who have significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of Lithuania and beyond. However, many of these figures are underrepresented or forgotten, with their legacy absent from public spaces in the town. One such figure is Sonia Gaskell, born in Vilkaviškis in 1904. Gaskell was a pioneering choreographer, ballet director, and founder of the Netherlands National Ballet. Her influence extends far beyond Lithuania, leaving a lasting impact on European ballet.

Sonia Gaskell, originally Sara Gaskelytė, was born into a family that valued music and dance. She pursued her studies in Kharkov, Ukraine, and later in Paris, where she trained and performed with some of the most renowned dancers of her time. In 1936, she founded Les Ballets de Paris and taught ballet in the city. After marrying a Dutchman in 1939, she moved to Amsterdam and established several ballet companies, including Ballet Studio '45 and Ballet Recital, and founded the Netherlands Ballet Academy in The Hague. Under her direction, the Faculty of Dance was established at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague in 1956. She was appointed Artistic Director of the Netherlands National Ballet in 1961, a position she held until 1968. Gaskell passed away in Paris in 1974.

While Gaskell created many ballets, her greatest legacy lies in her work as a teacher and director, promoting modern choreography and nurturing future talents. Notable students include Audrey Hepburn, Hans van Manen, and Rudi van Dantzig. Van Dantzig once remarked, "Thank you for giving Holland and the world Sonia Gaskell. You must be very proud that this famous woman was born in your town."

Upcoming Unveiling of Sonia Gaskell's Memorial Sculpture

In recognition of Gaskell's profound contributions, the Vilkaviškis Town Clock Support Foundation, in partnership with the Vilkaviškis Tourism and Business Information Centre, has launched a project titled "Preserving and Promoting Vilkaviškis' Cultural Heritage – 2024." This project aims to create and install a commemorative sculptural composition near the Vilkaviškis Children and Youth Centre, believed to be near Gaskell's birthplace. This space, adorned with a sculpture, is expected to become an attraction for both locals and visitors from around the world.

The unveiling of Sonia Gaskell's memorial sculpture is set to be a landmark event, celebrating her 120th birthday and honoring her legacy. The project's partial funding comes from the Vilkaviškis District Municipality's cultural and art projects, with additional support from various businesses and community members. The sculptural composition is currently in progress, with a life-sized 3D model being printed. Upon completion of all necessary approvals, the sculpture will be cast in bronze.

Call for Support and Sponsorship

The Vilkaviškis Town Clock Support Foundation invites all to participate in this initiative to honor Sonia Gaskell's memory. We are seeking financial contributions to cover the full costs of creating and installing the sculpture and accompanying plaques. The total project cost exceeds €25,000, with €20,000 allocated specifically for the sculpture. Sponsorship categories include Patrons (€5,000+), Main Sponsors (€3,000+), and Sponsors (€1,000+). Contributors of €500 or more will be acknowledged in the project's virtual information.

Information about the project and its sponsors will be promoted through various channels, including Facebook pages such as @Vilkaviškio-miesto-laikrodžio-paramos-fondas, @Vilkaviskistvic, @santaka.info, and @vilkaviskiosavivaldybe, as well as local Facebook groups connecting over 30,000 people. Additionally, details will be available on websites including www.vilkaviskis.lt, www.vilkavisksinfo.lt, and www.santaka.lt. Articles will also be published in the local and national press.

This initiative not only aims to honor a key figure in European ballet but also seeks to beautify the town with a meaningful artistic element that reflects the cultural ties between Vilkaviškis and the broader world. Your support in this project will help ensure the successful realization of this tribute to Sonia Gaskell.

For further information or to contribute, please contact Vitas Girdauskas, a member of the Foundation Board, at +37068778860 or via email at [email protected].

Join us in commemorating Sonia Gaskell and enhancing the cultural landscape of Vilkaviškis.

Sincerely,

Arūnas Simutis