The Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis Art Fund is a family-owned organization dedicated to the stewardship, preservation, and growth of the Jakavičius family's art collection. Our art fund is a private, family-led initiative, setting it apart from institutional art funds, and directly reflects the values and vision of the Jakavičius family. The art fund is registered in the Republic of Lithuania und
er the statutory name of Liudviko Jakavičiaus-Lietuvanio meno fondas, VšĮ, and is headquartered in Kaunas. Named after Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis (1871–1941)—a visionary tycoon who distinguished himself as a writer, journalist, editor, book carrier (knygnešys), actor, theater director, and banker—the fund celebrates his enduring contributions to Lithuania during the Interwar period. The collection comprises more than 150 works spanning painting, photography, and sculpture, showcasing both Lithuanian and international contemporary artists. Highlights include Lithuanian works by Antanas Sutkus, Linas Kaziulionis, Rimantas Dichavičius, Rūta Matulevičiūtė, Vilmantas Marcinkevičius, and Vigintas Stankus, alongside pieces by Bill Claps, Jaime Hayón, Leonardo Nierman, Salustiano, and Salvador Dalí. The fund also preserves over 50 original books authored and published by L. Jakavičius-Lietuvanis, with the earliest volume dating back to 1904. Our mission rests on three pillars:
1) Art Collection Management – We aim to preserve and expand the Jakavičius family art collection, serving as both a lasting investment for future generations and a meaningful contribution to Lithuanian culture, with the goal of surpassing 1,000 artworks within the next decade.
2) Global Promotion of Lithuanian Art – We are dedicated to building international partnerships to showcase Lithuanian artists worldwide under the "Made in Lithuania" banner.
3) Promotion of the Life and Work of Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis – Honoring Lithuania's largest Interwar publisher. Who was Liudvikas Jakavičius-Lietuvanis? Born in Akmenė, on 22 June 1871, Liudvikas Jakavičius was a multitalented tycoon, excelling as a writer, journalist, editor, book carrier (knygnešys), actor, theatre director, and banker. Historian Almantas Šlivinskas aptly described him as a colourful personality of Interwar Lithuania. Under the pseudonym of “Lietuvanis,” he is remembered in historical literature for his role in disseminating forbidden Lithuanian press, contributing to periodicals, and working in radio. Notably, he was the largest publisher in Interwar Lithuania, producing over two million books. Liudvikas Jakavičius, a versatile entrepreneur, founded the “Lithuanian-Latvian Savings Bank” and the newspaper “Rygos Naujienos” while living in Riga. Upon returning to Lithuania, he established “Lietuvos Knygynas,” the largest printing house in the Baltics. His legacy includes directing and performing in over 280 plays between 1898 to 1938. Liudvikas Jakavičius, a passionate advocate for freedom of speech and promoter of Lithuanian culture, received the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas from President Antanas Smetona in 1938 for his dedicated service to Lithuania. He passed away on August 20, 1941, in Anykščiai, the hometown of his wife, Honorata Grimalauskaitė-Jakavičienė, a Lithuanian-Polish noblewoman.
