Mentor

As a mentor, I seek to listen to the core and the goals of each project.

I accompany the artist(s) as they face the difficulties that are there and enable them to feel and sustain their motivation and creative desire to work. I support the artist’s process to plan the small, regular steps that need to be taken so that the project can bloom.

According to the needs of each project: I watch rehearsals and/or recordings; I read any associated writings; I do my own preparation and have regular meetings with the artist(s) - for example, 45-90 minutes per week.

I offer regular dialogue during the steady working process as well as when challenges arise.

Questions?

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It’s uncommon to meet someone who refrains from imposing their own power or desires on a project, or from steering it through persuasion. Grėtė embodies a way of engaging with both you and your work that doesn’t dominate; it is a closeness that isn’t stifling. Grėtė breathes life into projects based on what is present, rather than from the stance of a ‘mentor’ who holds more knowledge. Her ability to listen attentively to what is emerging in the project is unique, and she does so with great precision and care.

Sidney Barnes, UK/BE

Dancer, choreographer, alumni of P.A.R.T.S. Brussels

Grėtė followed and supported my research without trying to push it in one or another direction, helping to create the needed space and time for the research to develop while slowly emerging to a more material form. We listened attentively to each other, and because of that, I believe, the whole process circulated constantly and brought unexpected and fresh results. While working with Grėtė I discovered some crucial elements in my artistic practices and subjects of interest that led me to new and significant opportunities for further creation.

Inga Galinytė, LT

Interdisciplinary and performance artist; presenting artist for the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale

As a mentor Šmitaitė creates and maintains an authentic and honest connection with each artist. This connection enables the artists to grow, reveal, better know and trust what their artistic practices and seekings are. Šmitaitė’s knowledge and experience in the performance field contributes to professional growth of the artists.

Giedrė Kalinauskienė, LT

Founder of Dance Research Platform “Bites”