My name is Ilya Mironov. I am a former political prisoner who was forced to leave Belarus for Lithuania in 2023 urgently. In Vilnius, I organize concerts, creative evenings, and cultural events featuring Belarusian musicians who were forced to leave their homeland due to repression.
Recently, I have organized events featuring Zmicier Bartosik, Pit Pawlaw, Alexander Denisov, Atmaravi, Ermen Anti, Alexander Bal, the band B:N:, Sergey Chernyak, Igor Polynsky, Sergey Doliveli, Denis Dudinsky, Alexander Chernukha, Kurwadziki, Botanic Project, and an acoustic concert by Yuri Stylsky.
These gatherings are much more than just concerts.
They are spaces where Belarusians in exile can once again feel part of a community, hear their native language, and maintain a connection to their culture.
The reality, however, is that almost all events remain financially unprofitable.
Artists’ fees, venue rental, sound equipment, promotion, and logistics — all of this I currently cover from my personal salary. Without support, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue and grow this work.
That is why I am setting a fundraising goal of € 3,000.
The goal is to purchase our own concert equipment:
- Drum kit
- Two guitar/bass combo amplifiers
- Necessary audio and connection equipment
Currently, renting sound equipment costs around €200 per event. Owning our own equipment will allow me to organize more concerts and direct the proceeds toward supporting musicians who are often living in difficult conditions in exile.
For me, this is not just a series of projects. It is a responsibility to the musicians who trust me with their performances, and to the people who come to feel at home — even if only for a few hours. I truly do not want to lose the momentum that has already been built. Without this support, future events will be at risk.
If you can help, please do.
Even a small contribution matters.
Every euro is a sound of Belarusian culture that will not be silenced.
Together, we prove that Belarus lives — even in exile.
Fundraising goal
€3000