About us
About us
ABOUT
ABOUT
ABOUT
Art Department Masterclass began very simply.
Art Department Masterclass began very simply.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
In 2015, after we had already started working in the film industry ourselves, we noticed something missing. Yes, we were constantly learning new skills – that never stops in filmmaking – but what we missed most was inspiration. The kind of inspiration that makes you want to do your best work, stay curious, and keep believing in the creative power of film and television, even when the industry gets tough.
We are filmmakers first. We love watching films and TV series, talking about them, questioning how they’re made, and learning from the people behind them. At some point, we thought: what if we created a space where art department professionals could not only learn, but feel inspired again? So we decided to try. We applied for European funding, started reaching out to art department crew we deeply admired, and took a leap.
That first step in Vilnius turned into something much bigger than we imagined. Over the years, Art Department Masterclass has grown into an international program, with more than ten training sessions held in Lithuania, Italy, and Iceland, bringing together over 30 expert speakers and more than 200 participants from across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Along the way, we didn’t just build a program – we built a community.
Many of our participants and experts return again and again. They support the project, speak about it with warmth, and help shape what it becomes next. We’ve also been lucky to grow alongside partners who believe in the same values and continue to support us year after year.
At its core, this project is not just a job for us. It’s a long-term commitment to maintaining creativity, curiosity, and motivation in an industry that can easily exhaust all three. We want people to leave the Art Department Masterclass feeling re-energized, connected, and reminded of why they chose this path in the first place.
There is, of course, a lot of work happening behind the scenes – but that’s nothing new for anyone who has ever worked in an art department. And just like on set, we believe the best results come from care, collaboration, and a shared belief in what we’re making together.
In 2015, after we had already started working in the film industry ourselves, we noticed something missing. Yes, we were constantly learning new skills – that never stops in filmmaking – but what we missed most was inspiration. The kind of inspiration that makes you want to do your best work, stay curious, and keep believing in the creative power of film and television, even when the industry gets tough.
We are filmmakers first. We love watching films and TV series, talking about them, questioning how they’re made, and learning from the people behind them. At some point, we thought: what if we created a space where art department professionals could not only learn, but feel inspired again? So we decided to try. We applied for European funding, started reaching out to art department crew we deeply admired, and took a leap.
That first step in Vilnius turned into something much bigger than we imagined. Over the years, Art Department Masterclass has grown into an international program, with more than ten training sessions held in Lithuania, Italy, and Iceland, bringing together over 30 expert speakers and more than 200 participants from across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Along the way, we didn’t just build a program – we built a community.
Many of our participants and experts return again and again. They support the project, speak about it with warmth, and help shape what it becomes next. We’ve also been lucky to grow alongside partners who believe in the same values and continue to support us year after year.
At its core, this project is not just a job for us. It’s a long-term commitment to maintaining creativity, curiosity, and motivation in an industry that can easily exhaust all three. We want people to leave the Art Department Masterclass feeling re-energized, connected, and reminded of why they chose this path in the first place.
There is, of course, a lot of work happening behind the scenes – but that’s nothing new for anyone who has ever worked in an art department. And just like on set, we believe the best results come from care, collaboration, and a shared belief in what we’re making together.
OUR STORY. In 2015, after we had already started working in the film industry ourselves, we noticed something missing. Yes, we were constantly learning new skills – that never stops in filmmaking – but what we missed most was inspiration. The kind of inspiration that makes you want to do your best work, stay curious, and keep believing in the creative power of film and television, even when the industry gets tough.
We are filmmakers first. We love watching films and TV series, talking about them, questioning how they’re made, and learning from the people behind them. At some point, we thought: what if we created a space where art department professionals could not only learn, but feel inspired again? So we decided to try. We applied for European funding, started reaching out to art department crew we deeply admired, and took a leap.
That first step in Vilnius turned into something much bigger than we imagined. Over the years, Art Department Masterclass has grown into an international program, with more than ten training sessions held in Lithuania, Italy, and Iceland, bringing together over 30 expert speakers and more than 200 participants from across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Along the way, we didn’t just build a program – we built a community.
Many of our participants and experts return again and again. They support the project, speak about it with warmth, and help shape what it becomes next. We’ve also been lucky to grow alongside partners who believe in the same values and continue to support us year after year.
At its core, this project is not just a job for us. It’s a long-term commitment to maintaining creativity, curiosity, and motivation in an industry that can easily exhaust all three. We want people to leave the Art Department Masterclass feeling re-energized, connected, and reminded of why they chose this path in the first place.
There is, of course, a lot of work happening behind the scenes – but that’s nothing new for anyone who has ever worked in an art department. And just like on set, we believe the best results come from care, collaboration, and a shared belief in what we’re making together.
OUR VALUES. Art Department Masterclass was created by Ieva Buzinskaite and Domante Urmonaite, both filmmakers working across international film and television productions. The project grew out of their shared experience in the industry and a desire to create a space for learning, inspiration, and long-term creative sustainability within the art department.
Art Department Masterclass is grounded in care, collaboration, and respect - for people, creative processes, and working conditions. We believe in curiosity and critical thinking as essential tools for artistic growth, and in learning as an open exchange between peers across cultures, backgrounds, and levels of experience.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages dialogue, generosity of knowledge, and long-term creative sustainability within the art department community.
All participants, speakers, and team members are expected to follow our Code of Conduct, ensuring a shared framework of professionalism, responsibility, and mutual respect.
OUR VALUES
OUR VALUES
Art Department Masterclass was created by Ieva Buzinskaite and Domante Urmonaite, both filmmakers working across international film and television productions. The project grew out of their shared experience in the industry and a desire to create a space for learning, inspiration, and long-term creative sustainability within the art department.
Art Department Masterclass is grounded in care, collaboration, and respect - for people, creative processes, and working conditions. We believe in curiosity and critical thinking as essential tools for artistic growth, and in learning as an open exchange between peers across cultures, backgrounds, and levels of experience.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages dialogue, generosity of knowledge, and long-term creative sustainability within the art department community.
All participants, speakers, and team members are expected to follow our Code of Conduct, ensuring a shared framework of professionalism, responsibility, and mutual respect.