Tired of the pandemic travel ban and want to get out and meet new people?
How about trying a live “portal” to another city?
Residents of Vilnius, Lithuania, and Lublin, Poland, some 575 miles apart, can now see each other in real-time thanks to recently installed portal statues.
On May 26, the portals were placed by GoVilnius, an organization for the development of the Lithuanian capital, in front of the train station in Vilnius and the central square in Lublin.
Large screens and cameras built into the sculptures allow for live broadcasts between the two cities, serving as a kind of visual bridge that connects individuals from different cultural backgrounds and inspires them to “rethink the meaning of unity.”
“Social division, climate change, and economic problems are just some of the potentially fatal problems facing humanity today.
But on closer examination, these problems are not caused by a lack of intelligent scientists, activists, leaders, information, or technology Benediktas Gylys, President of the Benediktas Gylys Foundation, which acknowledged Go Vilnius as the “initiator” of the idea, stated: “Tribalism, lack of empathy and a narrow perception of the world are often limited to our national past,” he described the idea.
Described as a “familiar… sci-fi symbol”, the portal is meant to resemble the wheel of time thanks to its circular shape. The implementation took five years and was created by engineers from the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, also known as Vilnius Tech, at the Center for Creativity and Innovation (LinkMenu fabrikas).
Hopefully, it is perfectly timed to be revealed at the end of the pandemic.
The introduction of live portals between Vilnius and Lublin represents an innovative step to foster cross-cultural connections in an increasingly fragmented world. By using technology to create real-time interactions, these portals not only bridge geographic distances but also overcome barriers that often divide societies. This initiative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing the pressing issues of our time.
As we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic, the portals symbolize hope and the potential for renewed engagement of diverse communities. They challenge individuals to rethink their perception of unity and recognize the shared experiences that unite us and transcend national boundaries. This project embodies the spirit of collaboration and collective problem-solving, challenging us to face global challenges as one.
Ultimately, the portals in Vilnius and Lublin are a testament to the power of human connection. They remind us that despite our differences, we share common goals and aspirations. In a world that often feels divided, initiatives like this inspire us to look beyond tribalism and embrace a more inclusive vision of the future that is built on understanding, respect, and a commitment to solving the complex problems we face together.