The article explores the teaching of applied art in Lithuania during the 1920s and 1930s, with a primary focus on the training of specialists in craft schools and courses. Specialized education held a crucial role in Lithuanian education policies, emphasizing the need for applied art and design experts to enhance the aesthetic quality of the living environment and meet local market demands with regionally crafted products. Shaping a modern environment rested on specific decisions made by individuals who realized its importance. However, the practical implementation of these goals faced delays due to post-war economic challenges, uneven budget allocation, and the relatively modest status of designers. Despite the slow execution of reform plans, the training of fine craft specialists found its home in craft schools and courses. The development of applied art education during the interwar period is delineated into two distinct phases: the organizational period (1920s), marked by the establishment of the Kaunas School of Art, the creation of a network of state craft schools, and improvements in the legal educational framework; and the reform period (1930s), characterized by the expansion of crafts schools and courses, along with internships for specialists abroad. The article delves into the noteworthy centres of fine arts education, including the private Kaunas Women’s Handiwork School (founded in 1927), the Kaunas Evening Courses of Painters-Decorators (established in 1931), and the Kaunas First School of Crafts (established in 1935). It also examines lesser-known craft schools and courses. These institutions, regardless of their educational levels, are viewed as components of a unified system, in which lower-tier schools compensated for the absence of higher education institutions. In conclusion, the focus of artistic education during this period was not solely on the elite but rather on enhancing the environment of middle-income citizens. Educators working in teaching institutions and government representatives shared a common goal – the improvement of the specialized education system. Those involved in applied art education played a crucial role in implementing state policy tasks, compiling and refining academic programs, and nurturing the next generation of specialists. The latter half of the 1930s witnessed significant phenomena in applied arts and crafts education. Thus, the history of interwar applied art, design, and fine arts education serves not only as a record of advancements in specialized artistic education but also offers a glimpse into future possibilities – detailing both accomplishments and unrealized potential. © 2024 Vilniaus dailes akademijos leidykla. All rights reserved.
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