We cordially invite you and look forward to receiving YOUR application for the “Open-Air Studio” in Lübbenau!
In the heart of the Spreewald, in Lübbenau’s Old Town, a renowned artistic community of sculptors and caricaturists from Germany and abroad has been gathering for over 20 years. For one week, residents and visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to experience the creative process up close and watch the artists at work. One-on-one conversations between artists and viewers—or customers—foster personal connections. The SPREEWALDATELIER, Sculptors + Caricaturists Open Air, is a flagship project of KUNSTRAUM-SPREEWALD. It is held under the patronage of Manja Schüle, Minister of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Culture of the State of Brandenburg.
Join us from September 4 to 11, 2027, when a select and distinguished group of artists gathers at the church square in Lübbenau/Spreewald to engage in creative work.
An entertaining week of special events and social gatherings designed to foster artistic and cross-genre dialogue awaits you. Enjoy Spreewald cuisine and a cozy guesthouse not far from the workshop area. The closing event, featuring an auction, is always a highlight for participants and guests alike.
We look forward to receiving your application materials!
Dr. Jürgen Othmer
President, Friends of the LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE e. V.
Terms and Conditions for Participation:
Event Dates
: Friday, September 4, through Saturday, September 11, 2027
On the day of arrival, Friday, September 4, 2027, you are cordially invited to the evening welcome
celebration, “LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE Bridge Day,” hosted by the Friends of the LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE Association.
The exciting finale on Saturday, September 11, 2027, promises to be an outstanding experience for visitors and participants alike:
- 1:00 p.m. Closing Reception and Auction Exhibition at Werkplatz
- 4:00 p.m.: Major art auction featuring the participants’ caricatures and sculptures
- Evening event “Sculptures in the Light,” live music, and a wrap-up at the Werkplatz
2027 Theme: “Transformation”
For this theme, the organizer is seeking abstract and equally multifaceted explorations from the realms of society and/or everyday life.
Services Provided by the Organizer to Participants
In principle, artists incur no costs for their participation! The organizer provides extensive monetary benefits!
In addition, participants will receive a flat fee of €600 and the proceeds from the sale of their own works, after a 50% organizer’s commission has been deducted!
Services provided by the organizer
a. Free raw wood (usually peeled oak); the selection is made in consultation with the artist,
b. In individual cases where there is an artistic justification, a material subsidy of up to €300 may alternatively be granted. The organizer’s prior approval must be obtained for this.
c. Free lodging (single room with breakfast) through Sunday, September 12, 2027, at the “Am alten Bauernhafen” guesthouse in Lübbenau’s Old Town,
d. free use of a bicycle for the entire duration,
e. free meals (breakfast and lunch),
f. Reception hosted by the mayor and an opportunity to “get to know each other” at the “Brückentag der LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE” welcome event on Friday, September 4, 2027, at 6:00 p.m.,
g. Free evening events and recreational activities with colleagues, residents, and guests,
h. Production of a comprehensive catalog of the symposium (2 copies for participants) as well as event photos for personal use,
i. Certificate of participation from the City of Lübbenau/Spreewald,
j. Media relations / marketing campaigns / publication of the artworks and presentation of the participants,
k. Opportunity for artists to present their work during the event, fee of 600 € (for attendance from September 4–11, 2027), m. Exhibition and art auction of works created at the SPREEWALDATELIER 2027 and studio objects brought by the artists (max. 2 objects per participant); the artist receives the proceeds from each sale, after deduction of the organizer’s 50% commission. The sale of additional art objects during the event period is permitted only with the organizer’s approval.
. Tools and safety clothing are not provided; please ensure your own safety!
Participants’ Contributions (for the Organizer)
a. Creation of a large-scale sculpture suitable for public spaces (outdoors), completion of the sculpture by the closing event (September 11, 2027), and preparation for the auction! Sculptures from the working week that are not sold at auction remain the property of the artist. The artist will make these objects available to the city of Lübbenau/Spreewald on a free loan basis for a maximum of two years for display throughout the city. If the object is sold during this period, the organizer’s commission (50%) will also apply.
b. The artist must generally be present throughout the entire duration of the event.
c. Active participation in public relations and promotional activities for the event in the run-up to the event, promotion of the symposium through gallery contacts, the artist’s own contact list, the artist’s own website, etc.,
d. Granting of usage rights, free of charge and for an indefinite period, for photography and film of the works and their creation to the organizer, including coverage for all media, publications, etc.
e. Due to the inner-city location of the worksite, the organizer asks artists to use electric chainsaws whenever possible. The use of gas-powered chainsaws should be limited to rough trimming and shaping work during the first few days.
Organizer
, the Friends of the LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE e.V. association, on behalf of the City of Lübbenau/Spreewald.
Venue
, Lübbenau/Spreewald, Kirchplatz between the “town hall and the church”
Number of participants:
22 artists, expected to include 10 sculptors and 12 caricaturists/cartoonists:
The organizer also encourages young artists and students to apply for the SPREEWALDATELIER!
Selection of Participants
The participating artists will be selected by a jury in December 2026. The jury will consist of visual artists, art experts, and specialists from the organizer. The organizer reserves the right to invite participants personally as well. Unfortunately, sculptors who participated in 2025 will not be eligible to participate again in 2027.
Contact
LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE Project Office
Güterbahnhofstraße 57
03222 Lübbenau/Spreewald
Tel. 03542 – 40 36 92, Fax: 03542 – 40 36 99, Email:
Contacts: Queenie Nopper, Michael Hensel, Dr. Jürgen Othmer
Application deadline: October 31, 2026