Organizer Information
Kulturverein Wittingen e. V. in collaboration with the City of Wittingen organizes Werkstattwoche, an international artist residency program dedicated to fostering artistic exchange, creative development, and cultural dialogue in a rural environment. The project takes place in Lüben, a village district of Wittingen, Germany, and brings together artists from different backgrounds and disciplines to live and work collectively for a limited period.
Werkstattwoche is built around the idea that artistic production can be strengthened through personal encounters, shared experiences, and collaboration between creators from diverse cultural contexts. The residency provides a temporary artistic community where participants can focus on their individual practices while engaging in conversations, workshops, and public interactions.
The program emphasizes the importance of connecting contemporary art with local communities. During the residency, artists develop new works, exchange ideas with fellow participants, and interact with residents of the region. The residency concludes with a public exhibition presenting the artworks and projects created during the program, allowing the local community to experience the results of this international artistic gathering.
The 2027 edition marks the 18th Werkstattwoche, continuing the organization’s long-standing commitment to supporting artists and creating spaces for artistic experimentation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and cultural exchange.
Title & Description
Werkstattwoche 2027 – International Artist Residency in Lüben
Werkstattwoche 2027 is an international artist residency inviting artists to live and work together in the village of Lüben, Germany, from July 1 to July 12, 2027. The residency focuses on artistic development, creative exchange, and community engagement.
Selected participants will spend nearly two weeks developing their artistic projects in an inspiring rural environment while sharing daily life and creative processes with other artists. The program encourages independent artistic practice, dialogue between artists from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and interaction with the local public.
The residency culminates in a collective exhibition where participants present the works created during their stay. The final presentation offers artists the opportunity to showcase their projects to the local community and introduce their artistic approaches within an international context.
The program is designed as a collaborative artistic experience rather than a traditional production-based residency, prioritizing exchange, experimentation, and the development of new perspectives.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Installation Art
- Mixed Media
- Digital Art
- Video Art
- Photography
- Conceptual Art
- Interdisciplinary Artistic Practices
- Performance Art
- Other Contemporary Art Forms
Artists from different creative fields are encouraged to apply, provided their practice can benefit from an international residency environment and public presentation.
Eligibility
The residency is open to:
- International artists
- Artists based in Germany
- Emerging and established artists
- Students in artistic disciplines
- Artists from diverse cultural backgrounds
The program selects:
- 16 artists from Germany and abroad
- 2 students from Germany and abroad
- 2 regional artists from the districts of GF, WOB, CE, UE, and SAW
Applicants must:
- Have an active artistic practice
- Be able to communicate in English
- Commit to full participation during the residency period
- Participate in the final public presentation/exhibition
Participants are selected by a supra-regional expert jury.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive:
Residency Participation
- Participation in the international artist residency from July 1–12, 2027
- Opportunity to live and work alongside 20 selected artists
- Dedicated time for artistic development and experimentation
Accommodation
- Free accommodation provided in Lüben village
- Accommodation is offered in private settings and does not correspond to hotel standards
Meals
- Free meals provided at the Lübener Tenne
- Includes coffee, tea, and water
- Additional beverages are available at personal cost
Exhibition Opportunity
- Participation in the final group exhibition presenting works created during the residency
- Opportunity to introduce artistic work to an international audience and local community
Artistic Exchange & Support Program
- Artist discussions
- Lectures
- Creative exchange sessions
- Public activities
- Yoga sessions
- Podcast activities
- Local tours and cultural programs
Travel Support
- Travel allowance may be available if required and depending on available resources
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
- Announcement of Selected Participants: Beginning of December 2026
- Residency Period: July 1–12, 2027
- Arrival Date: 1 July 2027
- Departure Date: July 12, 2027, from noon
Location
Lüben, Wittingen, Germany
Additional Details
- Attendance throughout the entire residency period is compulsory.
- Around 20 artists will live and work together during the program.
- Participants should bring their own specialized artistic materials, as there are limited art supply stores available in the region.
- Basic materials and technical equipment such as screens, easels, acrylic paints, and projectors are available in limited quantities.
- The organizing team can assist with special material requests when possible.
- English language skills are required for communication among international participants.
- The residency prioritizes collaboration, artistic dialogue, and shared experience rather than isolated studio production.
- Accommodation is provided in village residences and does not offer hotel-level facilities.