Erasmus +
Experience Art, Culture, and Local Heritage in Rural Areas
Jamlitz in Lower Lusatia is not a traditional cultural hub. Within a small area, the village brings together an extraordinary natural landscape, the history of an artists’ colony, 20th-century memorial sites and the commitment of an active village community.
Students here do not simply work on individual projects. They become part of a vibrant learning environment in which art, memory, landscape and community are intertwined.
Lusatia is undergoing far-reaching structural change. The transformation from a region with a rich mining and industrial heritage towards new economic, cultural and social prospects is one of the defining developments of our time. Art, culture and civic engagement play an important role in this process. They help to strengthen regional identity, develop new ideas and actively shape the future.
Jamlitz thus offers the opportunity not only to observe cultural work, but also to play an active part in the social developments of a region undergoing change.
Paeprer’s Garden in Jamlitz, postcard circa 1906. From left to right: the artists Bianca Lippisch and Johanna Feuereisen, innkeeper Georg Paeprer, Anselm and Clara Lippisch, the innkeeper’s brother Gustav Paeprer, the artist Irene Goeschen, and the artist Franz Lippisch (private archive)
Welcome to Jamlitz
Jamlitz lies on the edge of the Spreewald and the Lieberoser Heide, between Lake Schwieloch and the Schlaubetal Nature Park. Hardly any other region in Brandenburg combines lakes, forests, heathland and cultural landscapes so impressively within such a small area.
The history of Jamlitz encompasses both the artists’ colony of the early 20th century and the memorial sites of the Lieberose concentration camp satellite camp and Soviet Special Camp No. 6. These historical layers remain an integral part of the cultural engagement with the village to this day.
Kunst & Kultur Jamlitz sees history and cultural heritage as a starting point for new artistic, cultural and social initiatives.
The Jamlitz Artists’ Colony is part of a European network of historic artists’ colonies. Through its membership of the European association euroart, it has links with cultural venues, artists’ colonies and partners in numerous European countries.
This not only gives students the opportunity to contribute their own ideas to real-world projects, but also provides them with an insight into the collaboration between historic artists’ colonies and cultural venues across Europe.
Why Jamlitz?
Photo: Jan Tabaczynski; film crew working on the documentary project ‘Kunstgeschichten Jamlitz’ 2024
Art
Working in an environment that builds on the tradition of the historic artists’ colony, develops new cultural initiatives for the region and is part of an international network.
Cultural heritage
Work on local history, places of remembrance and cultural identities.
Photo: Jan Tabaczynski; a view of archive material from the Jamlitz Artists’ Colony
Photo: Friederike Seiffert; opening of KUNST:PAUSE 2025
Community
Cultural work in rural areas involves direct contact with local people, organisations and visitors.
Landscape and Identity
Situated between the Spreewald, the Lieberoser Heide, the Schlaubetal and Schwielochsee, the natural and cultural landscape continues to shape the region’s identity to this day.
Photo: Friederike Seiffert; view of Schwansee near Jamlitz
Areas of study and activity
Students work on a project-based basis and gain practical experience in a variety of fields.
Art and Artists’ Residencies
Possible activities
- Support for exhibitions
- Support for artists
- Documentation of artistic processes
- Event organisation
- Educational programmes
Artists’ colony and cultural history
Possible activities
- Research
- Archival work
- Documentation
- Oral history projects
- Communicating local cultural history
Cultural Management and Event Organisation
Possible activities
- Event planning
- Project management
- Public relations
- Fundraising
- Networking
Communication and Storytelling
Possible activities
- Social media
- Photography
- Video
- Interviews
- Editorial articles
Architecture and Garden Culture
Possible activities
- Documentation of historic buildings and structures that characterise the local landscape
- Research into the architectural heritage of the Jamlitz artists’ colony
- Development of concepts for communicating architectural and local history
- Documentation of historical uses of plants
- Collaboration on Walter Kühne’s historic artists’ garden
Current projects and key priorities for 2026
Here we present a selection of current projects in which students can get involved.
The main part of the Jamlitz Cultural Summer takes place between 14 August and 14 September. The following events are central to the programme:
- Open Art Lausitz Biennale (in Lusatia from 31 July to 20 September) – in Jamlitz from 14 to 30 August, featuring a wide range of educational and cultural activities
- International Work Camp (15 to 30 August)
- Jamlitz Studio Day (5 September)
- „Political Quartet | An Evening with Mr K.“ Theatre with the sprech&schwefel ensemble (13 September)
Kunst & Kultur Jamlitz is not solely responsible for all events, but is entrusted with organisational tasks and educational programmes, and is involved as the venue for the work camp. It works closely with local associations, institutions and the local community, including brandung e.V., the Brandenburg Memorials Foundation and the Justus Delbrück House.
Erasmus students have the opportunity to work in the fields of cultural management and event organisation, to explore the topics of communication and storytelling, and to provide support to artists and cultural practitioners or to the young people taking part in the international work camp.
We are planning an exhibition for autumn 2026 on the theme of ‘The Jamlitz Artists’ Circle in Scandinavia’. The exhibition will showcase the work of three artists with historical links to Jamlitz, focusing on their activities in Scandinavia. The exhibition will be held at the Justus Delbrück-Haus. There are numerous organisational tasks involved in preparing for the exhibition, including public relations work and organising the supporting programme.
Erasmus students can gain hands-on experience particularly in the areas of event organisation and documentation, communication and storytelling.
In collaboration with the descendants of the Jamlitz Artists’ Circle, Kunst & Kultur Jamlitz is constantly engaged in research and investigative work. Whether compiling a catalogue raisonné, carrying out genealogical research, or working in archives – for example in Berlin, Poland or online – every document opens up new avenues for further necessary work. This work culminates in publications, exhibitions and various educational initiatives, such as storytelling on Instagram, the creation of a landing page or a guided tour of the artists’ colony.
These projects are of particular interest to Erasmus students studying art history and cultural mediation. Research, academic inquiry and working with artworks are just as important here as archiving, documentation and outreach. In addition to carrying out precise, professional work, students can develop their own new outreach formats.
What you can learn with us
During your stay, you will gain practical experience in the following areas:
- Cultural Management
- Project development
- Event organisation
- Cultural education
- Research into Art and Cultural Heritage
- Public relations
- International cooperation
- Documentary and storytelling
- Architecture and Horticulture
You will also learn about the opportunities and challenges of cultural work in rural areas.
Depending on the specific projects, a short-term stay in Berlin, Bavaria or even outside Germany may be required.
Photo: Friederike Seiffert; reading as part of the 2022 Jamlitz Studio Day at the Pisspott Garden Studio
Practical information
Duration
We are a new Erasmus host organisation and are initially offering two-month work placements. Other arrangements may be possible subject to individual discussion.
Language
German / English
Knowledge of other languages is welcome, but not a requirement.
Accommodation
We can help you find accommodation in Jamlitz and the surrounding area. We can usually put you in touch with private landlords or holiday let providers.
Mobility
Jamlitz is only accessible to a limited extent by public transport. It is usually possible to travel by public transport as far as the neighbouring town of Lieberose, and travelling to Cottbus or the district town of Lübben is straightforward. By arrangement, we can collect you or drop you off in person.
A bicycle is recommended for many local activities.
International Programmes
We are currently offering work placements for students from a range of disciplines.
In collaboration with European universities, we would also like to offer international short courses in future. We will publish further information on this as soon as the relevant network has been established.
In the future, it is also intended to make stays possible for students, researchers and project groups. Artist residencies are already available.
Kunst & Kultur Jamlitz is a member of the European association euroart and fosters exchanges with historic artists’ colonies and cultural venues in various European countries.
FAQ
Students from a variety of disciplines are welcome to apply. Applicants with an interest in art, cultural heritage, the culture of remembrance, cultural management, communication, regional development and cultural work in rural areas are particularly welcome.
Degree programmes in the fields of art, cultural management, history, public history, heritage studies, cultural studies, communication and media studies, tourism, regional development, architecture, horticulture and historical garden culture, as well as related disciplines, are particularly suitable.
To get started with the Erasmus+ programme, we are focusing on two-month work placements. This enables us to provide intensive support and ensure that participants are fully integrated into our projects.
Our projects can be carried out in German or English. Applicants should therefore have a good command of at least one of these two languages.
Yes. We welcome your own project ideas, which can be incorporated into your stay by arrangement. We are particularly keen to hear about projects relating to art, cultural heritage, the landscape, the culture of remembrance or regional development.
Yes. As Jamlitz is a small village, we actively help our participants find accommodation and put them in touch with holiday let owners, private hosts and other accommodation options in the region.
Contact
Contact person for students and participants
Applications, projects, accommodation, organisational matters and on-site support.
Name
Friederike Seiffert
Function
Managing Partner
info@kunst-kultur-jamlitz.de
Telephone
+49 (0)176-24200640
Contact person for university partnerships
Name
Urs Klebe
Function
Managing Partner
info@kunst-kultur-jamlitz.de
Telephone
+49 (0)179-7399816