SPREEWALDATELIER 2027: Open Air Symposium for Sculptors and Cartoonists

About this call

SPREEWALDATELIER is a festival held every two years in the old town of Lübbenau/Spreewald in Germany, where about 20 sculptors and cartoonists work in public for a week. The 2027 edition runs from 4 to 11 September 2027 on the Kirchplatz, with the theme "Transformation", and ends with a finissage and an auction of the works on 11 September. The organizer expects about 10 sculptors, who each carve one large outdoor sculpture from an oak trunk, and about 12 cartoonists, who each complete at least five drawings. Participants receive a flat fee of €600, free lodging in a guesthouse in the old town, breakfast and lunch, a bicycle, a catalogue, and the proceeds of their works sold at the auction minus a 50% commission.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Sculpture / Drawing
• Free entry
• Applications on paper only, by post to Projektbüro LÜBBENAUBRÜCKE, Güterbahnhofstraße 57, 03222 Lübbenau/Spreewald; digital applications are not considered. Sculptors send a CV (one A4 page, font at least 11 pt), up to 6 unbound A4 sheets of previous work, one A4 page on previous exhibitions where possible, a description or sketch of the planned work with the expected trunk size, and the completed application form. Cartoonists must work professionally and send a short CV with a portrait photo or caricature (one A4 page), publications, up to 6 unbound A4 sheets of previous work, and the completed form. Young artists and students are encouraged to apply. Sculptors who took part in 2025 cannot take part in 2027. Theme 2027: "Transformation"; sculptors are asked for an abstract, many-sided engagement drawn from society and/or daily life, cartoonists for a critical and entertaining one drawn from society, life or the town development of Lübbenau. Artists must be present for the whole event (4 to 11 September 2027); the €600 fee is paid for presence from 4 to 11 September, and lodging (single room with breakfast) runs until 12 September. Participants take an active part in promoting the event beforehand (gallery contacts, own mailing lists, own website). Sculptors complete one large outdoor sculpture by 11 September and bring their own tools and safety clothing; electric chainsaws are preferred. Instead of a trunk, a materials grant of up to €300 may be given in individual cases with artistic grounds, with the organizer's prior consent. Sculptors may add at most 2 studio works they bring to the auction; cartoonists put at most three drawings in the auction. Selling other works during the event needs the organizer's approval. Cartoonists complete at least five drawings and bring their own materials, and give one reference drawing to the organizer. Unsold works are lent free of charge to the town of Lübbenau for up to two years, and a 50% commission applies to sales in that time. Participants grant the organizer unlimited free use of photo and film rights. A jury selects participants in December 2026 and applicants hear by the end of 2026. Participation costs artists nothing.