«art shapes spaces»

The events involving the two German states and the fall of the Berlin Wall occurred over 35 years ago. During this time, many neighboring homes gradually fell into disrepair due to vacancies, and factories, farms, and production facilities that were once active were closed down.

In the years after the fall of the Wall, a new generation of artists from East and West Germany started redefining improvisation in empty spaces and unused land. Creative individuals from various cultural backgrounds also contributed, shaping new forms of expression and further developing these methods.

Over time, spaces that were once used only temporarily no longer seemed like simple emergency solutions. Instead, they developed into a core principle: creating transformative ways of living and building. The daily task of shaping and designing new spaces became a central part of the artistic identity. As a result, the 21st century has embraced a “technology of improvisation” as a key artistic practice.

In response to this history, the Openart Lausitz Biennale is being introduced as a new biennial event for contemporary art in rural areas. From July 30 to September 20, 2026, it will showcase its first edition in the districts of Elbe-Elster, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Dahme-Spreewald, and Spree-Neiße, as well as in the independent city of Cottbus. Focusing on architecture, it will offer an artistic-critical reflection on the structural changes in Brandenburg’s Lusatia, under the motto: Art Shapes Spaces.

Michaela van den Driesch, 2025


Project Initiators


Atelierhof Werenzhain e.V.

Maysun Kellow, Project Management

Michaela van den Driesch, Artistic Director