Spring Festival 2025 – A Look Back

Spring Festival 2025 Is over – hundreds of people from across the region, Brandenburg, Berlin, and beyond came to Schloss Wiepersdorf on Sunday, May 25 to celebrate this year’s Spring Festival.

The event began with opening remarks from Dr. Sarah Zalfen, Head of the Department for Archives, Visual Arts, Literature, and Socioculture at the Ministry of Science, Research, and Culture of the State of Brandenburg, and Annette Rupp, Director of the Cultural Foundation Schloss Wiepersdorf. Their welcome was followed by a romantic musical set performed by the Duo Shiluv to set the tone for the afternoon.

The program continued in the Tankhalle and the museum with readings and presentations by former, current, and future fellows. Photographer and artist Igor Tereshkov opened his special exhibition, EXPATUS, in a conversation with Franca Wohlt. The exhibition will remain on view in the museum through the end of September 2025. Author Paula Fürstenberg spoke with Lena Dorn of the Cultural Foundation about her book Family of the Winged Tigers, followed by a conversation between Dr. Gunnar Decker and Thomas Grimm about the biography Rilke – The Distant Magician. Readings were also given by Jakob Kraner from his debut novel Kosmologie, and Luna Ali from her novel Da waren Tage. The latter included a discussion on waves of solidarity with Chris Grodotzki, operations coordinator for Sea-Watch, a civilian sea rescue organization.

The Open Studios gave visitors a chance to meet and talk with artists Jeanna Kolesova, Kaj Osteroth, Marion Cziba, and the duo Nick Crowe and Ian Rawlinson. In the afternoon, composer Ying Wang led a participatory body performance in the large studio hall. The day ended with DJamila from Ballhaus Wedding spinning tango tracks to close out the festivities in the Tankhalle.

Throughout the day, the swing band “Mermaid Mob” provided musical accompaniment. Food and drinks were available at several stands, including a cake sale in the Orangery, which will now be open every Sunday afternoon through the end of September. Local vendors also showcased their work – from handmade crafts, honey, calligraphy, and traditional costumes to a children’s flea market. The Tolerantes Brandenburg coordination office also presented their initiatives.

We’re delighted that, despite the rain, so many people joined us at the castle and helped make this a memorable day — thank you all!