Lecture and discussion evening: Blueprint, dawn, music and science

The speakers are:Dr. Lutz Laschewski - Head of Department for Regional Planning and Minority Protection at the Sorbian Institute, Max Hassatzky from Domowina Niederlausitz Projekt gGmbH (DomPro gGmbH), Gregor Kliem from the Sorbian editorial department of Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg and Daniel Häfner from Plon GmbH - Lausitzer Institut für strategische Beratung - all based in Cottbus. Admission is free.

The Sorbian/Wendish language is emphasized in numerous studies, political statements and strategy papers as a unifying element and identification factor for the whole of Lusatia/Łužyca. This expresses a new appreciation of Sorbian/Wendish culture. The hope is not only to revitalize the language and culture, which has been severely affected by the political and economic events of the past century, but also to develop it as a potential for the region.

But what do these observations mean in practice? What does it mean to revitalize language and culture? What role can Sorbian/Wendish culture play in the process of structural change in Lusatia? And how can this be achieved?

The speakers will explore these questions and present exemplary projects.
What they have in common is that they are trying to break new ground by
- rethinking the old;
- combining the old and the new;
- drawing on international experience.

About the presentations:

1. Change is somehow always! - about the Sorbs'/Wends' need to adapt and striving for autonomy. A review, outlook and overview of the introduction.
   Dr. Lutz Laschewski, Head of Department for Regional Planning and Minority Protection
   of the Sorbian Institute
2. The Bretons, Salish or Mohawk have been doing it for a long time or it's never too late to learn Lower Sorbian/Wendish - The "Zorja" project
   Max Hassatzky, DomPro gGmbH
3. Sorbian as a unique selling point: Nowa Serbska Muzika as an impulse
   for the Lusatian music scene
   Gregor Kliem, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB)
4. Blueprinting in the 21st century - new jobs in the region? On the challenge of keeping a traditional craft alive
   Daniel Häfner, Plon GmbH - Lausitzer Institut für strategische Beratung

Lecture and discussion evening: Blueprint, Dawn, Music and Science
Sorbian/Wendish culture and language as a resource for Lusatia
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Location: Audimax 1 at the main campus of BTU, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus

About the lecture series "Open BTU "
From October 18, 2023 to January 31, 2024, the public lecture series "Open BTU" will offer interesting insights into exciting scientific fields. In the winter semester 2023/24, the focus will be on structural change in Lusatia from different perspectives. In addition to the social perspective, the historical processes of the structural break in 1990 will be addressed, the Sorbian/Wendish culture in the current transformation process will be highlighted and different future options for the region will be presented through the scientific BTU expertise.
With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the University's Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. The BTU cooperates with other universities and institutions. Each lecture will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion with the speakers. Anyone interested is cordially invited to take part in the wide range of events on offer.

More about the "Open BTU" lecture series at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg:
https://www.b-tu.de/weiterbildung/offene-hochschule/open-btu