Cultural oasis in Perleberg: How a hotel became an art venue!

Cultural oasis in Perleberg: How a hotel became an art venue!

In the middle of the picturesque old town of Perleberg, a former hotel has been transformed into a true oasis of culture. Maria Kwaschik, a director from Berlin, recognized the urgent need for cultural offerings in the region during the Corona pandemic in May 2020. Their goal: to create a place where culture can be lived and shared. It's hard to believe that this project took shape in the listed “Hoffmanns Hotel”, a charming half-timbered house from the 18th century. The owner had an unusual condition: Kwaschik was supposed to live in the building, which she did and, together with six supporters, founded the “Kulturkombinat Perleberg” association. According to the SVZ, this association now has over 50 members who are fully dedicated to organizing cultural events.

The cultural combine offers a variety of formats. Whether film evenings, cabaret or concerts – there is something for every taste. A highlight is the newly introduced open stage variety show, where artistic enthusiasts can try things out. This inspiring initiative has not only made waves in the region: events such as the “Klanglandschaft Prignitz” concert series and the street art festival “PerleBÄM!”, which has been taking place annually in early summer since 2022, attract thousands of visitors and transform the old town into a pulsating open-air stage.

A center for cultural exchange

The cultural combine is a common concern of Prignitz artists who want a lively exchange. Since its founding in 2021, the association has been active not only in Perleberg, but also in other places in Prignitz. This non-profit association has set itself the task of establishing cultural anchor points in the region and acquiring numerous funding for this purpose. “We are constantly looking for shoulders, hands and hearts to make our dreams come true,” says Kwaschik. Some formats have already achieved national recognition and contribute to the quality of life of local people.

In Germany, supporting art and culture is primarily the responsibility of the states and municipalities. The federal government is investing a total of around 2 billion euros in this area, which corresponds to 17% of total spending on art and culture. This shows how important cultural projects are for the well-being of society. Funding can be used in a variety of ways to support everything from exhibitions to large events. Many of these funds come from regional, local and federal sources, but private foundations also play an important role.

Future events

A highlight in the cultural combine's event calendar is imminent: The exhibition “New Guests at the Hope Hotel VII” will take place from July 6th to 13th and offers workshops for those interested. This is an excellent opportunity for art lovers and creative minds to actively participate in the work of the cultural combine and discover the wide range of events on offer.

The future of the cultural combine depends crucially on securing funding, as Kwaschik emphasizes. The cultural landscape in Prignitz is on the rise, and the commitment of volunteers shows that there is a great commitment to art and culture in this region.

With exciting events and a clear focus on collaboration, the Perleberg Cultural Combine will continue to be an integral part of the artistic community in the future and will help the region to flourish culturally. Further information and details about the upcoming events can be found on the Kulturkombinat Perleberg website as well as on the pages of SVZ and Deutsches Volunteering.