Foundation
Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen
Welcome to the Foundation at
Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen
The Foundation
The foundation "Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen" promotes extraordinary talents and supports courageous artistic projects in the spirit of its namesakes. The desire of Karl-Ernst and Ursel Herrmann to establish a foundation to preserve their own creative space and to enable it for artistic development for future generations was legally enshrined in their will. The foundation awards scholarships to cultural creators in the fields of theater, visual arts, composition and music, literature, film, or performance. In addition, it enables scholarship holders to undertake project stays in the artist's residence located in the picturesque Prignitz region between Berlin and Hamburg, with the aim of sustainably promoting art and culture in this region.
Bild © Bernd Uhlig
The Namesakes
Karl-Ernst Herrmann
In the 1950s, Karl-Ernst Herrmann studied stage design in Berlin and began his career in 1961 at the Theater of Ulm. As a stage design assistant to Wilfried Minks under the direction of Kurt Hübner in Bremen, he contributed to the reinterpretation of German classics. At the Berliner Schaubühne, where he was firmly engaged from 1971, he collaborated closely with directors such as Peter Stein, Claus Peymann, and Luc Bondy. In 1982, he made his debut as an opera director and formed a successful directing team with his wife, Ursel Herrmann. Together, they staged productions for renowned opera houses in Europe and taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich from 1994 to 2002. Their productions, including works by Mozart and Verdi, were filmed. Their son, Oliver Herrmann (1963–2003), was a photographer and director.
Ursel Herrmann
Ursel Herrmann, born in Rynsk (now Poland) in 1943, was an important German director. After studying at the Free University of Berlin, she worked as a dramaturge at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg from 1980 to 1984. Together with her husband Karl-Ernst Herrmann, they staged productions including Mozart's La clemenza di Tito in Brussels and staged other works at the Vienna Festival. From 1992 to 2001, they were important directors at the Salzburg Festival, where they created five new productions. Ursel Herrmann died on 27 September 2020 in Berlin at the age of 77. Her artistic dedication, in particular her profound knowledge of theatre and opera literature as well as her energetic and warm-hearted approach, will leave a lasting and loving memory.
Bild © Bernd Uhlig
Bild © Bernd Uhlig
Bild © Bernd Uhlig
Bild © Bernd Uhlig
The Artist Place
Bild © Elisabeth Pliyev
The transformation of the home into an artist's residence was made possible by Ursel Herrmann with the establishment of the foundation 'Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen.' Since 2021, artists have been receiving scholarships for work stays at this unique location, situated close to the Elbe River in a biosphere reserve.
Cosy inspiring work and living areas, an event space, Ursel and Karl-Ernst Herrmann's personal library, their music collection, and the preserved furnishings make the artist's house a special place. The extensive outdoor areas with vegetable and fruit gardens, as well as a wild meadow, invite residents to linger or even garden.
Bild © Marc Rohweder
Bild © Marc Rohweder & Elisabeth Pliyev
Today's artist's house is part of a protected agricultural estate. Ursel and Karl-Ernst Herrmann acquired it in the early 90s, envisioning it as an ideal space for creativity and inspiration. Here, ideas for a variety of stage designs, opera productions, and costume designs were born. Artists found in this open house a space for creative exchange.
Scholarships
The foundation 'Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen' awards residence scholarships for the artist's house near Wittenberge. The recipients work in the fields of theater, visual arts, music and composition, literature, film, and performance.
The artist's house is available to scholarship recipients, offering well-lit work and living areas, a large book collection, various usable rooms, as well as spaces for presenting the results of their work. It includes four individual bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a living kitchen with a spacious dining area and terrace.
The large garden plot can be used by both permanent residents of the so-called “Kleines Haus” and scholarship recipients. There are several beautiful seating areas under walnut and fruit trees. The old restored barn provides various work and leisure opportunities.
"The gratitude of having been able to enjoy and make my mind and spirit grow in this wonderful earthly space became part of me. Forever in my mind and in my vivid memories of space filled with energy and knowledge. Uschis garden is the entrance to the soul of an insect."
Johanna Unzueta Rivas
Insights from Johanna Unzueta Riva's work
Bild © Johanna Unzueta Rivas
Interview mit Ellen Kobe
Application
Support is provided to both artists who have already published initial works or publications and are freelancers, as well as those who have not yet shown any publications.The foundation is internationally oriented, supporting both emerging talents and experienced artists.
Please send your application for the scholarship year 2024 no later than April 1, 2024, exclusively by email to: info@stiftung-herrmann-zwd.de
The application is informal and should include the following elements:
· Cover letter with a brief motivational statement
· Curriculum vitae
· Possibly, an artistic profile with a list of publications
· Possibly, work samples
· Possibly, a description of a project proposal
Partners and Sponsors
The foundation 'Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen' maintains and preserves the location as a source of inspiration, creative work, and cultural encounters. Scholarships are awarded by the foundation in collaboration with partners. We would be delighted if you are interested in a partnership. Feel free to send us an email.
Or, donate an amount of your choice and contribute to financing a scholarship for promising talents in all fields from one day to three months for creative stays in 2024:
Bank account: Bei Herrmann zwischen den Deichen
IBAN: DE59 7001 2300 6120 0940 01
BIC: VBANDEMMXXX
Our sponsors will receive a donation receipt from us. We kindly ask for contact via email to initiate this process.
Email: info@stiftung-herrmnn-zwd.de