Youth gallery “Before Sunrise” sets artistic accents in Lusatia

Under the illustrious name "Before Sunrise - because art sets accents", the curtain opens on a special exhibition that not only presents works by young artists, but also focuses on an important social issue: structural change in Lusatia. Organized by Löbauleben eV, this youth gallery has been inviting young people from Upper Lusatia to present their creative creations since 2022.

For the first time, the exhibits will find their place in the sacred halls of the Saxon state representation, where they can be admired until May 16, 2024.

The motto of this year's exhibition "This should still be around in 20 years" runs like a common thread through the works of the young talents. At the ceremonial opening on April 18, 2024 in Berlin, the focus was not only on art, but also on a lively discussion about the future of Lusatia. Under the moderation of Max Hilse, board member of Löbauleben eV, well-known personalities such as State Secretary Barbara Meyer and Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of the Zittau/Görlitz University, as well as committed young people such as Lisa Richter and Alexander Hilse, to debate the question in a panel discussion: "Lausitz before sunrise - What does it take for young people to want to live here?"

The discussion highlighted the region's potential in various areas and highlighted positive examples in the context of structural change. State Secretary Barbara Meyer underlined the economic and scientific strength of Lusatia, while Prof. Dr. Kratzsch supported this with reference to the university strategy that had been created. Nevertheless, it became clear that courage and hope are still needed to increase the attractiveness of Lusatia. Lisa Richter and Alexander Hilse made an urgent appeal for the need for the participation of young people and emphasized the importance of close cooperation in order to shape the “Sunrise of Upper Lusatia”.

The exhibition “Before Sunrise – because art sets accents” opens its doors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including on weekends, in the Saxon state representation. It's worth a visit not only to admire the diverse artistic works, but also to take a look at the future of Lusatia and think about how young people can help shape it.