Domowina

The Domowina was founded on October 13th, 1912 in Wojerecy (Hoyerswerda), with the intention of acting as an umbrella organization for Sorbian associations and unions. Its main goals were the defence of democratic national interests and the preservation of the language and culture of the Sorbian people. Initially, Domowina was active in Upper Lusatia although later it spread its activities to Lower Lusatia as well.

In 1933 Domowina made constitutional changes to allow individual membership. In 1937, for its solid opposition to the policies of the Nazis and refusal to accept the reference to Sorbian people as "Wendish speaking Germans", Domowina was disbanded and its property confiscated.

Immediately after the end of WW II, on May 10th, 1945, Domowina was re-established in Chrósćicy (Crostwitz), engaging itself in the revival of cultural activities and at the same time contributing to the awareness and preservation of the national identity of Sorbian people.

During the era of the German Democratic Republic, Domowina, like every other organization under the political control of the SED Party, was declared a "socialistic national organization". After the political changes of 1989 Domowina was restructured as a Union of Sorbs, a politically independent national organization, representing the interests of all Sorbian people.

The activities of the Board were and are regulated by the Union's Presidium of Domowina where Sorbian unions and associations are represented.

To Domowina belong 17 regional and trans-regional associations in Lusatia as well as 6 associated foreign organizations from the Czech Republic, Poland, Texas,USA and Australia.

Borbora Felberowa
Head of Public Relations
Domowina
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/550 102
fax: 03591/42408
email: Domowina@t-online.de
internet: Domowina

Domowina - Regional Bureau Budyšin

The regional bureau is a branch partner dealing in all the organizations issues, providing information and answering questions as well as representing Sorbian interests on municipal and district levels.

Dr. Hilža Elina
Domowina
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/550 211
fax: 03591/42408
email: Domowina@t-online.de

Foundation for the Sorbian Nation

The Foundation was established on October 19th, 1991, achieving the status of public organization only years later, in 1998. The activities of the Foundation are financed by the Federal Government of Germany and the Governments of Saxony and Brandenburg.

The main goals of the Foundation in its dedication to the Sorbian Nation are the support, preservation and development of the Sorbian language. To accomplish these goals a Language Centre - Witaj has been established, organizing projects which preserve the Sorbian language through intensive language courses for teachers, the preparation of educational material, financing of Sorbian books and other projects related to the Language Centre - Witaj. The Foundation also supports various academic initiatives and projects within its means, assisting in the organization of such activities as the "Bird's wedding" and autumn concerts, film projects, folk festivals, prize award ceremonies and many other projects.

To the credit of the Foundation belongs also the modernization and renovation of Sorbian institutions. Specifically, the House of Sorbs, the Sorbian National Ensemble and Publishing House "Domowina", the House of Sorbs in Chośebuz (Cottbus) and Domowina's house in Wojerecy (Hoyerswerda), as well as the Museum of "Měrćin Nowak" in Njechorń.

Currently the Foundation also engages in the support of Sorbian art, literature and academics.

All associations, cultural groups, schools and municipalities which work in the interests of the Sorbian nation may apply for support of individual projects.

Marija Šimanowa
Załožba za serbski lud
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia; Germany
tel.: 03591 / 550 314
fax.: 03591 / 42811
email: m.schieman-stiftung@sorben.com

Sorbian Union of Choral Associations

The Sorbian Union of Choral Associations unites Sorbian choirs, musical and folklore groups, choir leaders etc. It's open to all interested people and welcomes sponsors and supporters.

The Union actively encourages the cooperation of Sorbian choirs and other cultural groups with similar groups from abroad, especially in neighbouring Slavic countries, which are culturally linked.

Jan Knebel
Zwjazk serbskich spěwarskich towarstwow z.t.
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 550 204
fax: 03591/ 42408
email: Domowina@t-online.de

Sorbian Protestant Association

The Association's goal is to support the Sorbian protestant communities and their activities. The Association publishes together with Union of Sorbian Congregations the magazine "Pomhaj Bóh" (God speed!).

president: Měrćin Wirth
Serbske ewangelske towarstwo z.t.
Priwatny puć 21
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 497226
email: wirth@sorbischer-evangelischer-verein.de
internet: www.sorbischer-evangelischer-verein.de

Association of Cyril and Methodius

The Association was created in 1862 to regulate the affairs of Sorbian Catholics. The association publishes a weekly "Katolski Posoł" (Catholic Herald) and works to promote religious teaching, the support of religious traditions and the organization of free time for children and youth in parishes. The Association maintains ecumenical contacts, advocates equality for minorities and assists people in need, especially in Bosnia.

Angelika Häneltowa
Towarstwo Cyrila a Metoda z.t.
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 550 212
fax: 03591/ 422 07
email: TCM-KP@t-online.de
internet: www.tcm-kp.de

Circle for the Support of Sorbian Folk Culture

The association was created in 1991, having it's origins in the "House of Sorbian Folk Culture". The goals of the Association are the support, preservation and promotion in all areas of Sorbian folk culture.

Primary undertakings are yearly competitions for the most beautiful Easter egg, Easter markets, painting and handcrafts, embroidery, the sewing of national costumes, as well as traditional sculpting in wood.

Weronika Suchowa
Spěchowanski kruh za serbsku ludowu kulturu
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 550 108
fax: 03591/ 42408
email: Domowina@t-online.de

Maćica Serbska

Maćica Serbska (academic society) is one of the oldest Sorbian associations, established in 1857. Banned in 1937, it was re-established and resumed its work in 1991, actively supporting academic activities and showing a dedication to the awakening of a Sorbian national consciousness. In Maćica the following sections are active; history, literature and art, language, ethnography and museology, and Lower Sorbian section. The association maintains contacts with similar Slavic organizations.

Dr. Měrcin Völkel
Maćica Serbska
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 550 206 or 035796/96897
fax: 03591/ 42408
email: Domowina@t-online.de

MDR 1 Sorbian Radio

The MDR, from its studio in the House of Sorbs, broadcasts daily with 3 hours of morning programming in the Upper Sorbian language. On Sunday the program is broadcast from 11.00 to 12.30.

Monika Gerdesowa
MDR 1 Serbski rozhłós
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 37400
fax: 03591/ 37403843
email: Serbski-program@mdr.de
internet: Serbski rozhłós

Union of Sorbian Sport Associations "Sokoł"

The Sorbian "Sokoł" (Falcon) is an umbrella union of Sorbian sports associations, groups, teams and other organizations, which was at the height of its activity between 1920 -1933. After political changes, it was re-established in 1993. The Union organizes, coordinates and executes sporting events in Lusatia and maintains contacts with an international "Sokoł" sports movement.

Achim Kowar
Serbski Sokoł
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusati, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 550 223
fax: 03591/ 42408
email: Domowina@t-online.de

Sorabia-Film-Studio

The Sorabia film studio produces films on diverse Sorbian subjects, and broadcasts a monthly Lower Sorbian program called "Łužyca" (Lusatia) for the Brandenburg TV. It also provides recording/dubbing for Sorbian educational and children's films. In the past the studio has produced two children's films and is currently working on additional productions.

Dr. Toni Bruk
Sorabia-Film-Studio
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 44579
fax: 03591/ 44591
email: sorabia-film-studio@t-online.de

Sorbian Youth Association "Pawk""

The Sorbian Youth Association "Pawk" (Spider) was established in 1995 and engages itself mainly in the activities of the preservation, development and promotion of the Sorbian language and culture among youth. The Association is a member of Domowina as well as MENS.

Marko Wjesela
Serbske młodźinske towarstwo "Pawk"
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel.: 03591/ 550 105
fax: 03591/42408
email: mail@pawk.de
internet: www.pawk.de

Union of Sorbian Cultural Tourism

The main office of the Union is in Wojerecy (Hoyerswerda). Its main goals are to promote Lusatia to visitors through information on authentic history, traditions and customs of the Sorbian people. For this purpose, the Union has prepared a compilation of materials entitled "Sorbian Cultural Rout" where one may find museums, monuments, cultural groups, restaurants, and a calendar of authentic Sorbian cultural events.

Marko Kowar
Zwjazk za serbski kulturny turizm
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel: 03591/550 201
fax: 03591/42408
email: skt-domowina@t-online.de

Union of Sorbian Artists

The Union of Sorbian Artists has close to 90 members and sees it's main goals specifically in the development of modern Sorbian literature and art of all genre. Many projects of the Union are aimed in this direction. The Union maintains a variety of contacts, especially with Slavic countries.

Zwjazk serbskich wuměłcow z.t.
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel: 03591/550 215
fax: 03591/550 174
email:zsw-domowina@sorben.com

Sorbian School Association

The Sorbian School Association was established in Chrósćicy (Crostwitz) in 1991, uniting teachers, educators, interested parents, and retired teachers.

The Association's objectives are in the preservation and development of the Sorbian language and Sorbian culture. The representation of Sorbs at the kindergarten, elementary, high school and university levels is of great importance, as is the incorporation of professional experiences into legal discussions and law making. The association is primarily engaged in matters of bilingual education in Witaj-projects, in kindergartens and schools. The Association is directly responsible for 6 kindergartens with 270 children, educated through a dedicated immersion method.

Serbske šulske towarstwo z.t.
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel: 03591/550 215
fax: 03591/550 174
email:info@sorbischer-schulverein.de
internet: www.sorbischer-schulverein.de

Sorbian Café

Offers traditional Sorbian and Lusatian cuisine.

Hours of Opening:
daily from 10.30 to 22.00
Saturday/Sunday from 11.00 to 22.00
Póstowe naměsto 2
D-02625 Budyšin/Bautzen
Lusatia, Germany
tel: 03591/47027
fax: 03591/326457
email:info@serbska-kofejownja.de
internet: www.serbska-kofejownja.de