Zeichenfabrik Summer Academy
Art Retreat in the Heart of Nature
Are you looking for a creative retreat with intensive workshops led by exceptional artists in a picturesque setting? That’s exactly what awaits you at the Zeichenfabrik Summer Academy!
Far from everyday life, our program gives you the opportunity to fully focus on your artistic development. In an inspiring atmosphere, you can dive deep into your projects, gain new inspiration, and exchange creative ideas with like-minded individuals.
The Location
Your artistic retreat – a charming estate overlooking the "Wild Gorge" in the idyllic village of Pokrzywnik. This picturesque location in southwestern Poland offers the perfect backdrop for your creative journey. The lovingly renovated complex combines historic charm with modern comfort, creating an exclusive, inspiring atmosphere for up to 27 participants.
The Program
Approach
The Zeichenfabrik Summer Academy serves as an incubator for creative ideas and projects, with a focus on:
- An inspiring environment offering a structured, uninterrupted workspace in the peaceful seclusion of nature – ideal for deep creative focus.
- Creativity techniques, such as Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s "Flow" and Cal Newport’s "Deep Work", which support artistic practice.
- Fostering artistic relationships and collective collaboration to inspire and build sustainable creative collectives.
- Professional mentoring by Pawel Mendrek and Hoa Luo, who bring their own artistic research and experience into the teaching process.
Goals
Our goal is to promote project-based work in a contemporary context through a transdisciplinary approach. We help you clearly define your artistic identity and present your projects convincingly. The unique SOAK program combines communal work and individual development in an inspiring environment.
Methodology
SOAK combines theoretical insights, practical exercises, self-reflection, and collective exchange. This diverse approach allows participants to work purposefully on their projects while gaining new perspectives on their artistic practice. The daily schedule includes skill acquisition, feedback sessions, meditative exercises, and discussions, providing ample space for both individual and shared creative processes.
Activities and Themes
At the Summer Academy, you work in a flexible, collaborative environment without rigid structures. You'll have the freedom to explore various technical and thematic possibilities to develop your creative path individually:
- Patterns and Sizes – Painting techniques and the materiality of color.
- Transforming Bodies – Identity and representation through art.
- Narrating Art – Journaling and creative writing.
- Collective-Oriented Practices – Discussions, improvisation, and mindfulness for focus.
- Walks and Talks – Nature walks and reflection on ecological and historical topics.
- World Building – The film essay as a method of analysis.
- Thematic Screenings – Film screenings on artistic themes.
- Small Forms – Drawing and painting on small formats like postcards.
- Inspiration Booster – Exercises to overcome creative blocks.
- Space as a Tool – Workshops on craftsmanship and installations.
- Children's Program – Integrative participation for younger attendees in workshops.
Target Audience
SOAK is open to everyone interested in the intensive development of their creative voice. This includes passionate artists, aspiring students, and professional creators. Families with children can also participate in collaborative artistic projects, fostering cooperation and creative exchange within the family. For younger participants, we recommend a minimum age of 11.
The Artists
Hoa Luo and Pawel Mendrek play an active and multifaceted role in the SOAK. Acting as mentors, they guide the creative processes and integrate their own artistic research and experience into their work with participants. This creates a close connection between individual support and collaborative learning.
Hoa Luo, originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, grew up in Europe and now lives in Rorschacherberg, Switzerland. With diverse studies in physics at Humboldt University in Berlin, philosophy at the University of Vienna, and fine arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Hoa is able to merge science and art in her work. She utilizes a variety of media, including text, video, image, and installation, which she realizes for art institutions, galleries, and public spaces. As an author and artist, she works on participatory exhibition formats and books.
Pawel Mendrek is a visual artist, curator, art director, production designer, and film producer. He is also an associate professor and head of the Department of Intermedia and Scenography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice and a guest lecturer at Chelsea College of Arts in London. His practice includes mixed-media works, experiments in storytelling and moving images, stage and exhibition design, and the production of collective projects.
Arrival
Travel arrangements are made individually, either by car (approximately 5 hours from Vienna) or via a shuttle service from Wrocław Airport (around 20 euros per person). We will provide detailed travel information well in advance of your departure. Check-in on the arrival day is from 16:00, and check-out on departure day is by 11:00.
Materials
You are welcome to bring your own preferred materials or use the various tools and supplies provided on-site. All necessary workshop materials are included in the program fee.
Meals
During the Summer Academy, we provide varied half-board meals, freshly prepared each day from high-quality, local products, with a focus on quality, seasonality, and sustainability. Vegetarian options are available, and we are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements when communicated in advance.
Dates
A first for us! After more than 15 years of organizing art courses, we are thrilled to present the immersive journey of our Summer Academy for the first time in 2025.
- Week 1: July 20, 2025 to July 27, 2025
- Week 2: July 27, 2025 to August 3, 2025
Both weeks can be booked separately or together.
Prices and Booking Options
- Basic Participation Fee: € 1,250.00 per person per week
- Single Room Supplement: € 350.00 per week
Prices include 20% VAT for 7 nights, workshops over 6 days, workshop materials, and half board. The single room supplement applies to private room use, in addition to the basic participation fee.
Discounts
- 5% discount for adults in shared accommodation
- 30% discount for children and adolescents (ages 11 to 15)
- 5% discount when booking both weeks
Notes
- The child and youth discount applies only when accompanied by at least one adult and in shared accommodation. The age at the time of the trip (not booking) is considered.
- Shared accommodation refers to booking at least two participants in a multi-bed room.
- The discount for booking both weeks is granted in addition to the shared accommodation discount.
Payment Terms
- Deposit: 20% within 14 days of receiving the invoice
- Remaining balance: 80% due no later than 6 weeks before the start date
Cancellation Policy
- Up to 6 weeks before the start: No cancellation fees
- Up to 4 weeks before the start: 50% of the participation fee
- Less than 4 weeks before the start: 100% of the participation fee
Booking & Contact
Do you have any questions or would you like to book your spot? Our team is happy to assist you!
Contact us at buero@zeichenfabrik.at or use the online booking request form below to receive a non-binding offer.