Are you looking for a creative getaway with intensive workshops led by exceptional artists? That's exactly what awaits you at the Zeichenfabrik Summer Academy!

Far from everyday life, our program offers the opportunity to fully concentrate on your artistic development. In an inspiring atmosphere, you can delve deeper into your projects, gain fresh perspectives,

Pure Inspiration: The Location

Your artistic retreat – a charming estate above the "Wild Gorge" (Wilde Schlucht) in the idyllic village of Pokrzywnik (Google Maps Link). This picturesque place in southwestern Poland provides the ideal backdrop for your creative journey. The lovingly renovated ensemble combines historic charm with modern comfort, creating an exclusive, stimulating atmosphere for a maximum of 27 participants.

The SOAK Experience: Focus, Flow & Exchange

Our Approach: Concentration Meets Inspiration

We create an environment that supports concentrated work (inspired by concepts like "Deep Work") while simultaneously fostering creative flow ("Flow"). You will work project-oriented within a contemporary context, supported by a transdisciplinary approach that transcends classic genre boundaries.

Your Path: Individual Yet Collective

Under the professional mentoring of renowned artists Pawel Mendrek and Hoa Luo, you will define your artistic identity and learn to shape your projects convincingly. SOAK combines individual development with the power of collective exchange. Theory inputs, practical exercises, feedback sessions, self-reflection, and group discussions create a dynamic framework for your progress.

Creative Exploration Fields: Discover & Deepen

Instead of a rigid curriculum, an open, flexible format awaits you. You move freely between various technical and thematic offerings to shape your own path. Possible exploration fields include:

• Color & Materiality: Exploring painting techniques and the essence of color.
• Identity & Body: Artistic representation and forms of expression.
• Visual Storytelling: Journaling, creative writing, and storytelling.
• Community & Process: Collective practices, improvisation, and mindfulness.
• Nature & Reflection: Inspiring walks with ecological/historical context.
• Film as Analysis: The found footage film essay as a method.
• Cinema & Art: Thematic film screenings as sources of inspiration.
• Small Formats: Drawing and painting on postcards, etc.
• Creativity Booster: Exercises against creative blocks.
• Space & Installation: Craft skills and spatial design.
• Open Studio for Young Talents: An integrative offering for participating children/youth (approx. 11 years and up).

Your Mentors: Visionary Artists

Hoa Luo and Pawel Mendrek take on an active and versatile role at SOAK. They act as mentors, guide the creative processes, and incorporate their own artistic research and experience into the work with participants. This creates a close integration of individual support and collective 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.

From Passionate to Professional: Who is the Summer Academy for?

SOAK is aimed at all art enthusiasts (adults and families) who wish to experience an intensive week of creative work and artistic development. Passionate art creators, (prospective) students, or professional artists will find inspiration and professional guidance here. Families with children (approx. 11 years and up recommended) will find the opportunity to be creative together and learn from each other.

Travel, Dates & Booking Organizational Information

Getting to the Retreat

Travel to our location in Pokrzywnik (PL) is individual (Google Maps Link). The driving time from Vienna is approximately 5 hours by car. Alternatively, we are happy to organize a shuttle service from Wrocław (Breslau) Airport directly to the accommodation (Cost: €20.00 per person, journey time approx. 2 hours). You will receive detailed travel information in good time. Check-in from 4:00 PM on arrival day, Check-out by 11:00 AM on departure day.

Materials

Feel free to bring your preferred materials! Additionally, basic workshop materials are available on-site and are included in the price.

Meals

Enjoy varied half-board catering, freshly prepared daily from high-quality, local products, with the highest emphasis on quality, seasonality, and sustainability. Vegetarian options are available; please inform us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

Dates 2025

• Week 1: July 20 - July 27, 2025
• Week 2: July 27 - August 3, 2025 (Weeks can be booked individually or combined)

Prices & Booking Options

• Base participation fee: €1,250.00 per person/week (incl. VAT, 7 nights accommodation, 6 workshop days, on-site materials, half-board)
• Single room supplement: €350.00 per week

Discounts

• 5% discount for adults sharing accommodation
• 30% discount for children and youths (11 to 15 years)
• 5% discount for booking both weeks

Notes: The discount for children and youths applies exclusively in combination with at least one accompanying adult and shared accommodation. Age is determined at the time of travel commencement (not booking). Shared accommodation means booking for at least 2 participants staying in a multi-bed room. The discount for booking both weeks is granted in addition to the discounts for shared accommodation.

Payment Terms

• Deposit: 20% within 14 days of receiving the invoice
• Remaining payment: 80% no later than 6 weeks before commencement

Cancellation Policy

• Up to 6 weeks before commencement: No cancellation fee
• Up to 4 weeks before commencement: 50% of the participation fee
• Less than 4 weeks before commencement: 100% of the participation fee

Ready for your creative getaway? Booking & Contact

Do you have questions or would you like to book your place at the Summer Academy? We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact us at buero@zeichenfabrik.at or use the online booking inquiry form below to receive a non-binding offer.