Windows in the House of the Sorbs with a red Domowina logo showing three linden leaves sprouting from a trunk with eight roots, surrounded by square glass panels in various shades of gray.

Our Associations and Organisations

As the umbrella organisation of the Sorbs in Lusatia, our diversity is reflected in the many member associations active in a wide range of fields.

Our Regional Associations

Our Member Associations

The regional federations – Jakub Lorenc-Zalěski (district of Zhorjelc | Görlitz), Handrij Zejler (region of Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda), Jan Arnošt Smoler (region of Budyšin | Bautzen), Michał Hórnik (region of Kamjenc | Kamenz) and the regional federation of Lower Lusatia (Brandenburg) – serve as hubs for their respective areas. They bring together the activities of Sorbian associations on the ground and strengthen Sorbian identity.

Our specialist associations are active in a wide range of areas, including science, education, performing and visual arts, youth, tourism, culture, music, folk art, religion and sport. This reflects our broad commitment and underlines the diversity of our community.

Each of our member associations contributes with its own focus to the promotion of Sorbian language, culture and identity. The oldest registered association, Maćica Serbska, today serves as a bridge between science and history, language and culture. The Cyrill-Methodius Association is dedicated to the religious dimension, while the Sorbian youth association Pawk focuses on youth work. Sorbian cultural tourism in Lusatia is promoted by the Sorbische Kulturtourismus e.V.

Other associations – such as the Federation of Sorbian Choirs, the Federation of Sorbian Craftspeople and Entrepreneurs, Serbski Sokoł e. V., the Society for the Promotion of the Sorbian National Ensemble, the Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin (SKI e. V.) and the Federation of Sorbian Students – all play a crucial role in shaping the Sorbian linguistic, cultural and sport landscape with their specific areas of expertise.

Domowina is proud to be firmly rooted as the representative of the Sorbian people in Brandenburg and Saxony. Our member associations are indispensable partners in this effort – together, we are shaping the future of the Sorbian people

Our regional associations

The House of the Sorbs in Cottbus with a yellow-painted sharp façade, white windows, red doors, and wrought-iron balconies

Regional Association Lower Lusatia

Founded in 1991, the Domowina Regional Association Lower Lusatia (registered association) brings together the former district associations of Chóśebuz | Cottbus, Gubin | Guben, Kalawa | Calau (Lubin | Lübben) and Grodk | Spremberg. With more than 2,000 members in over 35 local groups and 19 associations, it serves as the umbrella organisation for Sorbian/Wendish cultural and language work in Bramborska | Brandenburg. The Association promotes Sorbian identity through language, customs and traditions, and actively advocates for minority rights in Bramborska | Brandenburg. It raises interest in Sorbian issues, particularly among young people, through events such as Zapust (Shrovetide carnival), Jańske rejtowanje (St John’s riding procession) and Kokot (rooster feather plucking). Through initiatives such as the WITAJ educational concept in nurseries, schools and after-school care centres, it ensures linguistic and cultural continuity. Despite the historical processes of Germanisation, the Association actively works to counter language loss and strengthens the self-confidence of the Sorbian minority through dedicated youth work and cultural projects.

Visit the website
Multi-story school building with the inscription

Regional Association “Michał Hórnik”, Kamenz

The Domowina Regional Association “Michał Hórnik”, Kamenz (registered association), based in the former district of Kamjenc | Kamenz, which includes several Catholic villages with a Sorbian majority population, benefits from the close connection between religion and national identity. Sorbian traditions, including traditional costumes and customs, are actively maintained during church celebrations. Named after Michał Hórnik, an important promoter of Sorbian literature, the Association comprises four local groups and 21 Sorbian cultural, village and youth associations with more than 1,000 members. Each year, it organises numerous events that strengthen cultural ties and social cohesion. In addition to traditional activities such as folklore and the preservation of customs, the Association also promotes contemporary art, music and literature. The Roman Catholic Church plays a significant role by holding services in the Sorbian language. It connects generations and provides a living linguistic space. Schools represent another key environment for the Sorbian language. The preservation of Sorbian schools is therefore essential for the continued existence of the Sorbian people.

Visit the website
House of the Sorbs with sandstone cladding and large windows on a paved walkway with trees and street lamps

Regional Association “Jan Arnošt Smoler”

The Domowina Regional Association “Jan Arnošt Smoler” in Budyšin | Bautzen plays a key role in preserving and fostering the Sorbian language and culture in Lusatia. With 22 local groups and a clear focus on language maintenance and cultural activities, the Association promotes bilingualism and cultural exchange through events such as lectures, concerts and traditional festivals. The Association works closely with educational institutions, supports bilingual initiatives and represents the interests of the Sorbian people in the Budyšin | Bautzen region at various political levels. Despite challenges such as declining membership numbers and the effects of globalisation, it remains committed to encouraging active participation, particularly among the younger generation. The Regional Association emphasises the importance of Sorbian culture in contemporary society and actively promotes the use of the language in everyday life. Through partnerships and cooperation, it helps ensure that Sorbian traditions continue to thrive.

Visit the website
Yellow two-story Domowina house in Hoyerswerda with dark shutters and red gable roof surrounded by tall grass and trees

Regional Association “Handrij Zejler”

The Domowina Regional Association “Handrij Zejler”, based in Wojerecy | Hoyerswerda, comprises five local groups as well as numerous heritage, traditional costume, dance and cultural associations. Named after the Sorbian pastor and poet Handrij Zejler, the Association is committed to preserving and revitalising the Sorbian language, culture and traditions in the region. Through readings, concerts, festivals and educational activities, it strengthens the bicultural character of Lusatia and promotes bilingualism in everyday life. Through its engagement, the Association contributes to making Sorbian heritage visible and to creating new spaces for the use of the language.

Visit the website
vfvf

Regionalverband Jakub Lorenc-Zalěski

The Domowina Regional Association “Jakub Lorenc-Zalěski” is committed to preserving the Sorbian language and culture in the district of Zhorjelc | Görlitz. Particular emphasis is placed on the Schleife dialect (slepjanšćina), which is to be certified as an official language in order to secure a future for Sorbian in Slepo | Schleife and the Mužakowska hola | Muskau Heath. The Regional Association operates in a challenging geographical context, as the existence of Sorbian villages is threatened by lignite mining. It actively participates in discussions on resettlement and advocates for the preservation of Sorbian life in the affected areas. In addition, the Association promotes the involvement of young people in Sorbian activities, particularly through bilingual educational programmes.

Contact info for regional representatives

Our Member Associations

Maćica Serbska (registered association), founded as a Sorbian scholarly society and one of the oldest Sorbian associations, is dedicated to the research and promotion of Sorbian history, language and culture. The Association leads the Upper and Lower Sorbian Language Commissions as well as the Heritage Committee, with the aim of strengthening Sorbian national awareness. In addition to its academic work, Maćica Serbska promotes exchange between Sorbs and Germans and fosters cooperation with neighbouring Slavic peoples. Through its sections for history, literature, art, folklore studies and music, the Association is committed to researching Sorbian heritage and advancing Sorbian scholarship. In 1993, Maśica Serbska was established as the Lower Sorbian section of Maćica Serbska.

Visit the website

The Sorbian Youth Association Pawk (registered association) was founded in 1994 and has since promoted cultural exchange among Sorbian young people. As a member of the Youth of European Nationalities (YEN), the Association maintains international contacts; for example, it supports the Roskilde Festival and organises projects such as “Students Help Pupils”. The aim of the Association is to create spaces in which young people can use the Sorbian language and to strengthen their Sorbian identity. Pawk also supports cultural and musical projects in order to actively involve young people in preserving Sorbian heritage. An important partner is the Sorbian Grammar School Budyšin | Bautzen, with which the Association works closely to implement educational and leisure projects.

Visit the website

Founded in 1991, the Sorbian School Association (registered association) is committed to bilingual early childhood education and multilingual education from primary school to higher education. The Association operates WITAJ nurseries offering bilingual education and supports Sorbian schools in Sakska | Saxony and Bramborska | Brandenburg. The School Association advises parents and cooperates with educational institutions and ministries to ensure that Sorbian interests are anchored in education legislation. It organises language competitions, Sorbian Olympiads and language camps to promote the use of the Sorbian language. In addition to its educational activities, the Association provides study guidance and volunteer programmes for young people in order to strengthen Sorbian identity.

Visit the website

The “Serbski Sokoł” Sports Association (registered association), founded to promote sport and Sorbian awareness, brings together sports clubs and individual members. Most of the clubs were established between 1920 and 1933. Following German reunification, the Association was re-established at the end of 1993 in Hórki | Horka. With members such as Sokoł Budyšin, Grün-Weiß Horka and the Sorbian Grammar Schools in Budyšin | Bautzen and Chóśebuz | Cottbus, Serbski Sokoł coordinates sporting events in Lusatia, particularly in the regions around Budyšin | Bautzen and Kamjenc | Kamenz. In addition to grassroots and competitive sport, the Association promotes regional identity, with Sorbian culture playing a central role. In keeping with the international Sokoł movement, the Association focuses on sport as a means of strengthening social cohesion. Since 1996, Serbski Sokoł has been a member of the Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs.

Visit the website

The Sorbian Cultural Tourism Association (registered association) was founded in 1996. The Association promotes interest in Sorbian history, culture and ways of life by presenting Sorbian heritage in the trilingual region of Łužyca | Łužica | Lusatia (Lower Sorbian, Upper Sorbian and German). Through a wide range of events – including exhibitions and markets – the Association contributes to raising awareness of Sorbian folk culture. It also organises workshops on traditional Sorbian crafts such as painting, ceramics and woodwork, helping to keep cultural heritage alive while making it known beyond Lusatia.

Visit the website

The Society for the Promotion of Sorbian Folk Culture (registered association) is committed to preserving and further developing Sorbian traditions through projects and events. It organises markets, exhibitions and workshops that highlight Sorbian crafts such as painting, ceramics and embroidery. Regular meetings between Upper and Lower Sorbs promote cultural exchange and support the continuation of Sorbian traditions. The Society works closely with local artists and craftspeople to preserve and promote Sorbian cultural heritage in Lusatia.

Visit the website

The Cyril and Methodius Association (registered association) is the publisher of Katolski Posoł, the weekly newspaper of the Catholic Sorbs. This publication offers not only spiritual reflections and reports on church life in Lusatia, but also provides information on the current situation of the Church and on religious events worldwide. Readers themselves contribute by submitting their own articles. For many, Katolski Posoł is an indispensable companion on Sundays – a medium that strengthens them in their religious and cultural identity. The Association is also actively committed to promoting Catholic values and preserving Sorbian traditions within the Church.

Visit the website

Founded in 1990, the Society for the Promotion of the Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin (SKI) (registered association) promotes a sense of belonging among Sorbs living in Berlin. Serving as a link between Sorbs in the capital and other nationalities, the Association regularly organises cultural events such as readings, concerts and fairs. The monthly Sorbian regulars’ table, Serbske blido, provides Sorbs in Berlin with an opportunity to speak Sorbian and exchange views on current issues. Since 2002, the Association has been a member of the Domowina – Federation of Lusatian Sorbs and is committed to strengthening Sorbian identity in the capital.

Visit the website

Founded in 1952, the Sorbian National Ensemble is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sorbian cultural traditions. The Ensemble brings together three divisions – ballet, choir and orchestra – which both safeguard Sorbian heritage and combine it with contemporary stage art. Although the Ensemble has performed in 40 countries across four continents, bilingual Lusatia remains its central sphere of activity. The Society for the Promotion of the Sorbian National Ensemble (registered association) provides financial support to the Ensemble, fosters dialogue between audiences and artists, and is committed to supporting young talent in Sorbian art.

View the website

The Sorbian Choir Association (registered association) was founded in 1923 to preserve Sorbian musical heritage and to promote the choir movement. With 17 member choirs and around 500 members, the Association provides support for legal, financial and organisational cooperation. It organises concerts and competitions and is committed to promoting young talent in order to keep the rich choir traditions of the Sorbian people alive and to engage both Sorbian- and German-speaking audiences with a diverse musical repertoire.

Visit the website

Founded in 1997, the Sorbian Craftspeople and Entrepreneurs’ Association (registered association) is committed to promoting bilingualism in Lusatia and representing the interests of Sorbian businesses. The Association has more than 60 members and offers bilingual apprenticeship opportunities. It maintains economic relations with Poland and the Czech Republic and promotes cultural and economic exchange. A particular focus lies on creating professional prospects within the region.

Visit the website

The Sorbian Students’ Association (registered association) was founded in 1991 and brings together Sorbian students in various university cities in Germany and abroad. Larger groups are based in Dresden, Leipzig and Berlin. The Association promotes exchange among Sorbian students through regular meetings, cultural programmes and the annual publication of the satirical newspaper Šeršeń. Through events such as the “Schadźowanka” and joint hiking excursions, the Association keeps the Sorbian language and culture alive among students.

Visit the website

The Sorbian Artists’ Association (registered association) (SKB) brings together artists, journalists and cultural practitioners who are committed to Sorbian art and culture. It promotes and enhances the visibility of Sorbian art in the fields of painting, music, literature, theatre, film and publishing. Through exhibitions, concerts, readings and workshops, the Association strengthens the presence of Sorbian art in Lusatia and beyond. The SKB maintains international contacts and contributes to a dynamic exchange between Sorbian and German cultural life.

Visit the website