The Society for the Promotion of a Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin (SKI e. V.) has fostered cohesion among Sorbs living in Berlin since 1990 and brings their culture into the public sphere. Through a wide range of events and regular meeting opportunities, the association creates a vibrant space for exchange – for Sorbs and for Berlin’s diverse society.

Solidarity in Sorbian Colours

Even during the GDR period, there was a Domowina group in Berlin where Sorbs living, working and studying in the capital could meet regularly. It was only natural to continue this tradition after the political changes in eastern Germany. In May 1990, the Society for the Promotion of a Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin (SKI) was founded. As a registered association, it seeks to strengthen and promote the sense of community among Sorbs living in and around Berlin.

To this day, the association operates in two main directions. On the one hand, SKI sees itself as an intermediary between the Sorbs and other nationalities represented in Berlin. On the other, it serves as a meeting place for Sorbs themselves, responding to the desire for regular exchange among like-minded people.

The SKI association has around 20 members. Since 1993, it has been affiliated with the umbrella organisation Domowina as the political representative of the Sorbian people — initially as an associate member, as SKI’s activities take place outside the officially recognised bilingual settlement area. Having demonstrated its commitment to Domowina’s objectives beyond Lusatia, the association was admitted as a full member in 2002.

In 2000, the Sorbian student association “Paul Nedo” joined the Society for the Promotion of the Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin.

The Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin sees itself, in a sense, as a “representative” of the Sorbs in the capital, even if this is not an official status. Through a wide range of diverse events, it succeeds in raising public awareness of Sorbian concerns. Sorbs in Berlin enrich and complement the Slavic communities of the city, build bridges of understanding under Sorbian colours in a united Europe, and help to reduce prejudice.

The association’s second field of activity is the promotion of community life among Sorbs in Berlin. Sorbian events — from readings and concerts to traditional fairs — resonate strongly with Sorbian audiences. A regular fixture in the calendar is the monthly “Serbske blido” (Sorbian Table), offering an opportunity to speak Sorbian, read Sorbian newspapers, and discuss current issues affecting Sorbs in Lusatia.

Text: Constanze Knappe
Photo: SKI Berlin
Translation: DeepL

Towarstwo za spĕchowanje serbskeho kulturneho a informaciskeho srjedźišća w Barlinje SKI z.t. |
Society for the Promotion of a Sorbian Cultural and Information Centre in Berlin – SKI e.V.
Cyrill Pech
Fuggerstr. 39
10777 Berlin

Telephone: 0177 4620578
Email: cyrill.pech@gmx.de