ELBE LAB

15. 8. - 16. 8. 2026 | Torhaus Wehlen

Elbe LAB is a temporary laboratory in the landscape that engages with place, river and border. Against the backdrop of global threats, its DNA contains an interdisciplinary dialogue between artists, environmentalists and hydrologists, addressing the urgency of the Anthropocene and the climate crisis, as well as imaginary connections, visions and speculative scenarios for the future. At the same time, however, it seeks ways forward through being itself — through presence and lived experience. It creates another story of flowing water, linking it to the Czech longing for the sea.
A series of performances in and for the landscape will reveal the artistic research of Czech and German artists into the phenomenon of the River Elbe at the border between the two countries. It will engage not only with the element of water itself, but also with the profound philosophical, cultural and historical relationships between human beings and the river.
The ELBE LAB event will take place at two locations: on Saturday at the former Prossen Hafen harbour in Bad Schandau, and in Schmilka at the border crossing.