‘In Between?’ is an educational project that searches for local histories in the borderlands of Europe, that share a unique culture of memory, shaped by the turbulent history of the 20th century: its wars, geopolitical changes and mass migrations. We invite students and young professionals of the arts and humanities (aged 18–26) living in European Union countries to participate in this years’ edition of the summer school from 21 to 31 August 2025 in the so-called European City Görlitz–Zgorzelec on the German–Polish border, where they will produce a new episode of the ‘In Between?’ podcast series.
About In Between? 2025
21-31 August 2025, Görlitz(GER)/Zgorzelec(PL)
Project Coordinator
The coordinator of the 2025 edition of In Between? is Helena Link.
Contact: helena.link@enrs.eu
Read more about Helena.
Contact: helena.link@enrs.eu
Read more about Helena.
Why Görlitz and Zgorzelec?
The European City of Görlitz–Zgorzelec is a unique example of cross-border cooperation in the heart of Europe. Separated by the Neisse River, Görlitz and Zgorzelec were one united German town until 1945, when a new border divided the city between Germany and Poland. The second half of the 20th century took its toll on the border region dealing with the unsettling memory of the Second World War and the difficulties of the Cold War. However, after the collapse of the Iron Curtain, an unprecedented rapprochement began: joint cultural projects, cross-border cooperation and the vision of a united European city of two countries that transformed these once-separated places into a model for European integration.
The landscape has become a fascinating part of the development of this German–Polish border region. The Neisse, once a symbol of division, is now a unifying element within a shared natural environment and cultural heritage. Forests, parks, and historic sites tell stories of centuries of interconnection and shifting borders, forcing us to question the idea of a natural border. Looking at German–Polish relations through the lens of the (urban) landscape offers new perspectives on European border regions: it reveals that borders do not only separate but can also connect — an insight that extends far beyond Görlitz–Zgorzelec.
The landscape has become a fascinating part of the development of this German–Polish border region. The Neisse, once a symbol of division, is now a unifying element within a shared natural environment and cultural heritage. Forests, parks, and historic sites tell stories of centuries of interconnection and shifting borders, forcing us to question the idea of a natural border. Looking at German–Polish relations through the lens of the (urban) landscape offers new perspectives on European border regions: it reveals that borders do not only separate but can also connect — an insight that extends far beyond Görlitz–Zgorzelec.
About the project
The tenth edition of the ‘In Between?’ summer school will start with a preparatory online meeting in July, where the participants join an introductory lecture on the history of the German–Polish border region. From 21–31 August 2025 they will visit Görlitz and Zgorzelec starting with a series of workshops on oral history, landscape as heritage, and audio recording and podcast creation on the spot to prepare them for their further research. The participants will then start to explore the border region on their own by visiting historical sights and landscapes, taking part in guided tours, talking to and recording interviews with experts and the locals community. Their research results will be captured and presented in the form of a short artistic podcast they produce with the help of an expert during the project. The podcast will be shared on the streaming platforms Spotify and Simplecast afterwards as a part of the ‘In Between?’ podcast series.
Since 2016 the participants of the programme have explored 26 regions in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. In 2018 the project received a special mention during Europa Nostra Awards. You can find more information about previous editions on enrs.eu/inbetween.
Since 2016 the participants of the programme have explored 26 regions in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. In 2018 the project received a special mention during Europa Nostra Awards. You can find more information about previous editions on enrs.eu/inbetween.
Application process
Who Can Participate?
Students and young professionals in the arts and humanities, aged 18-26, residing in European Union countries are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Requirements
For further details, please refer to the project rules.
Contact
For any questions, feel free to reach out to the project coordinator:
Helena Link
mob: +48 518 073 401
helena.link@enrs.eu
Students and young professionals in the arts and humanities, aged 18-26, residing in European Union countries are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
- Complete the Application Form: Fill it out here. here.
- Application Deadline: 6 May 2025.
- Interviews: Online interviews will take place from 12 to 23 May 2025.
- Results Announcement: Results will be published on this website on 9 June 2025.
Requirements
- Language Skills: A good command of English is essential. Knowledge of German or Polish is a plus.
- Costs and Reimbursement: Participation in the workshops, along with accommodation and meals, is free of charge. Participants may apply for partial reimbursement of travel costs.
For further details, please refer to the project rules.
Contact
For any questions, feel free to reach out to the project coordinator:
Helena Link
mob: +48 518 073 401
helena.link@enrs.eu
Partners
Organiser
Local Partners
ENRS is funded by:
