A Day of Craft and Community at Rittergut Schönberg: Weaving the Future of Heritage

On 12 April 2025, Rittergut Schönberg in the Altmark region buzzed with creativity as The ARCH hosted its Neighbourhood, Children’s, and Craft Festival. Fifty community members, including 20 children, gathered to celebrate traditional crafts, from weaving with natural materials to sculpting clay tree faces. This vibrant day was a testament to the power of heritage and connection, made possible by our partners: Fleischerei Wohlfahrt, Bollé Safety, and Vitos e.V.

A Spark of Creativity

Under the spring sun, families explored crafts. Children built twig houses and crafted mandalas, finding focus through nature-based activities. Adults joined in and wove natural materials with reclaimed fabrics or shaped clay, rediscovering the joy of hands-on creation. Local district administrator Patrick Puhlmann and his daughter captured the mood: “Thank you for this wonderful afternoon… We don’t want to go home and would love to come back!” Their words echoed the community’s enthusiasm, as families shared, “It was a beautiful afternoon… the children could express their creativity!” Featured in the Osterburger Zeitung (“Auf Entdeckungstour im Grünen,” 15 April 2025) and Biese-Aland-Kurier (“Es geht auch um Erdung,” 11 April 2025), the festival marked a milestone for The ARCH’s Altmark Handwerks-Hub. This Nachbarschaftsfest was more than a local event—it was a step toward preserving rare craft skills and inspiring global concepts.

Why Crafts Matter

Crafts are a bridge to our past and a foundation for the future. They teach patience, spark creativity, and connect us to nature. For the children, crafting fostered focus and environmental awareness. For adults, it was a chance to slow down and create with intention. At The ARCH, we believe these skills are vital for communities worldwide, and Schönberg is where we’re testing ideas that can scale globally.

From Schönberg to the World

The Altmark Handwerks-Hub is a laboratory for international craft preservation. The festival’s media coverage and heartfelt feedback show that traditional crafts resonate deeply, uniting communities through shared heritage. We’re building a global network, starting in Schönberg, to ensure these skills endure for generations.

Host Your Own Craft Event

Inspired to bring crafts to your community? We’re developing a Community Craft Event Handbook, filled with practical tips and insights from Schönberg to help you host your own event. Whether you’re a teacher, organizer, or craft enthusiast, this guide will empower you to celebrate heritage and connection. Be the first to get the handbook! Email contact@thearch.org (mailto:contact@thearch.org) with the subject “Craft Handbook” to join our early access list. We’ll notify you when it’s ready, so you can start your community’s craft journey.

What’s Next

The Schönberg festival is just the beginning. We’re planning more events and expanding the Altmark Handwerks-Hub’s impact. Thank you to Fleischerei Wohlfahrt, Bollé Safety, and Vitos e.V., and to every participant who made this day unforgettable. Join us! Let’s craft a future where heritage thrives, from Schönberg to the world.