Ahoy dear dreamers,
A little insider tip for easing into the festival experience: Stop by the workshop area before diving into the rave hustle and bustle – it will enrich your overall festival journey! Gathering inspiration, meeting like-minded people, and updating your inner operating system is a secret recipe for a great festival day.
Auf der Bucht der Träumer* ist das Workshopprogramm im Herzen von Lumina angesiedelt und erstreckt sich über 6 Locations, die unterschiedlicher kaum sein könnten. Diskutiert im Neuro Dive|rs, erkundet eure zarte Seite im Cuddle Poodle oder trainiert den Mutmuskel im Zirkus Mond, poliert am Strandflitzer eure Rollschuhskills auf, taucht in der Mirage durch unbekannte Höhen und Tiefen oder schwitzt euch an der Schweissperle in Ekstase.
This year, our workshop program is also dedicated to the festival motto Right Here, Right Now! Enough doomscrolling – we want to arrive fully in the present moment and truly connect with one another.
You'll find a first taste in this newsletter – from now on, we’ll be unveiling the entire cultural program, including all workshops, performances & spaces, in many little bites on our website: Culture Program 2026.
Enjoy the read!
Yours Bucht der Träumer* Team
A Sneak Peek into the 2026 Workshop Program
Daniela Sepehri: What Comes Next for Iran?
Neuro Dive|rs, Sunday, August 16, 1–2 PM
What is the current situation of people in Iran, who are caught between war and repression, beyond the headlines? What is the state of human rights? And what can we in Germany do to support the movement for freedom? Daniela Sepehri is a journalist, activist, and author who works, among other topics, on the human rights situation in Iran. In her workshop, she invites participants to engage with these questions.
Arne Semsrott: Counterpowers – How We Organize Change
Neuro Dive|rs, Friday, August 14, 7:30–9 PM
Democracy, climate, peace—many people experience the present as a crisis and feel powerless. Yet there are ways to regain the ability to act. Arne Semsrott shows which strategies are already effective and how counterpower can emerge—from solidarity-based organizing and referendums to humor and creative forms of protest. In doing so, the journalist and activist encourages people to get involved and help shape social change.
Vanessa Faloye: Accountability in the Face of Identity, Purity, and Punishment
Neuro Dive|rs, Friday, August 14, 12–1 PM
Wie können wir Konflikte austragen, ohne Menschen auszuschließen? Vanessa Faloye (aka DJ inda Flo) beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, wie Accountability jenseits von Bestrafung funktionieren kann – als Prozess von Sicherheit, Verantwortung und Veränderung. Im Workshop geht es um zentrale Unterscheidungen wie Verletzung und Schaden, Fürsorge und Kontrolle sowie darum, wie solidarische und nachhaltige Formen des Miteinanders in sozialen Bewegungen gelingen können.
Melanie Wolfers: Imagine a Bright Future
Neuro Dive|rs, Friday, August 14, 5:30–7 PM
Crisis, conflict, and bad news can quickly trigger feelings of helplessness. But how can we stay capable of action in such moments? Theologian, philosopher, podcaster, and bestselling author Melanie Wolfers shows how we can strengthen courage, hope, and self-efficacy. Through practical exercises, inspiring inputs, and space for exchange, she invites participants to rediscover their own resources—and to experience how engaging for a better future can bring both energy and joy.
Lindi Delight: Decisive Is the New Black
Neuro Dive|rs, Saturday, August 15, 11:30 AM–1 PM
Fühlst du dich manchmal von der Fülle an Entscheidungen erschlagen oder blockiert? Dieser Workshop ist eine 90-minütige Work Session mit dem Ziel, lange Abwägungsprozesse in klare Entscheidungen zu verwandeln – ohne Schuldgefühle, ständiges Hinterfragen oder starre Ja-und-Nein-Haltungen. Lindi Delight arbeitet mit eigenen Frameworks, die helfen, komplexe Entscheidungen greifbar zu machen und an realen Fällen aus dem Alltag zu testen. Du gehst raus mit konkreten Tools für Gespräche und dem Mut, auch in schwierigen Situationen Grenzen zu setzen.
Sophia Fritz & Christina Lehr: Toxic Femininity and Genuine Connection
Neuro Dive|rs, Sunday, August 16, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Many of us today have a nuanced language for emotions, boundaries, and social dynamics—yet still experience how difficult it can be to remain truly present with ourselves and others. In this space of exploration, Sophia Fritz and Christina Lehr combine insights on female and male conditioning with trauma-informed body practices, reflection, and interpersonal encounters. Together, we will explore shame, neediness, insecurity, and belonging—and the question of how genuine connection becomes possible when we do not only talk about our patterns, but learn to notice them in the present moment.
Bianca Nawrath: Writing Smut Fiction and Overcoming Resistance
Cuddle Poodle, Saturday, August 15, 8–9 PM
A writing workshop about sexual shame, desire, and the power of storytelling: Drawing on personal experiences and her novel Beautiful Shame, Bianca Nawrath opens a safe and supportive space where writing can be experienced as a tool for self-empowerment. At the heart of the workshop lies the question of how we can write about sexuality—navigating shame, pleasure, and societal expectations. Short inputs alternate with writing exercises and reflection. Participants are never required to share their texts; everyone decides for themselves how far they want to go.
Ahmad Dakhnous & Christoph Dinkelaker: Israel & Palästina besprechbar machen
Mirage, Freitag 14.8, 13:30–15:30 Uhr
Palestine and Israel is a topic that deeply affects many people, while also being discussed in highly emotional and often controversial ways. This space aims to make the subject approachable through empathy, sharing, reflection, and listening. Together, participants will explore how personal perspectives are shaped, why the debate is particularly charged in Germany, and how feelings of powerlessness can be transformed into meaningful action. The workshop requires a willingness for self-reflection and a respectful approach to different experiences and viewpoints.