Biographical information

1965 Born in Greifswald
1983 Abitur in Gotha, tour guide at Friedenstein Palace
1985–1987 Training as a librarian in Leipzig; study of theology and ancient languages at the Humboldt University in Berlin
1987– Singer and writer in Leipzig
1995– Freelance writer in Berlin
1996 Writing scholarship from the ‘Kulturfonds’ foundation
1997 and 2007 Artist’s scholarship from the Berlin Senate
1999 Recipient of the Jahrespreis für Literaturwissenschaft und Geistesgeschichte (‘Annual Award for Literature and Intellectual History’)
2003 Guest lecturer in modern German literature at the Universitas Indonesia
2004 Host of the Kollwitzplatz literary salon (Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin)
Since 2007 Host of the Berlin/Mitte literary salon

Profile

Martin Jankowski belonged to the oppositional arts scene in the GDR during the 1980s. The poet and writer was denied permission to perform as a singer by the authorities, prompting him to perform illegally – not only in East Germany, but in Hungary, the CSSR and Poland as well. The Ministry of State Security had already initiated subversive measures before this time, first registering him in 1982, in an ‘operational procedure’ (OV) titled ‘Jesaja’, and once again in 1985 in OV ‘Maja’. Next came a travel ban and surveillance of his private residence. Between 1987 and 1990 he was one of the spokespeople of the ‘Trägerkreis’ (‘platform of supporters’) of the civil rights groups organised around the Church of St. Nicholas in Leipzig (Nikolaikirche). Following reunification, the artist studied theology and ancient languages as well as German and American studies at Berlin’s Humboldt University while simultaneously publishing poems, short stories, essays and a novel. His texts have been translated into various languages and appeared in numerous German and international anthologies and journals, earning him a number of awards. Today, Jankowski lives in Berlin and works as a freelance writer and publisher, involved in organising international literature festivals and projects, and serving as the host of two monthly literature salons.

Unterrichtsmodule

Die Unterrichtsmodule zum Thema "Bürgerrechtsbewegung" und "Kunst und Kultur" beinhalten Anregungen zur Vor- und Nachbereitung von Zeitzeugengesprächen zu diesem Thema im Unterricht und für eine Begegnung mit Martin Jankowski. Die Module "Arbeit am Begriff Zeitzeuge" und "Zeitzeugenbegegnungen" können in der Vor- und Nachbereitung der jeweiligen Unterrichtseinheiten zum Einsatz kommen.

Berichte

"Die Gothaer Stasi folgte mir schon, als ich noch Schüler war" - Martin Jankowski sprach im Haus der Kreismusikschule in Gotha über seine Verfolgung durch die Stasi und sein Leben in Gotha bis 1985. Ostthüringer Zeitung, 5.12.2014

"Meine Mitschüler haben über mich berichtet" - In der Kooperativen Gesamtschule "Herzog Ernst" in Gotha erinnerten Zeitzeugen an die Erstürmung der Stasi-Zentrale in Gotha. Martin Jankowski lebte bis 1985 in Gotha und berichtete den Abiturienten der Gymnasien der Stadt von der Bespitzelung durch die Stasi. Thüringische Landeszeitung, 6.12.2015

Interview

"When people power toppled the communists" - Martin Jankowski über die Friedliche Revolution, BBC News, 15. Oktober 2014