ICSA 2026 Conference
July 9-11, 2026
Intentional Community Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty
The 15th International Communal Studies Association (ICSA) Conference
Experience Community Resilience in Germany
In July 2026, participants from around the world gathered at the beautiful Lebensgarten Ecovillage in Steyerberg, Germany, for the 15th International Communal Studies Association Conference. Held from 9-11 July 2026, the conference explored the theme "Intentional Community Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty." Scholars, practitioners, and community members came together to share research, practical experience, and innovative ideas through presentations, workshops, interactive sessions, and cultural events. Before the conference, participants also had the opportunity to visit intentional communities in northern Germany, including Flegessen and Arche Friedenshof, as well as experience life at Lebensgarten through the Taste of Lebensgarten programme. Together, these events created a rich opportunity for learning, exchange, and building international connections across the intentional communities movement.
Our conference theme, Intentional Community Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty, reflects one of the defining challenges of our time.
The conference examined how intentional communities draw on cooperation, shared values, and collective action to respond to an increasingly uncertain world. Presenters explored themes including resilience, governance, sustainability, conflict transformation, social inclusion, education, and community development, while participants exchanged ideas across disciplines, cultures, and generations. Together, these conversations highlighted the continuing relevance of intentional communities as living laboratories for social innovation and hopeful responses to the challenges of our time.
Lebensgarten Community, Germany
Welcome to your home for the conference days – nestled within Lebensgarten Ecovillage, where sustainable living, community, and harmony with nature come together.
Interested in reading the conference papers?
From presentations on historic communities that no longer exist, to sessions exploring the future of contemporary communities, there is content here for everyone.
Click on the link below to explore the abstracts of the conference papers and read the bios of the presenters
Lebensgarten, Germany
Conference Pictures
From the pre-conference community tours, through the conference itself, to the Taste of Lebensgarten programme, this gallery captures some of the highlights of our gathering in July 2026.
Hosted by Lebensgarten Ecovillage in Steyerberg, Germany, the 15th International Communal Studies Association Conference brought together scholars, practitioners, and community members from around the world to explore the theme "Intentional Community Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty."
Relive the experience by browsing our photo gallery.