IKF at a glance

Accommodation

We recommend reserving a hotel or guest house at the earliest date possible. Useful addresses and ways to make a reservation can be found in the menu under "Travel & Accommodation"

We publish a comprehensive, up-to-date catalogue for the IKF every year in which you have the opportunity to place advertisements.
You can find more information in the menu under "Ordering a Catalogue" or you can order direct from the SpielPlanVier agency on www.spielplanvier.de.

Applications

In order to be able to appear as an artist/musician/group at the IKF, you must make an application. You can find more information in the menu under "Your Live Performance". After the closing date, a selection committee considers each application received and selects the artists and groups who will perform at the next Kulturbörse.

Application deadline

There is a closing date for the receipt of applications for a live performance at the Kulturbörse. Applications received after this date cannot be taken into consideration.
Deadline for live performances:
31 July 2012 for the categories performing arts and music
18 September 2012 for the category street theatre

Application documentation

Together with the application form, which has been completed in full and which you can fill in on our homepage and send to us on-line, you also require image and sound recordings (DVD, CD) for your application. You may also enclose press articles, your own advertising material and any other material which you find important to support your application.

artec

Partner and sponsor of the IKF. artec Bühnentechnik GmbH provides the complete technical infrastructure and, in addition, is responsible for all live performances. You can find more information about this company on www.artec-aachen.de

Artists

The trade fair offers artists from the genres of performing arts, music and street theatre - provided that they are registered as an exhibitor at the fair - the opportunity to give a live performance on one of the four stages. Of course, this is only possible following our acceptance of your application.

börsengang

"börsengang" is the name of the show Party of the IKF on the first night, held for the first time in the 20th IKF. In 2011, the börsengang party has adopted a new format - the Chill-Out Lounge at the Internationale Kulturbörse Freiburg. This is aimed at all participants but also t the "normal" vistitors to the cultural exchange. For more information, see the menu "Program".

Cabaret

Genre of the performing arts, in particular of the art of theatre and music, which has kept its name due to its minimal approach in terms of personnel, space and requisites.

Cabaret includes comedy, chanson, the art of storytelling, puppet theatre, juggling, cabaret, pantomime, puppetry, recitals/readings, blacklight theatre, improvised comedy, conjuring etc, as long as this can be performed solo or with a small cast, with little or no technical stage support and on different stages. This creates an intimate atmosphere and a feeling of closeness between the performers and the audience, which demands very high artistic standards.

Catalogue

For each Kulturbörse, we publish a Kulturbörse catalogue. The "Yellow Pages" for the culture scene contains about 500 pages of detailed information about the IKF. In the catalogue you can find:

Full coverage of the complete live performance programme
Descriptions (German-English) and photos of the performing artists
The exhibitors listed according to stand number, including important information such as address, telephone, fax, e-mail, homepage, brief description etc.)

The seminar programme
Details of special events (e.g. the exhibitions)
All exhibitors (listed alphabetically)
A plan of the trade fair centre with exhibitor stand locations
Names of all artists either appearing in person or being represented at the fair (alphabetical order)
The artists and their productions available for booking (alphabetical order)
An international Kulturbörse calender for the current year
General information about the IKF

Containg thousands of facts and figures, the catalogue has comprehensive coverage not only of the Kulturbörse itself but is an indispensable, up-to-the-minute reference catalogue for the events business in the coming year.
Closing date for an entry in the 23rd IKF cagalogue is 30 November 2010

Central foyer

The central foyer, covering an area of 2000 m², is the place within the trade fair where everything revolves around the street theatre. In addition, there is a row of fair stands with products for sale and a refreshment area. Access to both Theatre Stage 1 and Theatre Stage 2 is via the Central Foyer, which as its name suggests, plays a central role.

Chill-Out Lounge

The Chill-Out Lounge was a new product of the 23th IKF 2011 and takes place above and in front of the fair restaurant. The Chill-Out Lounge will be open for three days and we introduce exhibitors, visitors and artists to relax at this great meetings place for after hours.

Criticism

We have always welcomed constructive criticism and ideas and will continue to do so in the future. E-mail us, send us a letter or phone us.
You can find contact numbers in the menu under Contact.

Early reservation discount

Bookings received for a stand by 31 July 2012 at the latest will be entitled to a 10% early booking discount on the fair stand rental charge (price per m²).

Entry

A visit to the IKF is not for free. You can find the entrance fees in the menu under "Opening Times, Prices & Ticket Reservations".

Exhibitions

One item on the supporting programme is the diverse range of exhibitions which take place every year and are presented in co-operation with various partners.

Exhibitor

The exhibitors are the backbone of the IKF. Anyone wishing to take part in the IKF as an exhibitor, must register in the menu under "Exhibitor’s Lounge"
If you have any further questions, please contact us via e-mail or telephone.
At the 24th IKF, nearly 350 exhibitors were present.

Exhibitor’s area

The exhibitor’s area is located in Hall 2 at the Trade Fair Centre Freiburg. Covering an area of 6000 m², almost all the trade fair stands are here; other fair stands can be found in the central foyer.

Expert public

see Public

Fees

Fees are due from anyone taking part at the IKF. Trade fair stand fees, electricity supply fees, additional services, and the entry in the catalogue will be invoiced. If an exhibitor/artist is also giving a live performance, the corresponding performance fee will also be charged.

Festival

The Internationale Kulturbörse Freiburg is not a festival but a trade fair. This distinction is of great importance with regard to the live performances. The promoter of a festival selects the artists of his choice on the open market, but we select our artists solely from the applications we have received. In the extreme, this could mean that certain genres are not represented in a Kulturbörse programme; namely because no applications were received - for whatever reasons - for this genre. We find it important to outline these circumstances, as we have often been confronted with "criticism" that certain genres are under-represented at the IKF.

Forum Wissen

Parallel to the trade fair, we offer a diverse range of information and training programmes such as seminars, workshops, product demonstrations, specialist presentations etc. not only for the visitors but also for the participating exhibitors and artists. There is, in most cases, no extra charge for participants wishing to attend events at the FORUM WISSEN.

Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG (FWTM)

The FWTM is the organiser of the Internationale Kulturbörse Freiburg.
It is a 100% municipal concern which deals with management and marketing affairs on behalf of the city. The FWTM is the result of the fusion of two municipal concerns - the Freiburg Wirtschaft und Touristik GmbH & Co. KG and the Messe Freiburg GmbH & Co. KG. The fusion took place in January 2005.
You can find more information on www.fwtm.freiburg.de

FREIBURGER LEITER

The FREIBURGER LEITER is the Kulturbörse prize which was awarded for the very first time at the 20th IKF. It is presented in two categories “Theatre“ and “Music”. Every visitor to the IKF is entitled to vote. The prize money is 1500 EUROS for each award; in addition, the winner is given the opportunity to appear at various festivals and is automatically invited to perform at the next Kulturbörse; each winner also receives a valuable sculpture as part of the prize – the FREIBURGER LEITER.
Previous winners are:

2008: Annamateur & Außensaiter / DE (Theatre)
2009: Karl-Heinz Helmschrot / DE (Theatre)
Sirqus Alfon / SE (Music)
2010: Helge und das Udo / DE (Theatre)
Blassportgruppe Südwest / DE (Music)
2011: FiL / DE (Theatre)
Muttis Kinder / DE (Music)
2012: Nico Semsrott / DE (Theatre)
medlz / DE (Music)

Genre

The IKF subtitle is "The trade fair for stage productions and music". These two parameters highlight the most important categories or genres within which the Kulturbörse takes place. Without a doubt, cabaret was the major influence at the Kulturbörse during the first ten years, but, gradually, other genres have appeared e.g. street theatre and, above all, music, which have extended the programme for visitors to the Kulturbörse considerably.

Impressions

A review with numerous photos of past events can be found in the menu under Reviews & Impressions.

INFORMATION

The INFORMATION desk is the pivotal point of the Kulturbörse. Staffed by personnel of the Trade Fair Freiburg, important documents are handed out to the participants, last-minute services can be booked and visitors recieve information and assistance to ensure a successful stay at the trade fair.

International Kulturbörse Freiburg (IKF)

What the International Trade Fair for Stage Productions and Music in Freiburg is known as. The IKF programme offers a wide range of events and attractions. You can find detailed information in the menu under "Programme" or the short description under the key word "Programme" here.

Jazzthing Next Generation

For many years we have been cultivating a productive and successful cooperation with the German specialist magazine Jazzthing. Not only is Jazzthing the jazz periodical with the highest circulation figures in the German-speaking world, it also offers a much wider scope for the presentation of young musicians, in particular new talents from Germany.We support this commitment by offering these up-and-coming musicians the chance to appear at the IKF.

Jury

see Selection Committee

Kulturbörse award

see FREIBURGER LEITER

Live performance

Together with the exhibitors, the live performances are the second important aspect of the IKF. Musicians, vocalists, groups, bands, ensembles and artists from almost all artistic genres can present an excerpt from their latest production on one of the four stages (theatre stage 1; music stage; street theatre stage; theatre stage 2). The length of the performance is usually a maximum of 20 minutes; the performing artists are chosen by a selection committee. In order to take part in the selection procedure, interested artists and groups are required to send us an application. The programme for the Opening event on opening night is compiled directly by us - irrespective of the application procedure. No application is necessary for this event, but you are welcome to contact us and express your interest.

At the 24th IKF, 185 performances were announced by 12 presenters.

Messe Freiburg

see Trade Fair Centre Freiburg

Music

In 1989, when the Kulturbörse Freiburg took place for the first time, (almost) everything revolved around cabaret. Gradually, the programme of events was extended, and the introduction of a separate music stage in 2004 was an important step in a new direction.Together with all forms of the performing arts, music now has its own forum within the IKF, giving the public the opportunity to experience many musical styles and gain new inspiration in this almost inexhaustible terrain.

Music Hall

In the Music Hall located in Trade Fair Hall 1 at the Messe Freiburg, everything revolves around music.
With the growing dimensions of the Kulturbörse programme, the Music Hall was opened in 2004. As a result, the visitors to the trade fair could then enjoy not only the performing arts but also had their own music forum with a separate music programme.
38 music acts performed live at the 24th IKF in 2012.

With our series of newsletters - usually about 8 issues at irregular intervals - we keep you informed about all the latest from the trade fair. Anyone who informs us by e-mail or in writing that they would like to be included on our distribution list receives the newletter free of charge. Simply click on "Newsletter" in the menu. There you can either subscribe or cancel the Newsletter. Currently, we send the newsletter to approx. 6500 addresses.

Opening

The Opening on the eve of the IKF marks the official opening of the Kulturbörse. The programme is put together by the organisers of the IKF. As a rule, the artists have already presented a successful live performance at an earlier Kulturbörse Freiburg and now have the opportunity to present the public with a longer programme in a very different setting. Since the introduction of the FREIBUGER LEITER award, the winner of the new Kulturbörse prize in the category “Theatre“ has automatically appeared at the Opening.

Those artist performed at the Opening Gala of the 24th IKF 2012:
The winners of the FREIBURGER LEITER 2011, the Muttis Kinder and FiL, Laurin Buser from Swizerland, Le Mime Daniel from France, Residual Gurus from Spain and the Fenix Theatre Company form Belgium and Germany. ALFONS from France had present the show.

Participant

Every exhibitor is a participant at the IKF. If an artist takes part in the Kulturbörse as an exhibitor, he/she has the opportunity to apply for a live performance.

Performances

Performance should be understood here as an element of the performing arts, even though the performance artist in question may also have developed certain conceptual elements from an audio-visual context of fine arts, propaganda and agitation.

Performing arts

Collective term for the various forms of performing arts in contrast to fine arts.
To the performing arts belong the classical forms, which are counted among the "beax arts", together with numerous modern forms of expression and genres which are found in the bordering areas to other forms of performance. In particular, the following are classed as forms of the performing arts:

theatre (comedy, the art of storytelling, puppet theatre, cabaret, pantomime, recitals/readings, blacklight theatre, street theatre, variety, conjuring, circus)
dance
media art
performance

Presenters

The live performances at the IKF are introduced by various presenters - each with a unique style, depending on their individual métier - who guide the audience into the next live performance.
On the occasion of the 20th Kulturbörse, we altered the previous concept and, for the first time, chose presenters from the artists’ own ranks. In other words, artists were introducing artists.

Press

Press releases, press articles and other information including downloads can be found here. You can view the most important articles, criticisms and reviews together with corresponding visual material.

Production

Production does not refer to the process of creating an artistic programme here, but to the result of this process i.e. the new programme of an artist which is then the basis for their application for a live performance at the IKF.

Programme

The whole programme for the IKF is based on the following themes:

Opening evening (Opening)
Trade fair
Live performances
Variety
Specials
Forum Wissen
Supporting programme
The FREIBURGER LEITER awards ceremony

Full details can be found in the menu under "Programme".

Promoter

Promoters from the culture and events scene make up the largest group of visitors to the Kulturbörse. That is why artists and groups are keen to give a live performance at the Kulturbörse, because they are well aware that the majority of the audience are promoters - and are therefore potential (business) partners. It also means that the basic philosophy of the Kulturbörse is put into practice, that is, to bring promoters and artists together in one place and give the artists the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and talent and be seen by as many potential buyers (promoters) as possible.

Promoter of the IKF

see Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG

Quality

The sole criterion (in most cases) for applications to be taken into consideration for a live performance at the IKF is the quality of the production. Additional criteria are of a purely formal nature such as proof that the applicant has already performed /appeared in public and that the sequence performed is part of a complete production etc.

Registration

In order to be able to take part as an exhibitor at the IKF you must register with us. This is only possible via the homepage. If you would also like to give a live performance as an artist, you must make a separate application. A valid entry ticket, which you can either order on-line or purchase at the trade fair centre direct, entitles you to enjoy the diverse programme of events on offer at the IKF.

Registration deadline for live performances

31 July 2012 for the categories performing arts and music.
18 September 2012 for the category street theatre.

ReserviX

The Freiburg company ReserviX is our partner for the sale of tickets and catalogues. All tickets and catalogues can be order direct on-line on www.reservix.de or click here in the menu under "Opening Times, Prices & Catalogues" for a link to ReserviX

Review

Click on our menu under Reviews & Impressions for detailed information about the last IKF and previous Kulturbörse events. The review contains information about the performing artists and groups and the exhibitors who took part, as well as details of the supporting programme. In addition, there is a wide range of photos (Impressions) from each trade fair.

Selection committee

Two different selection committees are responsible for the selection of the live performances in the categories music and performing arts. Each committee has 5 members. The line-up changes from year to year to guarantee that all applicants have an equal chance each year, and that tendencies in one particular direction do not become fixed. The experts come from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The selection committee meet in Freiburg immediately after the closing date for applications. All applications received are given close scrutiny, discussed, argued about and, finally, the live performance programme for the coming Kulturbörse is agreed upon. Of great importance – but often forgotten by many visitors and participants alike – is that the final programme is put together entirely from the applications we have received and is not a freely selected programme. Therefore we cannot rule out the possibility that – depending on the application situation – certain genres are represented to a greater or lesser degree.

Selection of artists

Artists who perform at the IKF are selected by a selection committee. In order to participate in the selection process, interested artists, groups and bands must submit their application for a live performance.

Seminars

The seminar programme is part of the Forum Wissen which is an additional information service at the IKF. The themes range from the standard topics for the promoter such as national insurance regulations or legal contracts through to general questions connected with working in the cultural sector (fundraising, copyright laws etc.) and the presentation of services and products in the field of culture. The seminars are presented by specialists from the trade and are free of charge.

Special Performances

From now on, under the heading “Specials“, we will announce special live productions which we will be proudly presenting at the IKF. It could be an outstanding production or a première in Germany, a production with an extraordinary theme or a particularly remarkable artist – be it male or female! At the 24th IKF 2012 were six highlights:
Special 1: "Mensch-Stadt-Maschine" - a cappella
Special 2: 3 Freiburg Poerty Slam
Special 3: Somafon - dance
Special 4: L´Orchestre d´Hommes - Orchestres (LODHO)
Special 5: Poten Pie - theatre
Special 6: "Catalonia & Balerics"

SpielPlanVier

This is the IKF partner for all matters concerning advertisements in the Kulturbörse catalogue. You can either contact the agency direct (www.spielplanvier.de) or via the menu under "Catalogues & Advertisements".

Stages

In the meantime, the IKF has four stages (theatre stages 1 & 2, music stage and street theatre stage), which offer the approx. 170 artists, groups, bands and musicians the chance to give a live performance. Technical information connected with the stages can be found in the menu under Your Live Performance.

Street theatre

Together with the arts in the genres of performing arts and music, street theatre is the third largest category which is represented by live performances at the IKF. In an area covering approx. 2000 m² in the central foyer, the street theatre artists and groups demonstrate all the facets of this art. Walk Acts and a wide variety of performances are staged here.

Supporting programme

Together with the "standard" events, the Trade Fair and Live Performances, the Opening and the Forum Wissen, the IKF also offers an additional supporting programme: this includes the trade fair party, known as the “börsengang“, the awards ceremony for the Kulturbörse prizes, DIE FREIBURGER LEITER, various exhibitions and special shows as well as the trade fair stand award.

Technical support

Technical support plays a vital role at the IKF. Without an excellent technical infrastructure and the corresponding technical support, the huge programme for the live performances could not be managed successfully. Our partner Bühnentechnik GmbH artec guarantees that everything runs smoothly, working not only at the fair itself but also getting in contact with the performing artists in advance and taking on the role of contact person.

Theatre Stage 1

Theatre Stage 1 is one of four stages where live performances take place. Theatre Stage 1 is located in Hall 3. This theatre has seating for approx. 700 spectators.

Theatre Stage 2

Theatre Stage 2 is the fourth venue for live performances taking place at the IKF.
It is located in Hall 4 (Rothaus Arena) at the Messe Freiburg. Theatre Stage 2 has seating for approx. 400 spectators.

Tickets

see ReserviX

Trade Fair

The International Kulturbörse Freiburg is a specialist trade fair and not a fair for the general public. It is not your contemporaries with a "normal" interest for culture who go to this specialist event, the Kulturbörse is attended by representatives from the culture and events scene.

Regardless of this, anyone who has an entrance ticket can vist the trade fair. A wide range of special events are aimed explicitly at the "normal" lover of culture.

Trade Fair Centre Freiburg

Up to the end of 2004, the Messe Freiburg GmbH & Co. KG was an independent concern before the merger with Freiburg Wirtschaft und Touristik GmbH & Co. KG took place to form the new FWTM GmbH & Co. KG. The Trade Fair Freiburg has four large halls of different sizes available, among others, all of which are needed for the IKF - for the exhibition area, the various stages for the live performances and the supporting events which take place at the Kulturbörse. You can find further information about the trade fair centre on www.messe.freiburg.de

Trade fair stand

Each participant at the IKF is represented on a trade fair stand in the exhibitor area. You may bring your own trade fair stand system with you or, alternatively, we are able to provide you with a fair stand. Details, fees and all other necessary information about trade fair stands can be found in the menu under Exhibitor’s Lounge.

Variety

The whole variety genre has a special position within the field of live performances. With the steadily increasing number of applications from the variety genre, an evening has been dedicated solely to variety for several years now. In other words, artists from the field of variety and/or those selected in this category can be seen performing live on the theatre stage. This variety evening traditionally takes place on the second day of the Kulturbörse.

Visitors

Visitors do not need to register in advance. You simply purchase a ticket either at the trade fair centre direct or on-line before the Kulturbörse starts.
There were approx. 3600 visitors to the trade fair at the 23rd IKF.
Visitors to the IKF are almost entirely experts in their own field. The trade fair is mainly attended by the following target groups: agents, service companies, media representatives, producers, artists/groups and, above all, promoters.

Walk Acts

In the street theatre area, street theatre is staged together with performances and other entertainments including Walk Acts. In exceptional circumstances, these Walk Acts can also be performed in the exhibitor area; this must be agreed with the IKF organiser in advance.

XXV

The 25th IKF takes place from 4 - 7 February 2013.

Yes

Yes, even in 2014 there will be a Kulturbörse; provisional dates are 27 - 30 January 2014.