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"
Advertisements
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 2010 for the categories performing arts and music
19 September 2010 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, held for the first time in the 20th IKF. From the party but was now more of a relaxing IKF meeting place on the first night of the fair. For background music (live), Baden Wine, beer and other refreshments can be finished the first day of the show comfortably and new forces are refueled. The party is aimed at all participants but also to the "normal" visitors 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:
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Full coverage of the complete live performance programme
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Descriptions (German-English) and photos of the performing artists
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The seminar programme
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Details of special events (e.g. the exhibitions)
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All exhibitors (listed alphabetically)
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The exhibitors listed according to stand number, including important information such as address, telephone, fax, e-mail, homepage, brief description etc.)
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A plan of the trade fair centre with exhibitor stand locations
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Names of all artists either appearing in person or being represented at the fair (alphabetical order)
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The artists and their productions available for booking (alphabetical order)
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An international Kulturbörse calender for the current year
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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.
CD
As a rule, you require a CD or some other form of sound and image data to support your application. You can find more information in the menu under "Your Live Performance".
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".
Dates
There are one or two important dates for the visitor, the exhibitor and the artist or group to watch out for. Make a note of the early reservation deadline, the closing date for applications for artists and the publishing deadline for the catalogue. Look for more details on the opening page of this homepage.
Early reservation discount
Any exhibitor who decides early in the year to take part in the next IKF enjoys an early reservation discount and can save a lot of money in this way. We are again offering this discount to exhibitors at the 23rd IKF. The early reservation discount will be granted on all reservations made by 31 July 2010 at the latest.
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. Other important features at the trade fair are the live performances, the opening, a supporting programme as well as the Forum Wissen (Information Forum). 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 22nd IKF, 362 exhibitors were present: 324 from Germany and 38 from other countries.
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 International 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 International 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 / D (Theatre)
2009: Karl-Heinz Helmschrot / D (Theatre)
Sirqus Alfon / S (Music)
2010: Helge und das Udo / D (Theatre)
Blassportgruppe Südwest / D (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.
Homepage
On our homepage www.kulturboerse.de we keep you informed with all the latest news and views on the IKF. Together with current updates, you can also read about previous Kulturbörse events including press articles and photo documentations.
In addition, the homepage is the main platform for all registrations and applications and you can also reserve your entrance tickets and order your Kulturbörse catalogue on-line on the homepage.
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 22 IKF, 95 performances were presented on two theatre stages, 44 in street theatre and 35 on the music stage.
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. Not quite as big as Theatre 1, but just as professionally equipped in terms of technical equipment, the Music Hall is the counterpart to Theatre 1. The hall provides seats for 350 visitors.
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.
35 acts were performed here live at the 22nd IKF in 2010.
Newsletter
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. Between 3 and 5 artists are invited, as a rule.
Open-Air
Despite the early date in the year i.e. the end of January or beginning of February, we have also included an Open-Air event - if we have received enquiries and applications - in the programme at the Kulturbörse Freiburg.
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:
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theatre (comedy, the art of storytelling, puppet theatre, cabaret, pantomime, recitals/readings, blacklight theatre, street theatre, variety, conjuring, circus
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dance
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media art
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performance
Photos
see Impressions
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:
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Opening evening (Opening)
- Trade fair
- Live performances
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Variety
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Forum Wissen
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Supporting programme
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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
Public
The IKF is a specialist trade event i.e. a trade fair. Accordingly, the public are predominantly experts from the culture and events scene.
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 artists
The registration deadline for live performance applications at the 23rd IKF is 31 July 2010.
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.
Short performance
see Live performance
Special events
Despite the fact that the IKF is a specialist trade fair and is specifically intended for a specialist clientele, the trade fair is also open to visitors with a "normal" interest in culture. Special events on the programme such as the Opening, the Trade Fair Party and the supporting exhibition programme are aimed at these clients. The percentage of non-specialist visitors is very low, however, and is below 5% of all visitors.
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. 180 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".
Stand
See Trade fair stand
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. 650 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 party
see börsengang
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.
Unique
The only way to describe the IKF.
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 22nd 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.
XXIII
The 23rd IKF takes place from 31 January - 3 February 2011
Yes
Yes, even in 2012 there will be a Kulturbörse; provisional dates are 23 January - 26 February 2012.
Zenith
Zip along to the 23rd International Kulturbörse Freiburg from 31 January - 03 February 2011, the zenith of the cultural events calendar with zillions of zappy acts.







