Winterwerft Festival in Germany: International Physical Theatre, Arts and Environmental Project
The Winterwerft Festival is an international physical theatre festival held annually in January in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Running for approximately two weeks, the festival focuses on climate change, environmental challenges and the relationship between people and nature.
The association opens its activities to the wider Frankfurt community for six days, bringing together people from different cultural and social backgrounds. Through artistic expression, creative discussions and collaborative activities, participants explore new ways of communicating environmental messages, raising awareness and encouraging a stronger connection between humanity and nature.
Throughout the project, participants contribute to the festival’s daily operations by taking part in community activities such as cooking, cleaning and organisational tasks. They also have opportunities to become involved in the artistic and creative atmosphere of the festival.
Weekend Activities and Festival Programme
During the weekends, artistic workshops and evening events are open to both participants and the general audience. These activities provide opportunities to experience different forms of artistic expression, interact with international artists and take part in cultural events.
The weekday programme offers a quieter and more reflective environment. Participants live and work in the same space as the artists, helping to build a strong sense of community and teamwork. They can also engage in social, political and creative discussions while sharing ideas and experiences with people from different backgrounds.
Accommodation, Food and Transportation
Participants are accommodated under the same living conditions as association members and long-term residents. The project provides access to a large shared house equipped with a kitchen, shared bathrooms and toilets, a dining room, laundry facilities and workshop spaces.
One of the distinctive features of the accommodation is its outdoor sleeping area. Approximately 30 caravans, old buses and containers have been converted into comfortable sleeping spaces within the garden.
Participants share these rooms, with approximately four people staying in each room. Private rooms are not available, so applicants should be comfortable with a communal living arrangement.
Food arrangements: All meals are fully provided by the association. Food is served as a buffet in the kitchen and dining area, with meat, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Transportation and internet: Bicycles are available for participants to use, and free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the project.
Training and Learning Opportunities
The Winterwerft Festival offers opportunities to develop artistic, practical and interpersonal skills through a variety of workshops and hands-on activities.
Artistic Workshops
Participants can explore different creative disciplines and take part in activities such as:
- Theatre and physical theatre workshops.
- Dance sessions and vocal training.
- Music activities and creative skill development.
- Yoga workshops.
- Environment-focused artistic activities.
- Puppetry and other creative performances.
Additional workshops may also be organised during the project.
Cultural Exchange and International Experience
The association brings together people representing different nationalities, languages and cultural backgrounds. Participants can experience this diversity through artistic performances, concerts and social events organised throughout the festival.
Social Activities
Group meetings, interactive games and community activities provide opportunities to strengthen communication, teamwork and relationships among participants.
Practical and Organisational Skills
Depending on the daily programme, participants may also gain practical experience in different areas of festival organisation, including:
- Setting up and dismantling stages and festival structures.
- Sewing, decoration and creative preparations.
- Technical support and event equipment.
- Organisational and coordination tasks.
- Supporting artists during the festival.
- Welcoming visitors and assisting the audience.
These activities allow participants to experience different aspects of managing an international cultural event while developing practical skills through teamwork.
Who Can Participate?
The project is suitable for young people who are interested in arts, culture, environmental issues and community-based living.
Applicants are expected to meet the following profile requirements:
- Be under 31 years of age.
- Have an interest in cultural projects, artistic activities or creative expression.
- Be willing to live and work in a shared community environment.
- Be comfortable sharing accommodation without having a private room.
- Be respectful, cooperative and open to living with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Participants should be prepared to contribute to daily community responsibilities and actively engage in the festival’s social, artistic and organisational activities.
Project Details and Activity Dates
Project Name: Winterwerft Festival
Country: Germany
Location: Frankfurt am Main
Project Focus: Physical Theatre, Arts, Climate Change and Environmental Awareness
Age Requirement: Under 31 years old
Accommodation: Shared rooms in converted caravans, old buses and containers, with approximately four people per room.
Food: Fully provided by the association, including meat, vegetarian and vegan options.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi
Transportation: Bicycles available.
Festival Weekend Activities: 22–24 January, 29–31 January and 5–7 February 2027.
Activity Dates: 21 January – 8 February 2027
More details and to apply here
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