Culture

Afrikanische Kinder mit Deutschlandflagge Enlarge image (© picture-alliance/ dpa) The cultural ties between Germany and South Africa are diverse and lively. The principal institution for cultural exchange is the Goethe-Institut (GI), a regional institute for sub-Saharan Africa, located in Johannesburg. The cultural department of the German Embassy in Pretoria works closely with the Goethe Institute in organizing events such as the Cultural Weeks, performances by German artists or the alignment of training programs.

Another focus of German involvement in the cultural sector is an effort to maintain South Africa's cultural treasures. Here, the culture department works together with the South African Department of Arts and Culture and the National Archives.

In terms of contemporary art, Germany, via its Berlinale Talent Campus, is well positioned to assist in the coordination of the annual Durban Film Festival. In addition, Germany and South Africa have been linked by an agreement on joint productions in the film industry since 2005.

Berlinale opening

Berlinale is fertile ground for those in SA film industry

The Berlin International Film Festival officially opened on February 9. In the German capital, amongst the glitterati, are two dynamic representatives of South Africa's film scene who have their minds set on making the most of this experience: Nodi Murphy, pivotal player in the Out in Africa and Encounters film festivals, and Sakhumzi Mati, a promising young filmmaker.

South African film talents at Berlinale

Paul Hanmer

Dynamic partnership marks Johannesburg's Mozart Festival

For the past four years, South African and German artists have shaped the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival into a much-awaited and successful event. This year, from January 27 to February 19, classical meets jazz as the festival puts a new twist on the old classics, featuring artists from both countries in the program. The Goethe Institut adds to this partnership, sponsoring the festival for yet another year.

Mozart Festival 2012

Wartburg

European Heritage Label

Under a new scheme beginning in 2013, sites that have played a significant role in European integration or stand for the ideals and history of Europe and the European Union will be eligible for the European Heritage Label. The scheme is intended to raise awareness of the European idea and European identity and is geared primarily to young people.

European Heritage Label

Besucher des Berliner Art Forum

Cultural Life in Germany

The cultural life in Germany is very rich and exciting. Discover more about it !

Cultural life in Germany

Culture

Goethe Institut South Africa

Goethe Institut logo

The Goethe-Institut is the German cultural institute. It promotes knowledge of the German language and of Germany and fosters international cultural cooperation. The regional office in Johannesburg coordinates the work of its 11 institutes and 14 smaller offices in Sub-Saharan Africa. It also offers a diverse range of cultural programmes, German lessons, supports German teaching and has a library/Information Centre on it premises.

Goethe Institut Johannesburg, South Africa

IFA - Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations

IFA - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen

The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations, ifa) is an organization operating worldwide to promote artistic exchange and dialogue between civil societies and to provide information about foreign cultural policy.

Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)

Preservation of cultural heritage

"Afghanistan - gerettete Schätze"

Since 1981, Germany has been supporting the preservation of cultural heritage across the globe as part of the Cultural Preservation Programme of the Federal Foreign Office. The programme is primarily designed to help developing countries build a sense of national identity and to promote an intercultural dialogue between equal partners that is sought by Germany.

Germany's programme for the preservation of Cultural heritage