14.12.2023 VOSS+FISCHER teamed with Mike P. Heisel will be organising the cultural programme for Germany at Expo 2025 Osaka
VOSS+FISCHER teamed with Mike P. Heisel will be organising the cultural programme for Germany at Expo 2025 Osaka
Their concept for the German Pavilion, “Culture Connect“ turns the stage into a place for cultural encounters
The advertising agency VOSS+FISCHER from Frankfurt am Main together with the culture and media manager Mike P. Heisel will be responsible for the cultural programme in the German Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. After a public procurement procedure, their compelling concept that mixes music and dance performances, research and science modules, gaming and sport won the tender. The German presence at the Expo in Japan is the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
“Culture Connect“ is the dramatization motto for the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. By creating a stage for cultural encounters, the Pavilion’s event area will serve as an interface between Germany, Japan and the world – one that fosters inspiration and engenders enthusiasm. Throughout the entire Expo from 13 April 2025 to 13 October 2025, the German Pavilion, named “Wa! Germany“, will give visitors the opportunity to experience and actively shape the live event programme on a daily basis. The cultural agency is setting its sights on both proven and new collaborations, including work with artists, institutions, cultural centres and ensembles. Special emphasis is placed on getting cultural professionals and institutions in Japan involved with a stage programme that saves on resources. VOSS+FISCHER and Mike P. Heisel had successfully designed and organised the cultural programme for the German Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Culture-Friends
The cultural programme will not be limited to features taking place on the pavilion’s stage. Visitors standing in queues will initially be greeted by “Culture Friends“. Like the Circulars, these mascots in walking act costumes guide visitors personally and virtually through the cultural programme. Additionally, in a specially designed digital application, the Culture Friends will be whisking the guests off on a tour through Germany’s cultural landscape before the real fun even starts. The total of six manga-style characters, each representing a cultural theme, are based on true-life figures from the German historical canon. The Culture Friends: Little Red Riding Hood stands for nature, nutrition and environment. A famous athlete from Germany will represent sport, gaming, integration and urbanity. A Triadic ballerina developed by Oskar Schlemmer is a tribute to the 100 years of Bauhaus style, uniting fine arts and diversity. Ludwig van Beethoven symbolises music, politics, history and sightseeing. Albert Einstein is synonymous with education and science. A popular German artist will thematise fashion, digitalisation and life in the future.
A stage open to showcasing the full range of Germany’s cultural landscape
The stage programme will change every day and be framed by recurring thematic subjects. In the “Pictures of Germany“ adventure, visitors can embark on a pictorial tour through the country. Current topics relating to science, culture and sport are accentuated by exciting presentations in the „Mittagsmagazin” attraction. The programme revolves around fun and entertainment, where young and old can interact and enjoy. The concept encourages visitors to participate through the programme attractions, spurred on by the Culture Friends.
Background Information
The next World Expo will take place from 13 April to 13 October 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives“, 150 countries and regions as well as 25 international organisations are expected to participate.
Koelnmesse GmbH is organising and running the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The “German Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka Consortium”, comprising the two companies facts and fiction (Cologne) and GL events (Lyon and Japan), is in charge of concept design, planning and realisation. facts and fiction is responsible for content, exhibition and media design; the pavilion is being built by GL events. The architecture and spatial design come from LAVA – Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (Berlin). The construction management company Laumann / Scheßl / Weismüller Architektur + Baumanagement GmbH is the project consultant for building-related aspects. 78degrees GmbH will be operating the restaurant and souvenir shop.
For enquiries, please contact
Jana Soll
Deputy Head of Communications
Deutscher Pavillon Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Koelnmesse GmbH
Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne
Germany
+49 221 821 2251
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