HELLERAU - European Centre for the Arts
HELLERAU is an important center for contemporary art in Germany that promotes interdisciplinary productions in dance, music, theater, and more. With a strong focus on DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, and SUSTAINABILITY, HELLERAU provides space for creative encounters and innovative projects.
About HELLERAU
editHELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts, founded in 1911 as a festival house and educational institution for music and rhythm, is today one of the most significant centers for contemporary art in Germany and Europe. Originally built according to the visionary ideas of architect Heinrich Tessenow and music educator Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, HELLERAU has developed into a laboratory of artistic modernity. After a tumultuous history, during which it served among other things as a military camp and Soviet barracks, the site was revitalized by art in the 1990s.
Key Products and Services
editHELLERAU functions as an interdisciplinary co-production and guest performance house, providing space for contemporary art forms such as dance, music, theater, performance, media art, and visual arts. With about 350 events per season, curated by artistic director Carena Schlewitt and her team, HELLERAU is a vibrant place of artistic production and presentation. The institution is known for its thematic focuses, festivals, and formats that stimulate debates about art and society.
Mission and Values
editHELLERAU is committed to the values of freedom, human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and tolerance. As a member of the Alliance of International Production Houses, HELLERAU is dedicated to rejecting any form of discrimination and promoting a culture of mutual respect and inclusion. The institution sees itself as a place of diversity, where people from different backgrounds and interests can engage in artistic exchange.
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editHELLERAU is actively engaged in sustainability and continuously works to make its structures and processes more environmentally friendly. The institution strives to reduce institutional discrimination through critical self-reflection and effective changes, creating a fair and inclusive environment. Furthermore, HELLERAU promotes access to contemporary dance for children and young people through the network "explore dance," which was awarded in 2024 for its outstanding development in dance.
Cooperations and Networks
editHELLERAU collaborates with cultural partners at regional, national, and international levels and is active in numerous networks. This collaboration enables the realization of innovative artistic projects and promotes the exchange between artists and audiences. An example of international networking is the residency of the renowned Forsythe Company since 2005.
Outlook
editHELLERAU looks forward to a promising future, where it will continue to serve as a platform for contemporary art and as a place of encounter and exchange. With the upcoming Dance Platform Germany 2026, which will take place in HELLERAU and other Dresden institutions, the center sets another sign of its significance in the field of contemporary dance.
Overall, HELLERAU is a vibrant center of creativity that makes a significant contribution to the cultural landscape through its diverse programs and initiatives.