Performing Arts Festival
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About Performing Arts Festival Berlin
editThe Performing Arts Festival Berlin (PAF) has been a significant cultural event since 2016, highlighting the diversity of the independent performing arts in Berlin. Organized by LAFT Berlin – Landesverband freie darstellende Künste Berlin e.V., the festival provides a platform for artists and groups working in various genres such as performance, dance, music theater, puppet and object theater, contemporary circus, as well as children's and youth theater. Annually, the festival attracts a wide audience by making the artistic positions of the independent scene visible and celebrating their creative power.
The main mission of the festival is to promote and network the independent art scene in Berlin both locally and internationally. PAF not only offers a stage for established artists but also for emerging talents who can present their works within the curated platform Introducing…. This platform allows new artists to connect and exchange ideas with a broad audience and professionals from around the world.
A central concern of the festival is the promotion of sustainability and social responsibility. PAF is committed to creating accessibility and inclusion by offering barrier-free events and special formats for different target groups. Collaboration with international networks and initiatives, such as the European Association of Independent Performing Arts, underscores the festival's commitment to strengthening the global reach and influence of the independent performing arts.
In recent years, the festival has established itself both nationally and internationally, increasingly attracting international curators and press representatives. The response to the festival has been overwhelmingly positive, reflected in the growing public awareness and the increasing number of international collaborations. A notable aspect is the local anchoring of the festival in Berlin's neighborhoods, reaching new audiences that previously had little contact with the independent art scene.
In 2020 and 2021, the festival successfully introduced digital and hybrid formats that have produced new artistic expressions and innovative approaches in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. These developments will also be an integral part of the festival in the future.
The Performing Arts Festival Berlin remains an essential part of the Berlin cultural landscape and a beacon for the independent performing arts scene, promoting creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence.