After German tech, Deutsch culture to enthrall city

The ‘Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities’ or the year of Germany in India, which kicked off in September 2011, and which is scheduled to continue until early 2013, is now in Bangalore with a theme relating to urbanisation.

With its thematic focus on ‘StadtRäume — CitySpaces’, this programme series across India broaches the implications of rapid urbanisation and challenges posed by the pace of change in German and Indian cities on Sunday. Issues like mobility, energy, sustainable urban development, architecture, cultural space, education and urban art are prominently featured.

The Indo-German Urban Mela began its tour with Mumbai in April 2012, and will now be in Bangalore from June 22 to July 1, and will go on to Chennai, Delhi and Pune subsequently.

 

To kick off in Bangalore on June 22, the ‘mela’ will reflect a united vision in the fields of politics, business, science, culture and education; serving as a platform to showcase, reinforce and develop this historical relationship — 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The event is a fusion between the typical Indian mela and the German carnival. The Indo-German Urban Mela lies at the core of the continuing year of celebrations between the two countries, ‘Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities’.

Conceptualised by German artist Markus Heinsdorff, the pavilions at the mela incorporate the best of German and Indian innovation and design. Over 10 days, each pavilion will feature a dynamic selection of interactive presentations, conferences and cultural performances hosted by German corporations and organisations.

Starting in Mumbai in April, the travelling exhibition will feature 16 multi-purpose pavilions.

The pavilions will host interactive presentations by various German corporations and organisations on topics and solutions related to ‘StadtRäume — CitySpaces’.

There will also be an Indo-German Beergarden, allowing visitors to get a taste of special delicacies from the German kitchen. The Beergarden at the Mela will offer a feast of German delicacies and drinks.

Installation artist and designer, Markus Heinsdorff, is the man behind the entire set-up at the Mela. Themed ‘StadtRäume — CitySpaces’, the fair will draw visitors into the effects of rapid urbanisation and the challenges of change in Indian and German cities on Sunday. Visual arts, science, education, technology and business come together to explore topics like mobility, energy, sustainable urban development, architecture, cultural space, education and urban art.

Ingo Karsten, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bangalore, said at the inaugural, ‘The Indo-German Urban Mela in Bangalore’ offers a glance at how the city of tomorrow could function: innovative approaches and smart solutions for the main topics of urban life like energy and water supply, respect for the environment, construction and urban planning, but also music, dance and entertainment at large.”