→ INSTITUTION

PACT Zollverein, the Choreographic Center North-Rhine/Westphalia, is unique in Germany. It is located on the premises of Zeche Zollverein (Zollverein coal mine), which is the UNESCO world cultural heritage in the North of Essen, embedded into a unique urban area, which is a prime example for the post-industrial structural change in Europe, between dissolution and reorientation, in the middle of the Ruhr area.

The spacious brick building of the former huge shower room for coal miners (Waschkaue) of the Zeche Zollverein includes, on approx. 3.000 sqm, three dance studios, a small and a large stage incl. technical equipment, a large entrance hall, a winter garden and a terrace. With its flexible production structures, this spatial setting allows for research in the field of choreography and contemporary art.

The PACT Zollverein is an international event venue and since 2002, it makes a central contribution to the research and development of new artistic strategies on the intersection of visual and fine arts. For this reason, the PACT Zollverein as a contemporary place for production and development has advanced to an internationally emanating initiator.

PACT Zollverein is at the same time an artists’ house, an exhibition space, a stage and a laboratory for contemporary artistic productions beyond traditional categories.

→ PROGRAMS

With its different formats, PACT Zollverein is not an institution for the promotion of dance only, but acts as a driving force for contemporary cultural productions.

The different platforms are equally important, complement one another, cooperate on intersections or are based on each other.

The unique infrastructure connects the individual levels - (Co)productions - Guest performances - Residencies. to research – to develop – to implement - Symposia and cooperation-workshops - Studio. Platform for new art and choreography - Open professional trainings for artists of the region - International university exchange, a.o. and allows to work flexibly and sustainably as well as to offer young and experienced artists optimal working conditions. PACT Zollverein thus creates a structure that meets the complex and changing demands of contemporary society.

Our projects are chosen according to their relevance and society-immanent questions. From a dramaturgical point of view our programme is an individual one, responding to the demands of our time. Artists ensnare our view on reality and make it permeable for utopian concepts which develop into perceptible Heterotopias. We focus on an interdisciplinary working method and are increasingly including external curators.

PACT Zollverein deals with changing artistic, media and social demands, implements those by working in a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary way and initiates developments of new artistic forms of expression. PACT Zollverein puts the art to the test – here, art does not have to produce but can engage in basic research.

Although PACT Zollverein’s work is internationally oriented, it is closely connected with the cultural life of the Ruhr area. It is a central part of our activities, because PACT Zollverein understands culture as an open field of action of artistic, educational and scientific activities and it is experienceable.

PACT Zollverein