Africa in Bayreuth

 

 

The Connection between Bayreuth and Africa

Since the establishment of the University of Bayreuth in 1975, a regional research focus on Africa has been established. Today, it encompasses an interdisciplinary orientation of 40 different disciplines, which since 2019 have been represented by the Excellence Cluster "Africa Multiple: Reconfiguring African Studies." Here, African studies are systematically developed through innovative transdisciplinary research in collaboration with many partner universities in Africa. Additionally, Bayreuth hosts the Iwalewahaus, which maintains a collection of contemporary artworks of visual and popular art from Africa, comprising over 12,000 pieces, the largest collection of contemporary African art in Europe.

In addition to its cultural significance, especially the Richard Wagner Festival and Bayreuth Baroque, Bayreuth is also home to the IHK Upper Franconia (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and various significant companies.

 

The Africa Days in the City of Bayreuth

At the joint initiative of the Lord Mayor of the City of Bayreuth, Thomas Ebersberger, and the German Global Trade Forum Berlin, we would like to draw your attention to the Africa Days in the City of Bayreuth. This personal invitation from the Lord Mayor emphasizes the importance of closer cooperation with Africa, a heartfelt desire of the city, which has repeatedly demonstrated its connections to Africa in the past.

The City of Bayreuth, located near the tip of the southernmost state of Bavaria, is in many respects one of Germany's hidden treasures. The connection to Africa is already known to many experts. However, not every visitor to Germany is aware of how strong the city, its facilities, and institutions truly are in terms of international relations, economy, culture, sports, education, and social dialogue.

In addition to a strong middle class and many successful companies, Bayreuth is not only active but also successful in the following well-known areas, among others:

Bayreuth Wagner and Baroque Festivals

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth

Bayreuth Beer

Chamber of Industry and Commerce Bayreuth (IHK)

Chamber of Crafts Bayreuth (Dual education in the automotive industry and more)

Sports

SpVgg Bayreuth (Football)

Bayreuth Tigers (Ice Hockey)

BSV 98 Bayreuth (Volleyball)

BBC Bayreuth (Basketball)

University of Bayreuth with a special focus on Africa

 

 

Program

Thursday, September 20, 2024

5:00 PM - Bayreuth City Hall: Reception by Lord Mayor Ebersberger

6:00 PM - City Tour

7:00 PM - Welcome Dinner City of Bayreuth - Meeting Bayreuth

 

Friday, September 27, 2024

9:30 AM - University of Bayreuth: Meeting with representatives of the university, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, local and regional companies, and institutions

11:00 AM - Visit to the Margravial Opera House

12:00 PM - Lunch

1:00 PM - Further meetings/visits etc.

Return to Berlin