Media & Press

The humanitarian and educational efforts of the International Art of Living Foundation have been subject to many articles, videos, and features in the media around the world. In the following you can read some of the latest success stories.This section will be updated regularly with the latest news in German and English language.If you are looking for further information, news from a specific country or in a specific language, please contact press@worldculturefestival.org

Top news

World Culture Festival, 2nd - 3rd July 2011 in Berlin Germany

Celebrating Harmony in Diversity

World Culture Festival, an international peace event and celebration of cultures, happening from 2nd - 3rd July in the Olympiastadium Berlin, Germany

The World Culture Festival, to be held on July 2ā€“ 3, 2011, is an event that will celebrate cultures of more than 150 countries. Different cultures from around the world will be showcasing their dance, music and food.

More than 70,000 participants expected

The Festival will take place in the Olympiastadium Berlin and is expected to bring together a diverse group of more than 70,000 participants from over 150 countries.The Festival will be hosted on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the International Art of Living Foundation, an UN-accredited Non Profit organization which is represented in 151 countries in the world.The unique event will felicitate the norms and values of all cultures and traditions of the world. The Festival will especially share the vast cultural heritage of India and will also conduct special programs on Yoga, Indian dance, music and vegetarian cuisine. About 5000 people are expected to travel from India to Berlin for this event.In addition to cultural activities there will be some theme parks, conferences and workshops during that time.Tickets for this unique event will be going on sale on December 18th and will be available to purchase on www.worldculturefestival.org.

About the International Art of Living Foundation

The International Art of Living Foundation (IAOLF), founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981 to promote peace and human values, is an international non-profit educational and humanitarian organization with a presence in over 140 countries. The organization works in special consultative status with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, participating in a variety of committees and activities, related to health and conflict resolution.Since its foundation, the International Art of Living Foundation has reached more than 30 millionpeople worldwide through their stress management programmes and humanitarian activities and was rewarded with several awards and titles of honour for its founder and leading spiritual thinker Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of wellbeing.Along with its sister organization, the International Association for Human Values, IAOLF has one of the largest volunteer based networks in the world.

Press contact

World Culture Festival Events office

Office Berlin

To book call +49 (0)1805 - 31 11 53** and quote “World Culture Festival” as reference. Please have your credit card ready.

Your price advantages compared to the regular price in the 2nd class***

We wish you a pleasant journey with Deutsche Bahn!

* Changes and reimbursement before the first day of validity are Euro 15 excluded from the first day of validity onwards. Passengers restrict themselves to a particular train and travel times.

** The booking line is available from Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 21:00. Calls will be charged at Euro 0.14 per minute, from mobiles Euro 0.42 per minute at maximum.

*** Prices are subject to change.

Grand Guitar Ensemble for Peace

30 Januray 2011

The World Culture Festival in Berlin will host a colorful concert with over 2,000 guitarists from every corner of the world gathering together.

Music has an unique ability to unite people from diverse cultures. More than 2000 amateurs and professional guitarists alike from 150 countries will share the stage with stars to demonstrate the uniting power of music in a celebration of world peace and intercultural harmony.

Come and join!

Everyone who plays a guitar is invited to take part in this GROUND-BREAKING Guitar Concert.

Amateur and professional musicians alike will share the stage with stars in a celebration of world peace and intercultural harmony. Music transcends cultural borders and political boundaries. In the same way, human values transcend borders and boundaries. The human values of peace, harmony and understanding unite people of all backgrounds, cultures and traditions.

Apply for your participation and information about the songs here:

http://bit.ly/world_guitar_record

Contact: music@worldculturefestival.org

Free entrance for children up to 6 years at the World Culture Festival

8 February 2011

Families and children can now enjoy the programme at the World Culture Festival even more!

The Festival offers free entry passes for children up to 6 years old.

Parents can purchase a free of cost children's ticket at our call center (phone: +49 1805 5570 000).

Tickets will be sent by posts from the Eventim call center based in Germany, shipping costs are at parents' charge.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family at the World Culture Festival!

Lufthansa official carrier – Discounts and special travel deals available

25 February 2011

We are pleased to announce that the German airline Lufthansa has become the official carrier for the World Culture Festival.

We can now offer all festival visitors a discount of up to 15% on return flights to Berlin for many airlines, with the largest discounts given on Lufthansa flights. For those who are buying their ticket at the WCF travelling desk, Lufthansa is providing a 24 hour helpline service, as well as a travelling office during the event. They are also available to solve any potential challenges related with travelling; any queries regarding flights, changes, cancellations, additional tickets, etc.

And there is more! There are travel packages available for all those who want to see more of Europe after the festival. Most packages include transportation, a two night hotel stay, breakfast, and several sightseeing activities. Those travelling with a group can ask for custom made group packages to a wide range of destinations. The online booking tool and contact details of the Lufthansa Fides Reisen Team can be found on the official World Culture Festival homepage at: http://www.worldculturefestival.org/en/Travelling.wzi

Travel by train from Euro 99 to the World Culture Festival

3 March 2011

With the offer of The World Culture Festival and Deutsche Bahn you can save money by visiting World Culture Festival! Get on board and profit from attractive prices and conditions for train travel.

Compared with a car each journey by train spares the environment two-thirds carbon dioxide and compared with a plane, it saves an even more respectable 75%.

The price for your Event Ticket for a return trip* to Berlin is:

• 2nd class Euro 99

• 1st class Euro 159

For just €159 you can travel e.g. from Amsterdam, Zurich or Copenhagen! Deutsche Bahn call centre is glad to inform you about the ticket price for international journeys.

Your ticket is valid from 30th June to 5th July 2011.