Institutional Presentation Statement

As a cultural institution, the Center for Art and Media (ZKM) in Karlsruhe holds a unique position in the world. It responds to the rapid developments in information technology and today’s changing social structures. Its work combines production and research, exhibitions and events, coordination and documentation. For the development of interdisciplinary projects and promotion of international collaborations, the Center for Art and Media has manifold resources at its disposal: the Museum for Contemporary Art, the Media Museum, the Institute for Visual Media, the Institute for Music and Acoustics and the new departments – the Institute for Media, Education, and Economics, and the Filminstitute. Under the direction of Prof. Peter Weibel since 1999, the Center for Art and Media probes new media in theory and practice, tests their potential with in-house developments, presents possible uses in exemplary form and promotes debate on the form our information society is taking. Working closely with the State Academy for Design in Karlsruhe and other institutes, the Center for Art and Media provides a forum for science, art, politics and finance. In a spacious ambiente, visitors can enjoy events and tours, view public exhibitions or visit the Mediathek. The Center is a platform for experimentation and discussion, with a mission to participate actively in working towards the future and engage in the ongoing debate about the sensible and meaningful use of technology.