The Initiative:

"Germany - Land of Ideas" is a joint non-party image campaign mounted by the German government in conjunction with the business community. The initiative aims to communicate a positive image of Germany both at home and abroad.

The phrase "land of ideas" was originally coined by German President Horst Köhler, patron of the initiative. Mike de Vries, Chief Executive of FC Deutschland GmbH, is coordinating the initiative and implementing the planned projects.

Countless companies serving as official partners are providing both financial support and support through their own projects. Associate partners from science, government, culture and society including the German Foreign Office, Goethe Institute and the Federal States such as Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg and their networks are participating both in Germany and abroad.

For more information about the initiative please visit www.land-of-ideas.org.

„Walk of Ideas“

The "Walk of Ideas" will be held in Berlin at the beginning of 2006. Giant sculptures depicting such events as the invention of printing, modern cars and the discovery of the theory of relativity will be erected at tourist sites to serve as examples of Germany’s innovative spirit. more

„365 Places in the Land of Ideas“

The competition "365 Places in the Land of Ideas" is one of the five core projects of the initiative. Institutions throughout Germany that develop, promote or exhibit ideas were asked to submit their applications by 30 September 2005. Companies, social projects, cultural and research institutes, and private individuals were eligible. A prominent jury selected 365 winners from the over 1,200 applications received. One of these places will be presented to the public each day of 2006. more

„Media Service“

The Germany - Land of Ideas initiative hopes to facilitate the research of the 12,000 to 15,000 journalists from Germany and abroad expected in the run-up to the 2006 world cup. The media service is offering three modules: a topic and photo service, field trips for journalists and a Media Club.

The topic and photo service is a research tool for Germany. The online portal will provide exclusive content focusing on Germany and its people - for journalists by journalists. With the help of the dpa news agency, around 50 subject-related information packages will be prepared. Journalists will be free to use the hundreds of photos and over 1,000 articles on all venues and for each country participating in the world cup. The initiative and the Federal Press Office are planning field trips for journalists to such sites as the world cup venues. A Media Club will be opening its doors from 22 May 2006 through 9 July 2006 in the Press and Visitors’ Centre of the Federal Press Office in Berlin.

„FanClub Germany – Land of Ideas“

The "FanClub Germany - Land of Ideas" kicked off on 2 and 3 October 2005 at the German Unification Day celebration in Potsdam. Fans can register, explain why they are fans of Germany and participate in contests. In November 2005, a truck is set out to visit the twelve 2006 Football world cup venues and other cities. The goal of this roadshow is to provide all fans with information on the initiative and give them the opportunity to register.

"Welcome Initiative 'Welcome to Germany - Land of Ideas"

This welcome initiative is the fifth of the core projects. Guests from all over the world will be welcomed to German airports, railway stations and cities under the slogan "Welcome to Germany - Land of Ideas". This campaign was launched on 3 October 2005. The over 220 German embassies and consulates general around the world received Land of Ideas informational and marketing materials, which were used during German Unification Day celebrations.

Press Contact:

Land of Ideas
FC Deutschland GmbH
Press Office
Unter den Linden 74
10117 Berlin, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0)30 - 206 459 15
Fax: +49 (0)30 - 206 459 37
press@land-of-ideas.org
www.land-of-ideas.org