FusionA transformative blend of music, art, and activism.

Fusion Festival is a renowned multi-day music and arts festival held annually at the airfield in Lärz, Germany. Known for its eclectic mix of music genres, immersive art installations, and emphasis on countercultural expression, Fusion has gained a reputation as one of Europe's most distinctive and transformative festivals. Set against the backdrop of a former Soviet military airport, the festival offers attendees a unique blend of music, art, and activism. With a focus on communal living, environmental sustainability, and artistic expression, Fusion attracts a diverse crowd of free-spirited individuals from across the globe.

Music and Artists

Fusion's music lineup spans a wide array of genres, offering something for every taste. From electronic beats to live bands, the festival showcases a rich diversity of sounds.

• Main Genres Represented:
  • Electronic (Techno, House, Drum & Bass)
  • Reggae
  • Dub
  • Hip-Hop
  • Punk and Rock
  • Experimental and Avant-garde
• Notable Past Performers:
  • Modeselektor (Electronic)
  • Shantel & Bucovina Club Orkestar (Balkan Beats)
  • Maceo Plex (House/Techno)
  • Atari Teenage Riot (Punk/Techno)
  • Die Antwoord (Rap/Rave)
• Stage Setups: Fusion features numerous stages, each offering a unique environment. From massive open-air arenas to smaller, more intimate settings, the festival creates spaces tailored to the specific genres they host. Stages are often decorated with vibrant, sometimes surreal, visuals that contribute to the festival's dreamlike atmosphere.
• Unique Musical Features: Fusion is known for its 24-hour music schedule, where attendees can immerse themselves in continuous performances throughout the festival. The festival also avoids traditional artist "headlining," maintaining an egalitarian approach to performances where all artists share the spotlight.

Location

• Venue Name and Location: Fusion takes place at Müritz Airfield in Lärz, located in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
• Surrounding Area: The airfield is nestled near the Müritz National Park, surrounded by lush forests and lakes, offering festival-goers the chance to enjoy nature as part of their experience. The rural location adds to the festival’s utopian, escape-from-reality atmosphere.
• Venue Capacity and Layout: The airfield can accommodate around 70,000 attendees. The layout includes several distinct areas dedicated to stages, camping, food, and art installations. The vast open space allows for creative transformations, turning the airfield into a colorful, otherworldly festival ground.
• Transformation for the Festival: During the festival, the space is transformed into a temporary city. Large-scale art installations, themed villages, and decorated stages are spread across the grounds, creating a surreal and immersive experience for visitors.

Art Installations

Art is an integral part of Fusion, with large-scale installations scattered throughout the festival grounds. The festival’s focus on creativity and self-expression is evident in the interactive and immersive nature of the artwork.

• Significant Art Features: Fusion’s art installations range from abstract sculptures to intricate light shows and interactive performances. Art is often political or socially conscious, reflecting themes of community, freedom, and environmentalism.
• Themes and Concepts: Common themes include anti-capitalism, social justice, and environmental awareness. Many installations are collaborative, created by artist collectives or grassroots organizations.
• Interactive Elements: Many installations are designed to be participatory, encouraging attendees to engage with the art in playful or thought-provoking ways, such as painting walls, creating impromptu performances, or contributing to evolving pieces.
• Notable Artists or Collectives: Art collectives from Berlin and other European cities frequently participate, adding to the festival's rich creative culture. Some installations have been designed by internationally recognized artists in the fields of multimedia and street art.

Festival Experience

Multiple Stages

Fusion features a variety of stages, each with its own unique vibe and focus.

• Description of Different Stages:
  • Turmbühne: One of the largest stages, focusing on techno and electronic music.
  • Palast der Republik: Known for its diverse range of performances, from DJ sets to live bands.
  • Querfeld: Hosts experimental music, offering a more avant-garde experience.
  • Rootsbase: Specializes in reggae, dub, and world music, providing a laid-back, earthy atmosphere.

Food and Drinks

Fusion offers a wide variety of food and drink options, catering to all dietary preferences.

• Types of Cuisine Available:
  • Global street food
  • Vegan and vegetarian dishes
  • Local German specialties (such as bratwurst and pretzels)
• Beverage Options: A wide selection of craft beers, local wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, including freshly pressed juices and coffee.

Fashion and Culture

Fusion is a festival where self-expression is encouraged, and the fashion reflects this.

• Description of Festival Fashion: Attendees often dress in colorful, eccentric, and alternative styles. Costumes, body paint, and creative outfits are common, contributing to the festival’s vibrant and playful atmosphere.

Workshops and Activities

Fusion offers a wide array of workshops and activities to engage attendees beyond music and art.

• Activities and Workshops Include:
  • Yoga sessions
  • Circus and acrobatic performances
  • Political discussions and activism workshops
  • Creative art workshops (e.g., painting, sculpture)
  • Film screenings and theater performances

Camping

Fusion offers several camping options, creating a community-oriented environment.

• Available Camping Options:
  • General camping is included with the ticket.
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable camping options.
  • Special quiet zones for those looking for a more restful experience.

Accommodation

In addition to camping, nearby hotels and guesthouses offer alternatives for those seeking more comfort. Some festival-goers opt for accommodations in the nearby towns of Lärz and Rechlin, accessible by shuttle buses.

Tickets and Attendance

• Typical Attendance Numbers: Fusion typically sees around 70,000 attendees each year.
• Types of Tickets Available: Tickets are sold via a lottery system to ensure fairness, with a limited number of tickets made available to the general public. There are no VIP options, as Fusion promotes equality among all attendees.
• Ticket Sale Process and Timing: Tickets go on sale in the early months of the year, and the lottery ensures a mix of old and new attendees.

History

• Founding Year and Founders: Fusion Festival was founded in 1997 by the Kulturkosmos organization.
• Original Concept and Vision: The festival was created with the vision of building a temporary, utopian society that embraced music, art, and political activism.
• Growth and Evolution: Over the years, Fusion has grown from a small gathering into one of Europe’s largest and most unique festivals, attracting a global audience while staying true to its core values of freedom and self-expression.

Sustainability Efforts

Fusion takes pride in its sustainability initiatives, with a strong emphasis on reducing its environmental footprint.

• Waste Management Initiatives: Fusion promotes a strict “leave no trace” policy, with recycling and composting stations placed throughout the festival. Attendees are encouraged to take their trash with them.
• Energy and Water Conservation Measures: The festival uses renewable energy sources such as solar power, and water-saving facilities are set up throughout the site.
• Transportation-Related Sustainability Programs: Fusion encourages the use of public transport, offering shuttle buses and bike-friendly infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint of festival-goers.

Fusion Festival is more than just a music event; it is a cultural movement centered on art, community, and sustainability.