realtime – Forum Neue Musik e.V. is looking for talent! The Bremen-based association makes Neue Musik come alive, promotes young talent and organizes the internationally acclaimed realtime-Festival. Become part of an innovative team!
realtime – Forum Neue Musik e.V. is a registered association that, since its founding in 2012, has been dedicated to conveying contemporary music to a broad audience[1]. The focus is on the presentation and promotion of so-called "New Music" - i.e. avant-garde, experimental and contemporary compositions that are characterized by their diversity and versatility and go far beyond the conventions of classical music[1][7]. The aim is to bring this musical form out of the supposed "ivory tower corner" and make it accessible to people of all ages, even without musicological training[1][8].
The offer of realtime includes a broad spectrum of events that do justice to the diversity of New Music:
The mission of realtime is: To make New Music accessible - regardless of age, origin or musical background[1][8]. Instead of passive listening, experience, participation and innovation are the focus. The initiative wants to arouse curiosity, encourage experimentation and inspire musicians and audiences for the unexpected[4].
Values such as openness, creativity, diversity and artistic freedom are the basis of all projects. The interweaving of music, performance, visual art, video and new technologies creates unique experiences that go beyond the classical concert[7][8]. The next generation idea is also central: realtime enables young people to actively participate in the music scene and develop their own forms of expression[1].
Sustainability at realtime is understood in terms of cultural and social responsibility. The association specifically promotes young musicians, focuses on inclusion and participation and seeks cooperation with schools, music schools and other cultural institutions[1]. The youth ensemble Smusic21 offers free instrumental lessons and rehearsal opportunities to reduce financial barriers and give young talents a perspective[1].
In addition, realtime lives a cooperative approach: In addition to the close cooperation with the Bremer Musikschule, international partnerships are cultivated - for example with the renowned Warsaw Autumn Festival for contemporary music in Poland[9]. Through pop-up concerts in changing locations, public space is also actively used as a stage, which strengthens social and cultural networking in the city[7][8].
Since 2021, the realtime-festival has been an integral part of Bremen's cultural landscape and now enjoys supra-regional recognition[6][7]. The festival combines concerts, music videos, improvisation, dance, light art and digital projects over several days with numerous venues[6][7][8]. A special focus is on the mediation between artists and audience: In addition to classical performances, there are interactive formats, discussions with artists and jury presentations[7].
With the awarding of the "Köster Prize" for the best music video for a piece of contemporary music (endowed with 30,000 euros), realtime sets a new milestone for the recognition and promotion of audiovisual projects in Germany[7][9]. The organizers are always looking for new artistic forms of expression and are actively involved with new technologies, sound installations and participatory concepts[8].
realtime – Forum Neue Musik e.V. is far more than a classical concert organizer. The association stands for cultural diversity, participation and innovation and brings contemporary music in all its facets closer to a broad audience. With its youth engagement, innovative festival formats and international cooperations, realtime makes a sustainable contribution to the vibrant music scene in Bremen - and beyond.
