In Germany and Great Britain sport is an essential component and collective element of life: young and old, poor and rich, cool and not so cool are inspired by the same successes, athletes and competitions, regardless of their nationality.

In both countries sport is the focus and indicator of the cultural, political, economic and social condition. It is football, however, that is truly a cross-border phenomenon that supports international cultural exchange. The 2006 Football World Cup offers not only the participating nations sporting competition, but also the opportunity to present their cultural diversity.

The British Council Berlin will transform itself from September 3 rd to 9 th 2005 into a “House of Football and Culture”. Within the framework of “Dreams+Teams”, the British Council's sports project, the festival will pick up on the unique connection between Football and Culture . Football is everywhere, in literature, in film, in visual arts, in computer games and in music.

With this in mind, we have invited, among others, the author Sarah Wardle to lyrically accompany our events and make direct commentaries as our poet-in-residence. Sarah has been perfecting this ad hoc art form during her time as poet-in-residence with the Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs. In addition, there will be a selection of unusual photographic images and insights into football on show, captured all over the world by the British photographer Stuart Clarke.

In the “House of Football and Culture” players and their diverse fans will have the opportunity to have their say. The shared passion for the leather ball will set the tone for the entire week.

The countdown to the Football World Cup has started: Come and join us!

Date: 3 - 9 September 2005

Venues: British Council, Alexanderplatz 1, 10178 Berlin
Kino Central, Rosenthaler Straße 39, 10178 Berlin