While facing a lot of regulations, including the closing of clubs that played a central part in the local subcultural scene and strict closing hours, there is always a need for stable institutions to pursue the interests of young people by representing and also inviting people of vibrant and progressive power to the region. One of these so deeply needed forces that has been shaping the city’s scene for the good for over ten years now is the Elevate Festival for Music, Arts and political discourse. Founded as an innovative platform to highlight interdisciplinary cultural exchange, the Elevate has since managed to make itself a name as one of the most forward-thinking festivals when it comes to mixing a political discourse program with strong musical and artistic line-ups.
The theme of 2018’s edition is risk and courage, picking up on topics such as civil rights, peace treaties, minimum wages, women's suffrage and freedom of expression. What Elevate has especially managed over the years is developing a specific taste when it comes to picking up on underground talents. Even more, skilfully blending newcomers with more established figures of an internationally connected scene. Situated in various central venues around the Schlossberg, the main locations make the experience a special one.
The hill is located directly in the city centre and is home to the tunnel floor and the Dom im Berg, which is literally a huge cave inside the little mountain. While the dome provides the right vibe for concerts and audio-visual shows, the tunnel gets all heated up and sweaty through the festivals famous party nights – positioning itself as the perfect site for a proper rave.