The Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations devises and organises exhibitions of German contemporary art which are shown in foreign museums and galleries. The range of exhibitions is focussing the 20th and 21st centuries. It comprehends the areas

Fine Arts,

Photography / Film,

Architecture and

Design.

The ifa Galleries in Stuttgart and Berlin organise exhibitions of contemporary art, architecture and design from all over the world; regional focus is currently on Asia as well as the Middle East. The programme aims to promote intercultural dialogue within Germany – a lively, contemporary, genuine exchange between cultures.

In line with the funding programme Artists' Contacts the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations supports working visits in and travel to Germany for contemporary artists from developing countries and countries in transition. German artists are also to be offered travel subsidies enabling them to make contacts in developing countries and countries in transition.

The Alexander Rave Foundation in the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations aims to promote further education and research in the fields of science, the arts and culture.

The Rave Scholarships are awarded twice a year to curators, restorers, museum technicians and culture managers from countries in transition and developing countries allowing a training, a placement or a voluntary cooperation at a German non-commercial institution.

With the Rave Research Award an outstanding thesis or dissertation is honoured providing an incentive for further research in this field.