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Keep your diary free this weekend or cancel anything that's not pressingly urgent: the illusive Artsbase 2011 festival is imminent and for the art-loving mavericks amongst us, looks set to be one hell of an adventure...

It all seems a bit too good to be true: the event, a grand-scale arts festival displaying the work of over 90 international artists, will be hosted at the now somewhat legendary Heilstätte am Grabowsee; a sprawling, dilapidated former hospital located just outside Berlin. For over a decade it has stood empty and disused. This weekend, however, the grounds will be re-awoken from its deep slumber, ready for two days of non-stop film, live video projection, music, workshops, LED, performance and, of course art, including painting, photography and installation. A hefty list of DJs are also reportedly to be in attendance. 

The topic of many local tales, the site remains a bit of an enigma: a former tuberculosis sanatorium from the late 19^th century and occupied by Russians for 50 years as a military hospital following the second world war, it’s certainly had more than its fare share of history. Amongst the 34 buildings on site there are, rumour has it, operating rooms, a chapel and even underground tunnel systems, all of which ticket holders will be free to access. 

Pack the essentials: swimming trunks for a dip in the lake, a camera to document the madness, your dancing shoes and - for those intending to sleep - a tent. Let’s just hope the weather holds out.

Artsbase 2011 begins on Saturday 6^th at 14:00 and runs until Monday morning. 

Price: 20€ for 2 days / 10€ for 1 day

Visit the website:

http://artbase2011.de/way.html