Profolk


Profolk e.V. is a non-profit and independent volunteer organization for the protection of the interests of persons, associations and organizations in the fields of song, folk and world music. The association exists exclusively for charitable purposes. Profolk is registered in the register of associations Berlin-Charlottenburg, with headquarters in the Brandenburg city of Liebenwalde.
Profolk was founded on 25 November 1984 in Göttingen. Since then, the main objective of the association has been to represent the interests of folk and world music in politics, business and society. Profolk, a member of the German Music Council, is the only national non-profit association in Germany for this genre. The association operates worldwide.
WWW profolk.de

Officers and board

Chairman: Maik Wolter
Vice Chairman: Christian Pliefke
Treasurer: Christian Lange
Board Members: Frank Reglin ;
Jens Bötger ;
Ralf Gehler
Office: Doreen Wolter
All cities are in Germany

Tasks and goals

The main task of Profolk is to create better conditions for folk and world music. This genre is represented and supported in Germany through constant exchange with political and business entities and the German Music Council. The association also supports the organization and implementation of concerts, workshops and similar activities. In addition, Profolk aims to promote musical, cultural and human diversity.

History and activities

The founders of Profolk
Board of Directors:
Jürgen Schmitz, Bremen
Gerd Wagner, Marburg
Manfred Malzahn, Iserlohn
Reiner Bruchhaus, Gummersbach
Almut Kückelhaus, Altena
Managing Director: Harald Schmidt, Duisburg
1. Chairmen
Period1. Chairmen
1984–1985Jürgen Schmitz, Bremen
1985–1988Gerd Wagner, Marburg
1988–1995Jens-Peter Müller, Grasberg
1995–2000Michael Kleff, Bonn
2000–2004Heidi Zink, München
2004–2008Dieter Wasilke, Venne
2008–to dateMaik Wolter, Berlin

All cities are in Germany
ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS:
Profolk is a co-founder of the international dance & folk festival Rudolstadt. The association presents the music scene it represents at national and international trade fairs and festivals such as the Windros Festival in Schwerin, the Liedertage Boltenhagen/Ostsee, the Festival "Musik und Politik" in Berlin, the, the Liederfest Hoyschrecke in Hoyerswerda, the WOMEX – International Fair in various European countries, the Art & Ethno Forum "Without Borders" in Balchik/Bulgaria and the Showcase in Scotland. The association participates in the Folk Alliance International in February 2019 in Montreal/Canada.

The German Folk Promotion Award

Since 1991, the annual Tanz & Folkfest Rudolstadt, also called Rudolstadt-Festival, takes place at the initiative of Profolk e.V. The beginnings of the Rudolstadt Festival date back to 1955, when the "1st Festival of German Folk Dance" was held in Rudolstadt, which developed into the German Democratic Republic dance and folklore festival with strong Eastern European participation. In 1991 it was relaunched with a completely different concept: initially conceived as a forum for the classical folk scene, the event soon established itself as a world music festival of international renown. The German Folk Promotion Prize was awarded at this festival between 1992 and 2001. These prizes were awarded by Tanz & Folkfest Rudolstadt, Profolk e.V., Folk-MICHEL and MDR. From 2002 until now this prize has been renamed "German World Music Prize Ruth". The winners of the respective prizes are as follows:
Winners DFF:
  • 1992: 1. Baba Jam Band ; 2. Hagelschlag und Elfenreigen ; 3. Noks
  • 1993: 1. Hölderlin Express : 2. Nure ; 3. Bremer Straßenmusikorkäster
  • 1994: 1. Johannes & Andreas Uhlmann ; 2. Werner Vonberg ; 3. Thalassa
  • 1955: 1. Grenzgänger ; 2. Suzanna & Dzelem ; 3. Trio Modal
  • 1996: 1. O. Felix ; 2. Passepartout ; 3. Hora Colora
  • 1997: 1. Schlüsselbund ; 2. Aquabella ; 3. Schnaftl Ufftschik
  • 1998: 1. Kerberbrothers Alpenfusion ; 2. Micha Dümpelmann ; 3. Rolling Drones
  • 1999: 1. Robert Zollitsch ; 2. Das blaue Einhorn ; 3. Nassler & Schneider
  • 2000: 1. Schandmaul ; 2. Jan Degenhardt ; 3. Sneppedalen
  • 2001: 1. Toni Geiling ; 2. Iki Dünya ; 3. Ecco Meineke
Management of the office of the Deutschen Folk Förderpreises by PROFOLK e.V.:
1992–1996 Jens-Peter Müller, 28879 Grasberg
1997–2002 Liane Fürst, 10781 Berlin
Winners Ruth
YearGerman RuthGlobal RuthNewcomer RuthHonorable Ruth
2002Daniel Kempin & Dimitri Reznik; Estampie ; Hundsbuam MiserabligeDi Grine Kuzine ; El Houssaine Kili ; La Ritma Törnmeister ; Fjp- the Folk Jazz Project ; G. Rag y Los Hermanos Patchekos not forgiven
2003Wenzel Urna Mohammad Reza Mortazavi Trikont
2004Hiss Wu Wei Yalla Babo Express ; Zoriya Walter Mossmann
2005Biermösl Blosn Rabih Abou-Kalil Malbrook ; Nomad Sound System ; Tango Crash Dr. Jan Reichow

Discography
  • 1997 – Its Only Kraut...But I Like It
  • 1998 – Prime Cuts
  • 1999 – Test the Best – Folk, Song & World Music In Germany
  • 2014 – Walzer-Schottisch-Poloness
  • 2016 – Auf's Maul geschaut