Stiftung Klavier-Festival Ruhr

The Stiftung Klavier-Festival Ruhr is a non-profit cultural foundation based in the Alfred Herrhausen House in Essen. It supports the Klavier-Festival Ruhr, which, as a cultural flagship project of the Initiativkreis Ruhr, annually brings internationally renowned pianists to the Ruhr metropolitan region. In addition to concert operations, the foundation is actively involved in cultural education and outreach: since 2006, its education program has playfully introduced children and young people to contemporary piano music and developed innovative formats such as the online platform "explorethescore.org".

The Stiftung Klavier-Festival Ruhr aims to strengthen cultural diversity in the Ruhr region and to provide all people—regardless of social background—with access to high-caliber piano music. Through outstanding concerts, sustainable educational programs, and long-term collaborations with schools and daycare centers, it promotes musical excellence, artistic talent development, and the cultural awareness of the next generation.

The foundation's offerings are aimed at a broad audience of classical piano music enthusiasts – from international pianists and cultural institutions to local communities in the Ruhr region. A special focus is placed on children and young people from districts with increased support needs, as well as teaching staff and educational institutions: the Education program has already reached 17 schools and daycare centers, with over 1,200 participating students and preschool children and approximately 2,290 workshops.