IG Rote Fabrik is an association whose purpose is the mediation and promotion of contemporary and critical culture. Since 1980, IG Rote Fabrik has offered a valuable alternative for cultural enjoyment far removed from mainstream and cultural uniformity.
In the areas of music, film and theatre, as well as at concept events on socio-political and cultural-political topics, the operators organise a programme for the desire, the head and the stomach. Cross-disciplinary festivals and event series with a thematic focus such as the Big Brother Awards are just as much an integral part of the event programme as charity and solidarity events. IG Rote Fabrik provides theatre and music rehearsal rooms as well as video editing spaces for cultural production for little rent and publishes the monthly factory newspaper.
With its programme, IG Rote Fabrik stands up against discrimination of any kind. Culture should not be expensive here, only exceptionally does an event cost more than 30 francs. Another principle pursued is the restrictive attitude towards sponsors who only use culture to cultivate their image.
The IG Rote Fabrik plays on three stages: the Action Hall, the Club Room and the Factory Theatre. In the summer, the outdoor space also comes alive. There are open-air events such as the Film am See and concerts on the summer stage. IG Rote Fabrik also collaborates with other event organisers from time to time. For example, the whole area pulsates with life under the label "Lethargy" at the major Zurich Street Parade event, and at the Zurich Theatre Spectacle, play stages in the rooms of the Rote Fabrik are an integral part of the programme.
About a dozen other groups, associations and organisations complement what is on offer on the site and make the Rote Fabrik one of the largest cultural centres in Europe. For example, the cooperative restaurant Ziegel oh Lac, the art space Shedhalle, the Pädagogische Aktion Zürich with the Spielbus, a sailing school, a kindergarten and the neighbourhood meeting place. Also noteworthy is the large number of studios rented out by the City of Zurich in the Rote Fabrik spaces, as numerous artists work in over 60 studios and practice rooms for visual arts, music and theatre.
