Since its inception, the "Kampf der Künste" has become a fixture on the German slam scene. With its unique mix of poetry, music and performance, it has not only captured the hearts of Hamburg's residents, but also attracts visitors from all over Germany. Behind this impressive event is Jan-Oliver Lange, the visionary founder who knows how to dress traditional art forms in a modern guise.

In Hamburg's vibrant art scene, one event in particular stands out: the "Kampf der Künste". We had the pleasure of talking to Jan-Oliver about the fascination of poetry slams, the stars of the scene and what awaits the audience in the coming season.

What is Kampf der Künste and who is competing against whom?

Kampf der Künste is Germany's largest slam event organiser. Here, artists compete against each other with their works - and the audience decides on victory and defeat. We organise small, open slams where anyone can take part, as well as big slams with the stars of the scene in venerable venues such as the Ernst Deutsch Theater, the Schauspielhaus and even the Elbphilharmonie! We are best known for our poetry slam shows - but we also do stand-up and singer songwriter slams.

What is poetry slam? What is your secret?

Poetry slam is basically nothing more than a modern poetry competition. The secret of our popular Gala Poetry Slams is that we only take the best of everything: The most beautiful locations, the most stirring slammers from all over the German-speaking world, the best presenters on the scene.

Which stars should you know and why?

David Friedrich and Paulina Behrendt - because they are rightly the most successful poetry slammers Hamburg has ever produced. Supra-regional: Sebastian 23 - because he lives poetry slam like no other and has left his mark on the scene over the years.

What do you experience at the Battle of the Arts shows?

At best, bursts of laughter and tears of emotion. The feeling of being intelligently entertained and carried away.

What can the audience look forward to in the near future?

The start of our biggest and most popular series: Best of Poetry Slam at the Ernst Deutsch Theater on 13 September. Our big city battle Hamburg vs. Berlin at the Schauspielhaus on 23 September: the best slammers from the capital vs. the capital of poetry slam. To KdK Stand Up - the first stand-up comedy show in the Elbphilhamonie on 18 November.