Showcasing the accomplishments of German inventors and artists.

As Germany prepares to host World Cup in 2006, a partnership of German government, commerce and industry has created a new initiative to take advantage of the international spotlight and focus attention on the significant contributions German poets and thinkers, researchers and inventors, and artists and composers have made to modern life.

The initiative, known as the Land of Ideas, plans to highlight places of creativity throughout Germany, including private and public institutions; art, musical or other kinds of cultural institutions; memorial sites; museums; industrial companies; scientific research centres; and university institutes. The goal is to have 365 places, one for each day of the year.

Through the Land of Ideas Web site, the initiative is gathering nominations for places to showcase. A jury, which will be drawn from the worlds of politics, industry, culture and society, will select the winning places. During 2006, each winner will hold an event announcing its place in the Land of Ideas and will be awarded a plaque.

In addition, a Walk of Ideas in Berlin will highlight German inventiveness by featuring sculptures of major German inventions. The sculpture boulevard will be in place before World Cup begins in September 2006.

www.landofideas.org