Frischzelle is an extension of the collaborative work between Sven Hahne and Matthias Muche. With it, they have created a format, which primarily promotes new alliances between students from Cologne‘s Academy of Media Arts (KHM) and University of Music and Dance (HfMT). Frischzelle also enables improvised performances of new music and video art to be presented to a wider audience. The festival serves as a link between the aforementioned colleges and the independent scene. It facilitates networking among students and graduates and encourages the formation of ensembles that often continue beyond the festival. Although the festival has now become established for showcasing professional, cutting edge art, the initial role of liaison has remained.

Since 2009, Frischzelle has held workshops in Cologne at the KHM and HfMT and in Essen at the Folkwang University‘s Institute for Computer Music and Electronic Media (ICEM). Guided by members of the Timeart Ensemble, the workshop participants develop intermedial compositions that are subsequently presented at the FRISCHZELLE festivals (among other places).