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In the heart of Düsseldorf, a unique UNICEF project is taking shape. Organised by long-time supporter Heribert Klein for the 75th anniversary of the children's aid organisation, the "A Place for Every Child" campaign has garnered international attention, with 18 internationally acclaimed artists lending their talents to the cause.
Among the participating artists are Thomas Baumgärtel, known globally as "Bananensprayer", Oscar Oiwa from America, David Gerstein from Israel, and Miki Terao from Düsseldorf. Each artist has contributed a piece of art to decorate one of the 18 art spots in the city.
Baumgärtel, who is known for his banana logo symbolising the freedom of art, has completed a new project in Düsseldorf as a matter of honour, highlighting his focus on the needs of children. Using yellow and black spray cans and stencils, he adorned a three-legged stool as part of the project.
Heribert Klein, the organiser of the project, has a history of successful actions for children, including the "Ein Herz für Unicef" campaign featuring world stars like Peter Ustinov, Shakira, and Günther Uecker, and the "Kleine Münzen - große Hilfe" initiative that raised 1.4 million euros by collecting expiring coins at airports.
Klein's motto for the project remains: "No child left behind." The art stools created for the "A Place for Every Child" project will be presented in Düsseldorf in October, then embark on a tour, and finally be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The postage costs for sending the stools around the world were high, according to Klein, but the cause was worth every penny. The consequences of the pandemic, such as increased poverty and ongoing wars and conflicts, continue to pose a threat to children's living conditions.
The "A Place for Every Child" project is a testament to UNICEF's commitment to ensuring every child's right to a safe and nurturing environment, a cause central to UNICEF's educational, health, and protective efforts worldwide. By leveraging the influence of prominent artists, UNICEF aims to draw public attention to critical issues affecting children and mobilise resources to support sustainable development goals that directly impact children’s lives.
[1] UNICEF. (n.d.). UNICEF in India. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/india/
[2] UNICEF. (n.d.). UNICEF in Rwanda. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/rwanda/
[3] UNICEF. (n.d.). UNICEF's Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/sustainable-development-goals/
The unique UNICEF project, "A Place for Every Child," is a cultural-travel attraction in Düsseldorf, showcasing various artworks from 18 internationally acclaimed artists, including Thomas Baumgärtel, known for his travel-inspired art. This project aims to bring awareness to UNICEF's global efforts and social-media buzz, with the ultimate goal to improve childhood living conditions, not just in Düsseldorf but also in UNICEF's work in India, Rwanda, and beyond. The art from this project will eventually be auctioned off to fund UNICEF's sustainable development goals, illustrating entertainment and lifestyle values aligned with UNICEF's protective, educational, and health-focused initiatives.
