Someone with a narrow width, measuring less than 600 millimeters
In an extraordinary display of artistic solidarity, international artists have joined forces for the UNICEF action "A Place for Every Child." This initiative, spearheaded by Heribert Klein, a networker and member of the German Committee for UNICEF, aims to raise awareness and celebrate the rights of children globally.
Thomas Baumgärtel, a graffiti artist from Krefeld, is among the participants. He has contributed a banana-themed graffiti art piece to the campaign, which can now be found at the entrances of around 4000 art museums and galleries worldwide. Baumgärtel's banana symbolises the freedom of art and serves as a subversive element in public space.
Klein, who has been committed to UNICEF for over 40 years, conceived the idea for "A Place for Every Child" as part of the United Nations organization's 75th anniversary. The action involves 18 internationally recognised artists, including Oscar Oiwa, David Gerstein, and Miki Terao.
The art stools created for the campaign were produced by a local turner in Krefeld and have been adorned with various painterly designs by the participating artists. The postage costs for sending these stools around the world were high, but almost all of them have returned to Klein.
The consequences of the pandemic, such as increased poverty and ongoing wars and conflicts, continue to pose threats to children's living conditions. The action serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of ensuring a place and recognition for every child within society.
In the future, the art stools will be presented in Düsseldorf in October, followed by a tour of exhibitions, and will eventually be auctioned off. Klein's motto for the campaign remains "No child left behind."
Baumgärtel, who became a father relatively late, has since focused particularly on the needs of children. He joins Klein in emphasising the importance of children's rights and promoting dialogue about these fundamental entitlements through creative expression.
Klein's history of successful actions for children includes the "Ein Herz für Unicef" campaign featuring celebrities like Peter Ustinov, Shakira, and Günther Uecker, and the Euro coin exchange idea "Kleine Münzen - große Hilfe," which raised 1.4 million euros from coins collected from countries leaving the EU at many airports.
With "A Place for Every Child," UNICEF continues to leverage visual art to communicate key child rights in alignment with its mission. The initiative underscores the power of art in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and ultimately, making a difference in the lives of children worldwide.
- Baumgärtel, who has contributed a banana-themed graffiti art piece to the "A Place for Every Child" campaign, emphasizes the importance of promoting dialogue about children's rights through creative expression, such as his graffiti art serving as a subversive element in public space.
- In line with UNICEF's mission, "A Place for Every Child" leverages visual art to communicate key child rights, showcasing the power of art in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and making a difference in the lives of children globally.
