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In the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany, a unique art project is making waves, symbolising the fundamental right of every child to have a place and recognition in society. The project, titled "Ein Platz für jedes Kind" (A Place for Every Child), is a collaborative effort between UNICEF, local government, and 18 internationally renowned artists, including Thomas Baumgaertel, Oscar Oiwa, David Gerstein, and Miki Terao.
Heribert Klein, a long-time supporter of UNICEF from Düsseldorf, has spearheaded this initiative. Klein, an old acquaintance of the children's lobby in the city, has been committed to UNICEF for over 40 years. His motto for the action remains "No child left behind."
The artists were tasked with designing a unique symbol for children's rights - an artistic stool or "Hocker." The completed art piece, created by Thomas Baumgaertel, is a banana-shaped stencil on a three-legged stool. This eye-catching piece, symbolising the freedom of art, can now be found at the entrances of around 4000 art museums and galleries.
The postage costs for sending the stools around the world were quite high, according to Klein. Nevertheless, the project's essence centers on raising awareness through art, highlighting the fundamental right of every child to have a place to belong.
This action aligns with UNICEF's ongoing efforts in Düsseldorf to foster children's rights and participation. Citywide events offering programs for children and youth, supported by various social and cultural organisations, are evidence of this commitment. The "Ein Platz für jedes Kind" action is part of a broader cooperation among UNICEF, local government, and cultural figures to raise awareness of children's rights in Düsseldorf, culminating in events such as the World Children's Day activities.
Klein's dedication to children's rights extends beyond art projects. He has been instrumental in organising successful campaigns like the "Ein Herz für Unicef" campaign, which featured world-renowned stars like Peter Ustinov, Shakira, and Günther Uecker. Another successful initiative is the "Kleine Münzen - große Hilfe" campaign, which involved collecting expiring foreign currencies from airports and resulted in 1.4 million euros being collected for UNICEF.
As the art stools for "Ein Platz für jedes Kind" return, adorned with the artists' work, they will be presented in Düsseldorf in October and then embark on a tour of exhibitions before being auctioned off. The proceeds will go towards supporting UNICEF's work in Düsseldorf and beyond, as the consequences of the pandemic, such as increased poverty and ongoing conflicts worldwide, continue to threaten the living conditions of children.
In a world where children's rights are often overlooked, Heribert Klein's initiatives serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring every child has a place to belong.
This artistic stool project, titled "Ein Platz für jedes Kind" (A Place for Every Child), not only symbolizes the freedom of art but also raises awareness about the fundamental right of every child to cultural travel and have a place to belong. With the returned and adorned stools set to tour exhibitions worldwide, these cultural-travel pieces will remind us of the importance of upholding every child's lifestyle, guided by the motto "No child left behind."
