VIENNA, 6 December 2024 – During the summer, together with the Viennese Street Art Festival Calle Libre, Australian artist Fintan Magee painted the mural “Woman with Dove – Shaping Our Common Future” on one of the towers of the Vienna International Centre (VIC). The painting is in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting sustainability and peace around the world.
Throughout the project, UNIS Vienna wanted to involve the youngest members of our society and inspire them. So, children from primary schools in the educational district around the VIC, the Bildungsgrätzl Kaisermühlen, were invited to step into the artist’s shoes and show what would they paint on this huge canvas, expressing their visions for a better future through their paintings.
Some examples included images of cars with sustainable fuel technologies, the protection of animals & trees, or recycling bins to conserve the planet. Other wishes included the possibility for all children to receive an education, achieving peace, and reducing poverty. A selection of their paintings was put on display at the VIC around Human Rights Day, together with a big three-dimensional puzzle by artist Duha Samir, developed together with UNHCR Austria and Caritas.
Students from two participating primary schools, OVS Kaisermühlendamm and Volksschule Schüttaustraße 42, were invited to come to the UN for the inauguration of the exhibition and to join a special programme with UNIS Vienna, UNHCR and Caritas. Irene Höglinger-Neiva, Public Information Officer at UNIS Vienna spoke about the work the UN and what they’re doing to help combat poverty, inequality and protect our planet. Ruth Schoeffl und Marie-Claire Sowinetz from UNHCR spoke about the help for refugees.
The children were then introduced to the interactive puzzle featuring different images which reflect the experiences and stories of refugees. The 48 puzzle pieces symbolize the collective effort of building and shaping a society of solidarity.
The children, full of curiosity and interest, worked together to solve the puzzle which featured images of doves, guitars, sweets, luggage and trees which Duha explained to the children, are symbols and memories that refugees carry with them.
Afterwards, the children were also able to go inside a UNHCR refugee tent, where they discussed what the basic rights and necessities are for refugees. Such include water, healthcare, nutrition, food, education, and shelter. The children also mentioned the importance of not only material possessions, but also the attitude, showing kindness, compassion, and empathy.
At the opening event, UNIS Vienna Director Martin Nesirky, Ruth Schöffl from UNHCR, David Himler from Caritas and artist Duha Samir congratulated the children for not only their drawings and the beautiful exhibition, but also the ability to work together and discuss why these issues matter.
Alexander Hilbert and Asmin Cinar, two children from the VS Schüttaustrasse were welcomed on stage where they shared their wishes for a better future, reminding us that the future for these children is in our hands.
See a short video capturing the event here.
