Transforming Graffiti into Artwork

Going Graffiti for Good: Tired of waking up to sloppy graffiti? Well, Dormagen's WORADO housing association thought so! They've given students of the Rachel-Carson School the chance to channel their artistic creativity, while keeping their walls clean, with a graffiti project!

Last week, 8th and 9th graders adorned a concrete barrier outside a rental building on Bahnhofstraße with colorful, meaningful designs, all under the watchful eye of graffiti artist, Michael Slatosch - aka "Peto." Guided by Peto's expert tips and tricks, the group got to work, creating artworks representing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Global Goals that aim to make our world a better place by 2030.

Art teachers Annemarie Buhler, Rebecca Storp, and Sara Reis providing valuable assistance and support throughout the project. Baris Delibas, a real estate agent at WORADO, was thrilled, stating, "We're proud to have provided this opportunity for students to develop their artistic skills and raise awareness of important SDGs."

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Wondering what those SDGs might look like in a graffiti project? Here's an idea:

Goal 1: No Poverty
Graffiti could highlight the importance of community support and social safety nets through vivid, moving scenes.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Artwork might show sustainable farming practices, community gardens, or local food distribution networks, all vivified by a talented artist's brush.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Representations could feature clean environments, healthy living, and access to healthcare, all brought to life by creative artistry.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Graffiti might depict keen students learning, passionate teachers teaching, and libraries bustling with books - an engaging representation of the pursuit of knowledge.
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Artwork might show empowered women and a supportive, gender-equal society, emphasizing the importance of gender equality.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Scenes could portray clean rivers, water conservation, and access to clean drinking water, capturing the essence of cleanliness and sustainability.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Depictions might include solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources, capturing the spirit of innovation and energy efficiency.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Graffiti could show diverse people working together in harmony, or scenes of thriving businesses and economic growth, reflecting the value of hard work and prosperity.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure
Artwork might show sustainable infrastructure, innovation hubs, and green technologies, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and forward-thinking solutions.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Scenes could highlight diverse communities working hand in hand, or initiatives aimed at erasing social inequalities, promoting unity and fairness.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Graffiti could depict eco-friendly urban spaces, bike lanes, and community planning, emphasizing the role of the city in sustainability and cohesion.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Representations could include reduce, reuse, recycle symbols, and scenes of environmentally-conscious consumption, advocating for a greener, more responsible lifestyle.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Artwork might show climate protesters, wind turbines, and other initiatives aimed at combating climate change and protecting the planet.
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Depictions could feature thriving marine ecosystems, clean oceans, and marine conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to preserve our world's waters.
Goal 15: Life on Land
Scenes might show lush forests, wildlife preservation, and sustainable land use practices, symbolizing the importance of conserving nature and respecting our planet.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Graffiti could depict peaceful rallies, justice in action, and strong community institutions, advocating for social justice and unity.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Artwork might show diverse groups working together, or highlight international partnerships focused on sustainable development, stressing the importance of unity and collaboration.

Incorporating these SDGs into a graffiti project brings the global goals to life. For example, 'Good Health and Well-being' could be represented by vibrant images of clean environments and healthy living, while 'Home-and-garden' could symbolize 'Quality Education' through depictions of students engrossed in studies amidst flourishing gardens.