Support for the Nonprofit Organization Viva con Agua St. Pauli [Hamburg, Stuttgart, Munich]

ARTICLE

VOLUNTEER AND ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT

Some designers believe that design can improve the world. I once held this hope too, until I realized that design contributes to the challenges our world faces today. Yes, design can achieve much good, but no, it cannot undo what has already happened.

One might also question whether art can save the world. However, the philosophy of the nonprofit organization Viva con Agua St. Pauli offers an interesting perspective. In addition to the statement »Water is a Human Right,« the organization emphasizes »Art creates Water.« Instead of relying on traditional fundraising appeals, Viva con Agua uses creative and cultural events to raise funds for clean drinking water and sanitary services worldwide. The spirit of the organization is different. It inspires many volunteers to engage because it does not stage human suffering as a magnet for attention, but rather creates cultural spaces through the combination of sports, music, and art. These spaces generate revenue through tickets, merchandise, and artworks, which directly supports charitable projects.

Through my personal project »Be Water my Friend,« I came into contact with Viva con Agua and got involved. I became a small part of a large family and had the opportunity to create graphic works on large walls and spray graffiti in the catacombs of the Millerntor Stadium. This allowed me to meet many creative and talented individuals in Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, all of who aim to draw attention to the good cause through artistic work.

Working with Viva con Agua helped me rediscover some of my idealism and allowed me to grow personally. For example, by working on large-scale projects that required scaffolding and lifts, I managed to overcome some of my fear of heights.

I am impressed by how the team around Michael Fritz and Benjamin Adrion brings projects to life with deep passion, great openness and vibrant creativity. Over the years, they have created a universe where shining stars, as well as smaller lights like myself, contribute to the success of the larger mission to make the world a slightly better place.

LINK WEBSEITE

. www.vivaconagua.org

CREDITS

. Shoots: Stadtpalais Stuttgart by Julia Ochs