Here stands a testament to inclusivity. Le double mircacle Het dubbele wonder is more than just a sculpture. It’s a symbol. This iron sculpture stands four meters high in the Parc des Etangs d’Anderlecht.
Le double mircacle Het dubbele wonder is the first sculpture of the project “Une commune, une sculpture”. This translates to “A municipality, a sculpture”. The project promotes inclusive art in urban spaces. It aims to erect sculptures in Belgian municipalities. These sculptures support people with disabilities.
The Chais’Art activities inspire this project. It uses art to demystify disability. It also raises awareness and creates debate. Organizers have already created exhibitions, books, and street art. This time, they wanted a lasting project. Sculptures make disability visible. They also give people with disabilities a valid place in public spaces. These sculptures symbolize inclusion. Each sculpture differs based on the municipality. This allows them to address different themes. It also ensures the uniqueness of each municipality.
Initially, the sculpture was to be placed on the pond itself. This is where the name “Double Miracle” comes from. A person in a wheelchair walking is a miracle. But a person in a wheelchair walking on water is a double miracle. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get the required permits. They also lacked the funds for the installation. So, in May 2021, the four-meter-high sculpture was installed on the park’s banks.
Le double mircacle Het dubbele wonder symbolizes the desire to move forward. It moves towards a more inclusive society. In this society, everyone has a place. It also expresses acceptance of difference. It considers difference in municipal policy.
The municipality of Anderlecht supported this project. Equal.brussels and Escale du Nord also helped. There are current sculpture projects planned for other municipalities. These include Brussels-Ville, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, and Koekelberg. The goal is to expand the project to as many municipalities as possible. This will make it a recognized symbol of inclusion. It will also allow collaboration with municipalities. The collaboration aims to make them even more inclusive.
A crowdfunding campaign ran until June 6, 2021. It sought support for the project. The slogan was “Let’s give height to our values”. The sculpture expresses that together “ça va marcher”. That means “it will work”.
Le double mircacle Het dubbele wonder embodies a powerful message. It is a message of hope, inclusion, and acceptance. As you stand here, consider its meaning. Think about the importance of creating a society where everyone belongs.