“What if Augsburg became a sponge?” That’s the idea behind the Schwammstadt Augsburg Graffiti. It’s a vision to capture and store rainwater to prevent floods. Professor Dr. Markus Keck explains the concept. He notes the opportunities and challenges of this approach.
Augsburg is embracing graffiti as a relevant art form. Urban art expresses a young generation’s creativity. Large murals beautify public spaces. However, unauthorized graffiti is vandalism. It causes annoyance and high cleaning costs for citizens. The city helps different groups address these issues.
The Haunstetter Hallenbad showcases this approach. In 2022, graffiti artist Shade enhanced parts of the building. The Office for Municipal Prevention and the Ordnungsreferat collaborated with the Kulturreferat and DIE BUNTEN e.V.. They launched a competition for further designs. From 42 applications, Augsburg artist Besok and Dachau collective Outer Circle were chosen. Citizens voted on their sketches. Besok won the public vote. His design incorporates Augsburg’s water management system. It will adorn the north side of the Hallenbad.
Augsburg has seven legal graffiti areas called Schwabendwände. This project is a collaboration between the city and Die Bunten e.V.. They oversee the walls.
“EinWandFrei” is a graffiti project for young first-time offenders. Spraying illegally is property damage. It can lead to prosecution. First-time offenders can participate in “EinWandFrei.” Social workers guide them to confront their actions. They clean the damaged area together. This resolves the damage quickly. It prevents young people from starting life with debt. They become aware of the consequences.
The “Schmierflink” project offers financial support to remove illegal graffiti. Even if artful, unauthorized graffiti is vandalism. Removal is costly for owners or the city. Since July 1, 2023, affected owners can apply for funding. The city supports the removal of illegal graffiti. It also funds preventive measures like special coatings or climbing plants.
The “Friedens-Mural” promotes legal street art for Augsburg’s Friedensfest. The Friedensbüro coordinates it. They work with the graffiti association Die Bunten. The murals reflect the Friedensfest’s theme.
Augsburg also commissions artwork and wall designs. This supports the local art scene. It enhances public spaces. In 2022, the city artistically designed the window fronts at Hallenbad Göggingen. It also designed two exterior walls of the Hallenbad in Haunstetten.
The Stadtwerke Augsburg (swa) also supports graffiti. The station in Hessenbachstraße won their graffiti voting contest. Die Bunten e.V. designed it. The theme is water. Five artists contributed their unique styles to the artwork. Graffiti artist Michi included a hand swirling water. He added a fish and a drinking water bottle. The Wertach river flows nearby, a fitting backdrop. The artists created a cohesive design. They made it seem as if some walls were broken through. Michi was excited to participate. He knew many people would see the art. These graffiti projects transform Augsburg’s urban landscape. They add color and creativity to everyday life.