Demokratie in Farbe – Wand für Wand zur Utopie
What is Your Utopia?
At the start of the project, residents of Meidling and visitors of Gleis//Garten were invited to share their visions for the future on open pinboards. Using post-its and pens, participants anonymously expressed their ideas about democracy, daily life, and a better city. Contributions ranged from personal dreams to political and ecological visions, reflecting desires for equality, sustainability, community, and livable urban spaces.
Examples of ideas:
Equal opportunities for all
More greenery, fewer cars
Safe, car-free public spaces
World peace and love for all
Feminism & equality
Collective Coloring & Painting
The project’s next phase invited participants to create art together. Originally planned as a street-level mural with a Viennese artist, the activity moved indoors due to weather. Participants transformed their “utopia” ideas into individual posters, guided by viennese street artists. A shared color palette ensured a harmonious final display, symbolizing unity in diversity.
The process strengthened creative expression, a sense of belonging, and practical experience of democratic participation—every idea had space to be seen and heard.
Lio Ebenstein and workshop participant
public presentation
During the Calle Libre Festival Closing Party, the posters were displayed publicly, allowing festival-goers, residents, and regular visitors to engage with the participants’ ideas. The event highlighted the power of art to connect people, spark discussion, and make shared responsibility for public space tangible.
Despite challenges, the project successfully created low-threshold opportunities for participation, fostering community, creative expression, and a stronger local identity.
