InUrFaCE - Initiative of Urban Facades Creature Exposition

Biological diversity encompasses the diversity of all animal and plant species, the diversity of all ecosystems and the genetic diversity within species. It is the basis of human existence, providing food, health and well-being. However, in recent decades, the rate of biodiversity loss has accelerated dramatically as a result of human activities. Unfortunately, despite the escalating situation, public awareness of the ongoing biodiversity crisis remains low. The registered association InUrFaCE therefore seeks to address this important issue by collaborating with renowned street artists and biodiversity researchers. Together, they create eye-catching murals that grab the public's attention, promoting awareness of and appreciation for biological diversity within society and encouraging individuals to protect it. Before work begins on the mural, InUrFaCE organises an interdisciplinary 'artists/scientists' workshop. During a guided tour, the artists gain insight into the scientists' work and are given an overview of biodiversity. The artists and scientists then collaborate on ideas for engaging the public through murals. So far, three successful projects have been carried out in Bonn and Hamburg, Germany, in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB). These projects have been supported by the Dr. Hans Riegel-Foundation (project 1 in Bonn's Old Town and project 3 in Hamburg), Deutsche Bahn (project 2 at the UN Campus train station) and Union Investment (project 3 in Hamburg). As positive emotions are more likely to motivate action, beauty and wonder were used to evoke these feelings. The artists involved were Roman de Laporte (Jack Lack), Kai Niederhausen (Semor), Anna Taut and Pascal Flühmann (Kkade). The advantage of street art is that it is accessible to everyone free of charge. It also enables us to step out of our 'scientific ivory tower' and use large-scale murals in public spaces - museums and institutes often only reach a small audience of experts and those interested in biodiversity. Artists, on the other hand, have enormous reach through their public presentations and online platforms such as artist websites, Instagram, etc., and can reach a previously untapped audience.