Groundbreaking Mural Project at Vienna International Centre Promotes Sustainable Development

Introduction to the Mural Project

In a unique collaboration, the United Nations in Vienna and Calle Libre are working together to create a monumental mural on one of the towers of the Vienna International Centre. This groundbreaking art project, spearheaded by renowned Australian artist Fintan Magee, focuses on the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping our shared future.

Key Partners and Support

Supported by the heads of the largest UN organizations based in Vienna, including the United Nations Office in Vienna/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOV/UNODC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this project has garnered significant backing. Additionally, the City of Vienna, the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economics are also providing their support.

The Mural and Its Message

Fintan Magee’s mural, which will be 50 meters high and 20 meters wide, is being created near the main entrance of the Vienna International Centre (VIC). The mural aims to symbolize the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, hopes that the artwork will inspire the promotion of sustainability, understanding, and peace worldwide. Moreover, the mural will be accessible to people with disabilities through tactile information panels.

Art and Its Broader Impact

The mural is expected to be seen daily by tens of thousands of people, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of peace and diplomacy. Jakob Kattner, Artistic Director of the Calle Libre Festival, emphasized the need to raise awareness for a sustainable and peaceful future, especially in today’s world marked by conflicts, displacement, and migration. The project is also supported by local organizations and institutions, as well as the Global Compact Network Austria.

Conclusion and Inauguration

The painting work began on Monday, June 10, and is expected to take about three weeks, depending on weather conditions. A ceremonial inauguration will take place on Friday, June 28, with representatives from the host country, the City of Vienna, the 22nd district, the United Nations, and the Calle Libre Cultural Association. This mural project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Vienna International Centre but also stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts towards achieving a sustainable and peaceful future.