City sets new resolve, prompting similar action in other urban areas
Invisible Challenges Spotlighted in Moving Exhibition
The city center lab in Neuwied recently played host to a noteworthy exhibition titled "Making Visible People with Invisible Disadvantages." The show, a collaboration between the city and district, along with the Verein gemeinsam zusammen e.V. and the Deichstadtfreunde association, shed light on the daily struggles faced by individuals who harbor less obvious challenges such as disabilities, illnesses, or disadvantages. The exhibits—which included large portraits, colorful information boards, and word clouds—resonated with many visitors, prompting several other cities and municipalities to express interest in borrowing the materials.
Mayor Peter Jung praised the exhibition's success and commended the increased awareness it created among visitors. From March 31, the show will be on display in Kaiserslautern, with two additional municipalities voicing their intention to host the exhibition. The city of Neuwied will charge a fee from the borrowers to maintain the materials, with any extra earnings earmarked for future projects aiding those with invisible disadvantages. The city, district, Deichstadtfreunde, and gemeinsam zusammen e.V. will decide collectively on the application of these funds.
The "Quiet Hour" initiative has also kicked off successfully. Under this scheme, the Sinn fashion house offers low-sensory shopping every first Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Special aspects include dimmed lighting, silence, and the absence of music or announcements, designed to cater to individuals with autism, ADHD, or other sensory sensitivities. Neuwied's city manager, Michaela Ullrich, encouraged other businesses to follow suit, expanding the Quiet Hour's reach beyond the city center.
Businesses interested in offering a Quiet Hour or municipalities wanting to host "Making Visible People with Invisible Disadvantages" can contact Neuwied's city manager at [email protected] or by phone at 02631 802 254.
In a broader context, the exhibition aims to make the experiences of those with "invisible disadvantages" more visible through artistic means, fostering empathy, inclusivity, and support within communities. A number of cities and municipalities, including large urban centers with established social inclusion programs, cultural hubs, and communities focusing on mental health and disability rights, have shown interest in the exhibition.
- The upcoming display in Kaiserslautern, titled "Making Visible People with Invisible Disadvantages," will not only be a continuation of the successful exhibition in Neuwied but also will extend its focus to mental health, showcasing the unseen challenges faced by individuals grappling with psychological struggles.
- In light of the increasing awareness and interest in mental health and wellness, many cities focusing on health-and-wellness initiatives have expressed interest in adopting the "Making Visible People with Invisible Disadvantages" exhibition, aiming to foster empathy and support for those with mental health issues within their communities.
