A space. In the midst of war. In parts of Ukraine where there is nothing left, but where people still live. A space that brings hope to children and young people. A space that creates freedom. Through art and creativity.
This space, called POP-HUB, was created by our social partner ART HELPS. For many years, we have been supporting the Stuttgart-based creative organisation in its international projects for disadvantaged children, young people and adults. “We were on board straight away when ART HELPS told us about their current plans in Ukraine,” recalls Fabio Biesel from the Marketing/Branding team.
The idea is that, within an inflatable structure shaped like a whale – developed by ART HELPS founders Tom Lupo and architect Dennis Herrmann in collaboration with Professor Lars Harmsen and his students at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences – children, young people and adults will receive support through art therapy programmes and creative workshops to help them come to terms with their traumatic experiences.
“With the POP-HUB, we want to reach the regions east and south of Kyiv, i.e. towards the front line,” explains Dennis Herrmann. Tom Lupo adds: “The aim is to bring colour and life to these war-torn, child-unfriendly places – and to create a space that invites children to dream, experiment and simply be children.”
But how could such a huge volume of air be transported to Ukraine? Daimler Truck donated a lorry – but first it had to be branded and converted into a transporter. “Together with ART HELPS, we then came up with the idea of building a stage as well, to serve as an additional event space, for musicians, for example,” recalls Fabio.
Working closely with ART HELPS, Fabio – who at that time was still working entirely as a freelancer for his design studio in Ravensburg – developed a design for the lorry. On a voluntary basis, of course. Bernie Bröggelhoff from the Research and Development department also came on board; he managed the technical planning and implementation of the lorry conversion and was given time off work by the company for this. “We managed the conversion using very simple means and ended up painting everything blue,” he explains. This took around 200 hours of work.
In the end, despite all the preparations, it was still a close call: the lorry was ready on Friday evening, and on Saturday we set off straight for Ukraine. Thanks to two very helpful staff members at the vehicle registration office and customs, who guided us through the bureaucratic jungle, the van carrying the POP-HUB was able to set off on its long journey on time. Once we arrived in Kyiv, we headed straight to Irpin for the first workshop.
“For us, it was a fantastic project that went really well thanks to the many people who made it possible, such as Folienschmiede Friedrichshafen,” says Fabio. “We were there when the inflatable structure was first set up in an exhibition hall in Zurich – and as soon as we stepped inside, we could feel a whole new world opening up. The POP-HUB is already a safe haven for so many children and young people, and we’re very proud to have played a small part in this,” adds Bernie.
A space. In the midst of war. Full of colour and life.
Would you like to find out more about Arthelps or even make a donation? Then take a look here: arthelps.de
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