The biggest mural in VIC Calling for Sustainable Development Goals

The biggest mural in Vienna is being inaugurated at a special ceremony at the Vienna International Centre with representatives of the Host Country, City of Vienna, 22nd municipal district, the United Nations and the Calle Libre Street Art Festival as well as the artist himself. A tactile information board courtesy of Zero Project and partners will also be unveiled which will make the artwork accessible for people with disabilities.

Over the last three weeks one of the towers of the UN building has been transformed into a work of art by the Australian artist Fintan Magee. The street art is in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Summit of the Future. It is also part of the events to mark the 45th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre which opened in 1979.

The landmark art project has the backing of the heads of the main Vienna-based UN organizations, the UN Office at Vienna/UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOV/UNODC), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as well as the City of Vienna, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Economy.

The project is supported by the 22nd municipal district as well as the Australian embassy in Vienna. A crane was supplied pro-bono by Austrian company and Global Compact Network Austria participant, Palfinger to transport the artist and his assistant to the top of the tower. Other private sector support to the Calle Libre Street Art Festival came from Murexin, Superbude Hotel, Warda Network, Obsidian Holding, Strabag Kunstforum and others. The Global Compact Network Austria is also behind the project. 

The mural is a symbol for the fulfillment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and in particular goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. The design by Fintan Magee was the clear favourite selected by a panel. 

The artwork will be made barrier-free for everyone with the installation of two tactile information boards, provided by Zero Project with support from VrVis and others. One will be outside the VIC and a second board inside the building.

The 50 metre high and 20 metre wide tower is close to the main entrance of the VIC and the street art will be seen by tens of thousands of people every day. (UNIS 20240626)