According to the website of the „gemeinsamdafuer“ initiative, the revelation of a secret meeting of right-wing extremists in Potsdam and the inhumane plans discussed there has “really made everyone realise that we have to stand up against this and show our colours. It feels like we live in a bubble in our design industry where diversity is more than a matter of course and is openly practised. That is no longer enough. We have to be self-confident about what we stand for and take a strong stance against the inhuman tendencies of the right. It is our duty to stand up for basic democratic values and defend them.” The initiative calls for “acceptance and tolerance, this variety and diversity to be brought into the world through our creativity, communication and expertise” and invites creators of all colours and disciplines to get involved together: “It’s time. It’s high time to take a stand. Against contempt for humanity. Against hatred. Clear and unambiguous. Loud and unmistakable. But above all, it is now time to commit to basic democratic values and stand up for respectful coexistence. Impartial but clearly democratic.” As creators, it continues, “we are using our voice, our creativity and our expertise #togetherto stand up for an open society. For diversity. For respect. For love. For participation. For openness. For diversity. For democracy. We want to use our design industry to show visibility in a responsible way and demonstrate together in favour of a respectful society.
The initiative, launched by Moritz Köhler (Studio Komo) and Jörg Schmitt (Raumprobe, Materialbank), has been active in the media under the hashtag #gemeinsamdafuer and on the Instagram page @gemeinsamdafuer, as well as in public spaces with posters, banners and signs. It is, they say. “Our aim is to reclaim public space for the ‘good’. With this campaign, we want to bring positive points of identification into the world and reinforce the values that we consider important in the public perception.” The popularity is interdisciplinary. Those already involved include the BDIA and the BDA with all their regional associations as well as numerous well-known agencies, architecture and design firms, the DDC and the German Design Council as well as magazines and platforms such as Baunetz, interiorpark, md Magazin – and many more.
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