WHY DÜSSELDORF? MARIUS HELLE

Marius Helle is an artist, nature enthusiast, educator – and a resident of Düsseldorf with a passion. In May 2023 his innovative, sustainable design concept for the public space Urbatur (see info box) was among the five winning projects and was awarded by creative.nrw, the creative network of The regional government.

What sets Düsseldorf apart?
Düsseldorf is very modern and has its finger on the pulse, it is an attractive place to live in. There's simply a lot happening in this city, the change is visible and noticeable in many places. Old buildings are cared for and preserved, but it is also possible for something new to emerge from them. In Düsseldorf, progressive solutions and reorientation are always given space - I find that very exciting.

Düsseldorf is a good location for artists and cultural professionals because...
... the art scene here has always been very respected, internationally, too - just to mention a few names such as Gursky, Beuys or Richter. There is the world-famous art academy where young talents are promoted. The city also has a great museum culture - there is a great desire to look at art. And there are many places that create the opportunity for getting together - in this I'm also including Erkrather Straße or Schlachthof as the centre of the music scene.

If Düsseldorf were a (public) work of art, what would it look like?
It would be a kinetic object, something that moves because we have change here. It would have shiny spots like chrome, but also a lot of old historical spots - for example a crack or dents. In any case, the artwork would be multidimensional as it would have many perspectives and angles.

Düsseldorf in three words...
Change. Colourful. Culture.

In Düsseldorf I find inspiration…
For me as an artist there is no fixed place, because it's important to always be open so that something new can emerge.

In Düsseldorf I get in a good mood…
In the Volksgarten as a green recreational area. It still has very natural structures and is not quite as man-made as other parks. There are family reunions, university students relax, people go for walks and take breaks

In Düsseldorf I meet interesting people...
I like old industrial buildings that are being made accessible again for people within the urban space - something like Erkrather Straße, Schlachthof or also Bonner Straße, as already mentioned. Where people with similar thoughts can exchange ideas and also develop new things. Düsseldorf needs more of these places. •