FLOWER OF THE DICHTERSBUURT
Cities, Not Saunas
THE CAMPAIGN
The Cities, Not Saunas campaign is part of the Funding Fairer Futures Project. Funding Fairer Futures is an initiative dedicated to strengthening the climate movement and building capacities for an inclusive, just transformation, by ensuring that the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders, including often marginalized communities, are heard and reflected in climate action.
What is Cities, Not Saunas?
Every summer, heatwaves across Europe are becoming more intense, and that means it’s time to reimagine our cities for a cooler, safer future. Right now, many of our homes and streets are not designed for extreme heat. This affects everyone, but especially older people, women, people with disabilities or illness, and outdoor workers. Cities, Not Saunas raises awareness of the increasing impact of extreme heat in European cities and promotes climate adaptation measures such as more urban greenery, shade, water, and climate-resilient public spaces. Through the creative campaign Cities, Not Saunas, we want to bring people together, spark conversations, and celebrate the power of communities acting for change.
THE MURAL
“Flowers of the Dichtersbuurt” serves as a botanical portret of the neighbourhood, combining recognisable flowers the crocus, daffodil and dahlia with abstract shapes and lines. In conversation with local resident Rob Spithorst, the founder of the dichtersbuurt huiskamer, these specific flowers were said to be a symbol in the neighbourhood; having been planted and cared for throughout the years.
In the present, the Dichtersbuurt stands at the start of a profound transformation. The existing residential buildings will gradually be demolished and replaced, giving the mural a temporary nature. The artwork is not meant as a nostalgic farewell to the old Dichtersbuurt and also not as a critique for renewal. Instead, the mural symbolises that the old will not be forgotten. The identity of the neighbourhood will not have to be build from the grounds, the roots are already there. What was planted yesterday and cared for today, will remain part of the neighbourhood of tomorrow.
From this imagery a larger story connects, one of hope. Intentionally, the heaviness of the climate crisis is not imminently visible from the mural. No burning sun, no thermometer, no cautionary message. Rather, the focus lies on the strength of the neighbourhood and the knowledge that climate solutions can be straightforward and familiar. From a couple of flowers sprouting from the cracks in a building towards a greener, cooler neighbourhood and ultimately a more climate proof city.
THE ARTIST
Ciclope is an artist duo from Argentina, known for their large, colourful murals inspired by nature. Using bold flowers from all over the world they create pieces that are several stories high, contrasting natural beauty with the scale of the city. They have created murals across Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and Peru, and have taken part in art festivals in France, Spain, and Italy. We’re very excited to feature their art as part of this campaign.
THE MUSEUM
Street Art Museum Amsterdam (SAMA) is a community museum based in Amsterdam, Nieuw-West, working at the intersection of street art, cultural heritage and community storytelling. Through co-creation with residents, their graffiti art is displayed on over 3Street Art Museum Amsterdam (SAMA) is a community museum based in Amsterdam, Nieuw-West, working at the intersection of street art, cultural heritage and community storytelling. Through co-creation with residents, their graffiti art is displayed on over 300 residential buildings and public spaces in the Amsterdam area. SAMA led the implementation of this project based on their extensive experience in developing high-quality public murals, including projects addressing environmental sustainability and climate themes, and its strong local network of artists and community partners.
