Bern city authorities have reversed an earlier decision and will now keep the street art created for the Women's European Championship. These colorful ground paintings, located at various spots like Bierhübeli and Viktoriaplatz, were initially scheduled for removal by the end of September. The change comes after significant positive feedback from the public, politicians, and sports communities.
Key Takeaways
- Bern city officials will allow Women's Euro street art to remain.
- The decision reverses an earlier plan to remove the art by late September.
- Public, political, and sports communities gave positive feedback.
- The art aims to increase visibility for girls and women in public spaces.
- The clay-based paint art will be reviewed in spring 2026 for artistic quality.
City Reverses Initial Removal Plan
The city of Bern initially planned to remove the street art, which cost 45,000 Swiss francs, by the end of September. This plan caused public confusion and criticism, as reported by SRF in mid-August. The art pieces were created by Bernese artists during the Women's European Championship to highlight the event.
The decision to keep the art is a direct response to widespread support. City officials cited numerous positive reactions from various groups. This feedback prompted a re-evaluation of the removal policy.
Art Project Details
- Cost: 45,000 Swiss francs
- Purpose: Increase visibility for girls and women in public spaces
- Material: Clay-based paint
- Locations: Bierhübeli, Viktoriaplatz, Waldmannstrasse, Lorrainebrücke, and below Kirchenfeldbrücke
Public and Political Support Influences Decision
Karin Willenbrink from the Bern Civil Engineering Office confirmed the policy change. "We re-evaluated whether we could leave the ground paintings," Willenbrink told SRF. "We can do that, and we are happy to." This statement highlights the city's willingness to listen to public opinion.
"We re-evaluated whether we could leave the ground paintings. We can do that, and we are happy to," said Karin Willenbrink from the Bern Civil Engineering Office.
The art pieces feature large female figures at Bierhübeli and vibrant designs at Viktoriaplatz. Some paintings, like one under the Kirchenfeldbrücke, carry messages such as "Equality on the street and on the playing field." These messages resonate with the championship's goals.
Background of the Women's Euro Street Art
The street art project began during the Women's European Championship. Its primary goal was to enhance the presence and visibility of girls and women in public areas. This initiative aimed to celebrate women's sports and promote gender equality through artistic expression. Community participation was also a key part of the project, with residents helping to paint at locations like Viktoriaplatz.
Community Praises Artworks
Passersby have expressed strong approval of the street art. One woman at Viktoriaplatz noted, "The square is beautiful and lively, not so gray." She added that "it brightens the mood." Another man commented, "I think this is perfect," appreciating how the art enlivens the streetscape.
Aline Trede, a Green National Councillor and Bern's Euro promoter, actively supported keeping the artwork. She stated in August that "The artworks are colorful, cheerful, from the region. Exactly how we experienced the Women's Euro here." Her comments underscore the local pride and positive sentiment associated with the art.
Impact on Bern's Public Spaces
The street art has transformed several public areas in Bern. Locations like Waldmannstrasse in Bern-Bethlehem and the area near the Lorrainebrücke, where footballers are depicted on the sidewalk, now feature more color and visual interest. These additions contribute to a more engaging urban environment.
Public Sentiment
- Passerby 1: "The square is beautiful and lively, not so gray. That brightens the mood."
- Passerby 2: "I think this is perfect."
- Aline Trede: "The artworks are colorful, cheerful, from the region. Exactly how we experienced the Women's Euro here."
Art as a Piece of Remembrance
Andreas Abebe, President of the Dialog Nordquartier neighborhood commission, also supports the retention of the street art. He believes such "refreshments in the neighborhood are always nice," especially when they carry a deeper meaning. According to Abebe, the street paintings serve as "a piece of remembrance culture."
He compared the art to the orange sign that commemorates Dutch fans during the Men's Euro 2008. Abebe emphasized the significance of the Women's European Championship. He stated, "And the Women's European Championship was ultimately more important to us than the Men's Euro."
Future of the Art
The city will review the clay-based paint motifs in spring 2026. This review will assess if the artworks still meet "design requirements." The ground paintings must be removed by the winter following this assessment at the latest. This ensures a temporary yet impactful presence for the art.
The decision ensures that these street paintings will remain in Bern, adding splashes of color to the city's asphalt, even through the winter months. This maintains a visible reminder of the Women's Euro and its message of equality.
