The community sculpture should “make solidarity visible” and provide a “sign of hope for cohesion and mutual support,” said artist and initiator Julia Bugram. This started in 2019 with a crowdfunding campaign that raised 27,001 euros. The industrialist Hans Peter Haselsteiner subsequently added 70,000 euros.
The Raiffeisen banks in Baden helped to raise the necessary quantities of coins. The realization, i.e. the gluing of panel parts according to prepared plans, was then carried out collaboratively and, during the Corona lockdowns, sometimes also by working from home. Over 3,800 people took part.
“Raising Hands” as another “landmark of the city”
At the press conference, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) recalled Vienna's long tradition of art in public spaces and saw sculpture as "an important signal for humanity, mercy and solidarity, especially in times of the Ukraine war. Right now, art can give us optimism and... convey hope." If discussions arise because of the prominent display location, that is only a good thing: "If there are no controversial discussions about art, there is a risk that art will become shallow." “Raising Hands,” on the other hand, “has the potential to become an additional landmark for our city,” said Ludwig with conviction.
Cathedral priest Toni Faber was pleased that the hands given to each other had their effect "without much explanation": "They immediately captivate us - as great art can."
Translated by Google •
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