3D 87 Deutschlandbilder
Alternative sign system informing about medical offices to people without health insurance, residence permits and papers.
Initiator(s)
Boran Burchhardt, Ana Siler
Description
The project uses a system of signs to navigate the legal gray area of medical care for people without health insurance, residence permits and papers. In the form of a sticker attached on the back side of parking zone signs in over 50 languages the artist informs the public about the network of medical offices. The project started in 2010 in Essen and continued to Heidelberg and Hamburg. An extension to other cities around the Ruhr and Northern Germany is in preparation. The title alludes to Article 87 of the Residence Act, that committs public employees to report ‘undocumented’ persons. This contrasts with medical confidentiality to protect patient privacy.
Goals
The goal of the project is to make visible one of the invisible boundaries that divides public space. This boundary has its origin in the 1987 Residence Act, which is for everyone readable and visible, but its effects stay invisible.
Beneficial outcomes
To offer information on medical care to those without health insurance, residence permits and papers in 50 different languages, referring them to the Medibüros offices. Medibüros are non-governmental contact points, established with the aim of giving anonymous and free medical assistance to illegals. In addition, the project also seeks to raise awareness of the issue with those who walk past the sign.
Location
Germany
Users
The artists, undocumented inmigrants.
Maintained by
Boran Burchhardt, Folkwang Museum Essen (Exhibition: Hacking the City), Kunstverein Heidelberg.
Duration
2010 - ongoing
Category
Scientific
Pedagogical
Politics
Urban Development
Economy
Environment
Social
