Author Claudia

Art Points Düsseldorf: Workshop with children by KRASS and BBK
As part of the Kunstpunkte 2023 in Düsseldorf, a special collaborative project took place between KRASS e.V. and the Federal Association of Visual Artists in the Düsseldorf regional association (BBK). The project was led by Michelle from the BBK and was aimed at children from the KRASS e.V. community. The workshops took place in the premises of the BBK Kunstforum Düsseldorf.
Theme and artistic approach
The project's starting point was the question: Why do people love costumes and masks? Michelle, an artist with the BBK (Professional Association of Visual Artists), had already been exploring the theme of "headspace"—the inner space in which we reside mentally and emotionally—for a year. She also investigated how we both express certain feelings and, at the same time, conceal many emotions from ourselves.
Through creative exchange with the children, we explored how to find the right "mind space." Only when we succeed in this can we enjoy life with all its challenges. A key insight was the importance of taking time for things that give us good "mind space." These moments foster inner peace, joy, and balance.
Creative process and results
The theme was perfectly suited for working artistically and playfully with the children. This allowed them to immerse themselves in the world of masks, emotions, and identity. Using various materials, colors, and shapes, the children created individual masks and artworks that reflected their personal "headspace." In this way, feelings that often remain hidden became visible, and inner moods were given an external form.
meaning and effect
The project not only gave the children access to visual art. It also opened up opportunities for self-reflection and emotional expression. The resulting works impressively demonstrated how differently children perceive and artistically express their own feelings.
The cooperation between KRASS e.V. and the BBK proved to be particularly enriching. It combined educational work with artistic practice and created a space in which children could grow creatively and discover new things about themselves.
September 4, 2023
KRASS e.V. in dialogue with politics: The political August 2023!
In August 2023, the KRASS team again held talks with political representatives to discuss cultural education for children and young people. The aim was to raise awareness and promote the vision of KRASS e.V. – to provide free educational opportunities for all children.
The importance of cultural education
Cultural education is of central importance for children and young people. It fosters creativity, self-confidence, team spirit, and critical thinking. At the same time, it opens up new perspectives and contributes to enabling social participation. It is particularly important that educational programs are low-threshold and accessible to everyone. KRASS e.V. is committed to ensuring that children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds also have access to these opportunities.
Political meetings in August
This summer, the KRASS team held three in-depth discussions with representatives from different political backgrounds. In all meetings, staff reported on their daily work and the impact of the projects on the ground. The political representatives received the reports with interest, praised the commitment and mission of the organization, and signaled their support for low-threshold cultural programs.
Impact and outlook
The meetings confirmed the importance of political dialogue for the sustainable promotion of cultural education. KRASS e.V. was able to directly communicate its concerns and provide important impetus. The team will maintain ongoing communication to further advance the vision of free and open access to cultural education.
September 2, 2023
KRASS is a guest at the charity pavilion of the Winter World Düsseldorf!
A wonderful day at the charity pavilion in the Winter World! First donations were collected, then there was dancing, drumming, and finally a ride on the Ferris wheel – thank you to everyone who made this possible.
On Friday, 30 December, KRASS e.V. will be present at the charity pavilion of the Winter World under the motto “Give the gift of culture and education.” There, we aim to engage with visitors and provide insights into our work.
Since 2009, we have been committed to ensuring that children and young people – especially those from low-income families – have access to art, culture, and creative education. In addition to learning support, we offer a wide range of workshops where children can paint, design, dance, and explore – often also outdoors in nature. Our art mobile brings these activities directly to the children, including many who have recently fled from Ukraine.
All projects are supervised by qualified professionals and are free of charge. Our work is financed exclusively through donations and grants.
1 January 2023
KRASS e.V. celebrates voluntary work and social commitment
A special summer festival, a special occasion: KRASS e.V. from Düsseldorf, whose founder Claudia Seidensticker was awarded the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia this year, dedicated this year's festival to voluntary work – to the people who fill the association with life and love – the volunteers.
Around 80 invited guests celebrated the commitment of all those who, day after day, help ensure that children and young people gain access to education, art, and culture. The welcoming address was given by Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf, who particularly emphasized the importance of civic engagement and the long-standing work of KRASS e.V. The welcoming address was given by Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf, who particularly emphasized the importance of civic engagement and the long-standing work of KRASS e.V.
Without volunteers, there would be no KRASS e.V..
“Our work would be unthinkable without civic engagement. People from a wide variety of professions – biologists, musicians, chefs or graphic designers – all get involved with us out of enthusiasm for the cause,” explains founder Claudia Seidensticker.
Since the organization receives no institutional funding to date, despite numerous awards (as of September 2022), the support of volunteers is invaluable. They are the backbone of KRASS and, through their passion, creativity, and experience, shape the face of our projects in Düsseldorf and our branch offices.
Equal opportunities for all children
Around 20,000 children in Düsseldorf live in poverty – many of them have only limited access to education, sports programs, or leisure activities that support both joy and development. This is exactly where KRASS e.V. comes in. Since 2009, we have been creating cultural educational programs that are open to every child – regardless of their background or financial means. Whether painting, music, dance, or media projects: at KRASS, art becomes a key to self-confidence and social participation.
Numerous supporters have accompanied our work for many years, and volunteers also contribute their individual skills in terms of content through volunteering. This results in diverse programs that are always oriented toward the needs of the children.
More than art – lived responsibility
Our work has long gone beyond art and culture. In recent years, we have expanded our range of activities in order to support children and families in a more holistic way. We now offer daily tutoring, warm meals, gardening projects, and holiday programs – all of which create community, promote education, and open up real opportunities for the future.
KRASS e.V. stands for lived responsibility, creative education, and social cohesion. And all of this would not be possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers. They deservedly received the applause this evening.
“Our work would be unthinkable without civic engagement. We have biologists, musicians, chefs, and graphic designers working for us, simply because they are passionate about what they do,” says Seidensticker. Since the association receives no institutional funding to date, despite numerous awards, the work of the volunteers is invaluable.
20.000 children in Düsseldorf are considered poor
“Around 20.000 children in Düsseldorf are considered poor. Many of them have limited access to education, sports activities, and meaningful leisure activities that are also fun. This is where we come in!” explains Seidensticker. Numerous sponsors have supported KRASS since 2009 in its mission to make cultural education, in the form of visual arts, singing, or dance, accessible to every child. Volunteers also contribute to shaping the content of the programs, depending on their backgrounds.
Thus, the work of the association has long since ceased to be limited to art and culture, but has expanded its scope entirely to meet the needs of the children: Since Corona, there has also been daily tutoring, hot meals, garden projects and holiday programs.
September 21, 2022
Become a supporting member and actively support children
Not every child has the same opportunities – but every child has potential. This is precisely where KRASS e.V. in Düsseldorf comes in: Our goal is to empower children and young people who have less access to cultural education due to social or financial circumstances.
We open doors to art, creativity, and learning – free of charge, approachable, and driven by great dedication. With a supporting membership, you help us continue our commitment to children and young people in Düsseldorf!
As a supporting member, you enable education, art and culture as a key to personal development.
Since our founding, we have been fostering the personal development of young people through creative projects. Whether painting, dancing, making music, or crafting – the children experience that they are capable, that their ideas matter, and that learning can be fun. In this way, they develop self-confidence, expressive skills, and social strength – abilities that carry them through life.
Our programs are intentionally free of charge so that no child is excluded. Nearly 60.000 participants aged three to eighteen have already benefited from our courses, workshops, and activities. They all demonstrate the powerful impact of art and cultural education when it is accessible to everyone. As a supporting member, you contribute to this success.
Why our work needs support
KRASS e.V. is funded exclusively through donations, project grants, and private contributions. We do not receive any regular funding from the city or state authorities. To continue supporting children and young people directly in their communities – through art and dance classes, educational support, and mobile cultural programs – we rely on dependable support. A supporting membership makes exactly that possible!
In addition to financial contributions, volunteer support is also a valuable part of our work. Many dedicated people contribute their ideas, time, or expertise, helping us achieve even more together.
Become a supporting member – from as little as 5 euros per month.
To ensure the long-term sustainability and continued growth of our work, we warmly invite you to become a supporting member. With a monthly contribution starting from just 5 euros, you help us provide children and young people with lasting access to education, art, and culture. Every form of support, whether small or large, makes a difference – and creates opportunities for the future.
Become part of the KRASS community with a supporting membership.
Together we create opportunities. Together we empower children.
👉 Become a supporting member now and promote the future of children and young people!
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September 21, 2022
Ms. Fett is going on a world tour by bicycle for a good cause!
Carmen Fett cycles from Düsseldorf to Australia!
Since March 31, 2018, our lecturer "Frau Fett" has been traveling by bicycle. Her journey began in Düsseldorf and is taking her through Eastern Europe and Asia to Australia. The aim of the trip is to encourage people worldwide to do good for others and to raise funds for KRASS e.V..
Short-term projects in international cities
KRASS e.V. is not only active across Germany, but has also already implemented projects in Athens, Shanghai, and other cities. For this reason, Ms. Fett travels specifically to these locations to carry out short-term projects with children on site. In this way, young people can experience cultural and artistic programs directly and develop their creativity.
Message of the journey
Ms. Fett describes her mission as follows:
"I will demonstrate my willingness to work with your support on the future and the positive development of children and young people by giving them the opportunity to discover and develop themselves culturally and artistically."
Symbolism of the red balloons
On her journey, she is accompanied by red balloons. These are photographed with people she meets. The red balloon symbolizes hope, equality, and love. It embodies values and goals that our society should strive for, regardless of faith or nationality.
Impact and meaning
The bicycle journey combines adventure, commitment, and cultural education. It raises awareness for the work of KRASS e.V. and motivates people worldwide to support children and young people. At the same time, the short-term projects in various cities create direct impact on site.
Ms. Fett has already traveled over 2000 kilometers and reached her first milestone in mid-April by crossing the border into Austria. In recent weeks, she has also passed through Slovakia and Hungary, reaching her next destinations of Slovenia and Croatia. The hospitality and appreciation she has encountered along the way constantly motivate her for this long journey.
ALTRUJA-PAGE-JDEB
February 19, 2019