Two local artists in Hagen, Germany, are working to transform the city's street art scene by advocating for more legal graffiti spaces and educating young people about the art form. Franziska Fuchs and Jan Eisenbeiß have formed an artistic collective called KreHAtiv, which combines creative graffiti work with community outreach and activism.
The duo operates their collective on multiple fronts, taking on commissioned graffiti projects while simultaneously offering educational workshops at local schools. Their work extends beyond creating art to fostering understanding and appreciation of graffiti culture among students and the broader community.
A central focus of KreHAtiv's mission involves advocating for the establishment of additional free spaces and legal walls throughout Hagen where artists can practice their craft without legal concerns. The collective views these designated areas as precious resources, comparing them to pearls in their value and rarity for the street art community.
Through their combined efforts in commissioned work, education, and advocacy, Fuchs and Eisenbeiß are working to legitimize graffiti as an art form while providing safe, legal outlets for artistic expression in their city. Their approach demonstrates how street artists can engage constructively with their communities to promote understanding and create opportunities for creative growth.
