A new artistic sculpture celebrating the sister city partnership between Dorsten, Germany and Rybnik, Poland is set to transform a busy traffic roundabout into a striking visual landmark. The proposed artwork aims to serve as both a symbol of international friendship and an aesthetic enhancement to the Fürst-Leopold-Allee/Hainichenring roundabout in the Hervest district.
Frank Hesse has unveiled detailed design concepts for the ambitious sculpture project, which features creative input from Emil Dervishev, a Ukrainian artist who fled from Crimea. The collaboration brings together local civic leadership with international artistic vision to create a meaningful public art installation that will be visible to thousands of daily commuters and residents.
The roundabout sculpture represents more than just decorative urban planning – it serves as a physical manifestation of the longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties between Dorsten and its Polish sister city Rybnik. The partnership between these two European communities has fostered exchange programs, cultural events, and mutual cooperation across various civic initiatives over the years.
Dervishev's artistic concept draws from his unique perspective as a displaced artist, bringing themes of connection, resilience, and cultural bridge-building to the project. His background adds a poignant dimension to the sister city celebration, as the sculpture will represent not only German-Polish friendship but also the broader European values of solidarity and artistic expression.
While the design plans have been presented and are generating community interest, project officials have not yet announced a definitive timeline for completion of the sculpture installation. The "Rondo Dorsten" concept already exists in preliminary form, but various logistical and administrative steps remain before construction can begin on the traffic circle transformation.
Once completed, the sculpture is expected to become a recognizable landmark for the Hervest area, potentially serving as a meeting point and source of community pride. The project demonstrates how public art can serve multiple functions – honoring international relationships, beautifying urban infrastructure, and creating memorable spaces that enhance residents' daily experiences.
