The artist has submitted an application for her idea to the disposition fund, which was unanimously approved by the redevelopment advisory board. Many citizens are taking part, beautifying their neighborhood and are delighted with the new picturesque diversity. A first for Salzgitter too.

In the Salzgitter city newsletter, the artist read that there is a disposition fund for Steterburg and therefore a budget to financially support ideas from residents, associations and institutions. Nicole Brito de la Cruz submitted an application to the redevelopment advisory board for her project: to paint the grey cable distribution boxes in a colorful way together with the people of Steterburg.

First of all, however, she had to clarify whether the electricity distribution boxes could be painted at all. Here she approached WEVG, which supported the project from the outset and selected the cable distribution boxes that were suitable for the project during a tour. Fortunately, this project was approved unanimously by the redevelopment advisory board. Nicole Brito de la Cruz then used the money from the disposition fund to buy the accessories and create flyers, which her neighbors distributed, thus inviting all residents to participate. The artist began at Pappeldamm. After the basic cleaning, the primer was applied before the colors could be applied. "Many people approached me, thought it was a great idea and wanted to take part," she says, delighted with the response. In her free time, she organized the details around motif selection, design and implementation:

Some Steterburg residents wanted to paint comic figures; others preferred nature motifs; some young people wanted to immortalize Eintracht in paint. "Everyone gets involved, from cleaning and preparing the stencils to creating the artwork," explains the artist. Together, a painterly diversity is created that also reflects the diversity in Steterburg. With their commitment, each group also takes on responsibility.

The result: little by little, many colorful cable distribution boxes are being created. Most of them are already reserved with ideas that will be painted or spray-painted and thus implemented over the next few weeks. Only four boxes do not yet have a "painting sponsor".

"The project is being implemented superbly. Steterburg shines in many places in a special way," says Michael Feyerabend, chairman of the redevelopment advisory board, who is delighted with the successful start.

The project is just as successful for WEVG. "The many ideas beautify and enhance the gray cable distribution boxes," says Jürgen Kook, Team Leader Documentation and Operations Management at WEVG. The company has already facilitated these picturesque beautification projects in other towns and has had good experiences. This premiere in Steterburg and thus in Salzgitter is just as positive. The WEVG is also open to other parts of the city if corresponding wishes are expressed. There have already been many inquiries from Thiede too, so there are plans to expand this project in 2021.

But for now, painting will continue in Steterburg. "I want to make the world a little more colorful," says Nicole Brito de la Cruz. She moved to Steterburg three years ago and wants to get involved locally. "Be the change you wish to see in the world," the artist quotes Mahatma Gandhi and is delighted that so many Steterburg residents are also putting this quote into practice in a very pragmatic way.

Sabine Naats, Neighborhood Manager, is delighted that the response to the first project with citizen participation, which was financed by the disposition fund, has been so great.

Anyone who has further ideas for Steterburg or would like to submit an application for the disposition fund is welcome to contact the district management office.