The city of Altenberg in Germany has been offering financial assistance to property owners for graffiti removal since spring 2024, but surprisingly, no one has taken advantage of the program yet. The initiative is part of a comprehensive anti-graffiti strategy designed to combat illegal spray painting throughout the city, where colorful tags and murals have become a defining feature of the urban landscape.

Under the city's two-zone model, property owners in the downtown area can receive reimbursement for up to 50 percent of graffiti removal costs, while those in other parts of the city and surrounding districts are eligible for up to 30 percent coverage. Last year, the city allocated 15,000 euros specifically for this financial support program, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the widespread graffiti problem.

According to Christian Bettels, the city's press spokesperson, the lack of participation stems primarily from insufficient awareness of the program's existence. To address this issue, the city administration plans to launch an aggressive information campaign this fall to educate residents about the available support and explain how the graffiti concept works. The goal is to increase public knowledge about the city's responsibilities and the step-by-step process for obtaining financial assistance.

Although funding was again allocated in the 2025 budget for graffiti removal, Bettels explained that these resources have already been exhausted on cleaning city-owned buildings. However, he assured residents that additional funding could be made available if there is urgent demand for the program. The city remains committed to supporting property owners in their efforts to maintain clean facades.

Markus Tietz and Lucas Paul Stau from Altenberg Service and Utility Company are the specialists responsible for graffiti removal throughout the skating city. They conduct large-scale cleaning operations using sandblasting equipment approximately once or twice per month, with recent work on the market square serving as a prime example of their efforts. These professionals have witnessed firsthand the escalating graffiti problem in the area.

"Where there's one graffiti tag, there are quickly ten more. That's why they should be removed quickly," explained Stau, emphasizing the importance of rapid response to prevent the spread of illegal artwork. His most extensive cleanup project occurred in 2024 when he spent an entire week removing graffiti from North Square. Stau noted that the volume of spray painting has increased significantly in recent years, making time a crucial factor in effective removal efforts.

The city's comprehensive strategy extends beyond reactive cleanup to include preventive measures designed to deter future vandalism. These initiatives encompass the creation of legal, artistic graffiti spaces, installation of climbing plants on vulnerable surfaces, and application of anti-graffiti coatings to prevent spray painters from targeting blank walls and surfaces in the first place.

Several exciting projects are scheduled for the coming months as part of this preventive approach. In September, the city will collaborate with Farbküche (Paint Kitchen) to redesign the railway underpass, transforming it into an attractive space less likely to attract illegal graffiti. Additionally, Altenberg's Energy and Water Supply company plans to redesign facades of the swimming hall and gas pressure regulation station on Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Straße later this year, with transformer stations scheduled for beautification in subsequent years.

Currently, Altenberg lacks designated legal spaces for graffiti artists, forcing even those who might prefer to create art legally to resort to illegal locations. However, this situation may soon change thanks to a promising initiative. The FACK association, which supports youth initiatives in Altenberg through prize money, recently awarded funding to a young person proposing the creation of legal graffiti walls in the city.

Bettels revealed that city officials met with FACK association representatives and local youth in early August to discuss potential locations for legal graffiti spaces. North Square has emerged as a primary candidate, though the proposal is still under review by relevant city administration departments. Alternative locations being considered include the rear walls of garage complexes in the southeastern district, specifically areas along Eschenstraße, Kastanienstraße, and Pappelstraße.

Looking toward the future, Bettels announced that a revised version of the graffiti concept is nearing completion, with specific focus on providing legal graffiti spaces for artists. This updated plan will include a detailed timeline for implementing various measures over the next two years, representing a comprehensive approach to managing the ongoing tension between artistic expression and property maintenance in Altenberg.