Picture books create moments of closeness and at the same time open our eyes to the diversity of the world, says Martin Baltscheit, author and illustrator of children's books. A conversation about the foundations of our cultural education, about idiosyncratic characters and the obligation to create a happy ending.

As Chief Growth Officer at the marketing agency Publicis Groupe in the DACH region and founder of the Creative Hive platform, Christoph Pietsch is very well connected in Düsseldorf's creative scene. He spoke to VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst about his favourite football club KFC Uerdingen, spectacular new business campaigns, the importance of a well-functioning city society and his deep roots in Düsseldorf. 

Marius Helle is an artist, nature enthusiast, educator – and a resident of Düsseldorf with a passion. In May 2023 his innovative, sustainable design concept for the public space Urbatur (see info box) was among the five winning projects and was awarded by creative.nrw, the creative network of The regional government.