A Documentary Perspective on the Diamant Bicycle Project at Exile Media Hub Brandenburg

madamstudio
Apr 16
2 min read

schmerwitz 2024

In the summer of 2024, a mobility-focused project was launched in Schmerwitz, Germany, aimed at promoting sustainable transportation in rural areas. In collaboration with Exile Media Hub Brandenburg, Diamantrad and Little John Bikes, ten Diamantrad bicycles were provided to the residents of the media center. I participated in this initiative as the documentary photographer, capturing the implementation process from start to finish.

Mobility in Rural Areas: An Essential Infrastructure

Schmerwitz, like many rural areas in eastern Germany, is relatively remote and underserved by public transportation. This limitation poses a challenge, particularly for residents of the Exile Media Hub, who are media professionals from around the world seeking to rebuild their careers in a new environment.

Providing bicycles is not only a practical solution for independent transportation—it also facilitates broader participation in professional, social, and cultural activities.

The Role of Bicycles in Supporting Media Work

The residents of the Hub come from various fields including journalism, photography, podcasting, and visual design. Access to a bicycle enables them to explore their surroundings more easily, discover local stories, and carry out their projects with greater flexibility and independence.

From an environmental perspective, bicycles also represent a sustainable and eco-conscious approach to mobility in rural settings.

Effective Collaboration and Infrastructure Support

Little John Bikes played a key role in the realization of this project. They not only supplied and delivered the bicycles, but also provided secure locks to ensure safe and long-term use. This cooperation is an example of effective synergy between civil society, the private sector, and organizations that support media professionals in exile.

Visual Documentation of a Social Process

Throughout the project, my focus was on visually documenting meaningful yet subtle changes: the handover of bicycles, the initial instruction sessions, and the first independent rides. These images form part of a broader visual narrative that highlights the human and practical dimensions of support initiatives for media professionals in exile.

Learn more about the project:

https://www.diamantrad.com/de-DE/

https://littlejohnbikes.de

Text and Photography: Sareh Oveysi | @sarehhphotography