West Hollywood is very similar in that respect. "Our meeting today expresses our trans-atlantic bond."
The bear is the heraldic animal of Berlin and has been the mascot of the city for more than 700 years. The Buddy Bear program began in Berlin as an international public project as an artistic appeal for tolerance and understanding. The city contacts countries and artists around the world, providing them with the bear and asking them to paint their own artistic message on the fiberglass character.
West Hollywood's bear joins others around the world in such places as Egypt, Colombia, and the Congo, as a link to Berlin as well as world peace. Earlier this year, New York City became the first United States participant in the program. West Hollywood is the second.
"They feel the way we feel about society and they admire this city because West Hollywood is known all over the world because of its attitude toward people," ,said West Hollywood Mayor Sal Guarriello. "The Buddy Bear has a long and glorious history… West Hollywood is proud to join that prestigious list." Local artist Johnmichael Hull designed the West Hollywood Buddy. According to Hull, it was "a trippy canvas" on which to paint an idea. He incorporated a number of images including the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center Twin Towers sitting under two halos, figures inspired by West Hollywood residents, and the color of the rainbow to portray his message of tolerance, love, peace and hope.
"The message is people can coexist," Hull said. "I picked a theme of peaceful coexistence and love."
None of this would have been possible without Councilmember John Heilman, who first came to Wowereit's attention when Heilman sent a congratulatory letter last year for Wowereit's election as mayor. They soon struck up a professional relationship and realized West Hollywood would be a perfect place for a Buddy Bear.
"This kind of exchange is really representative of what we try to do," Heilman said.
"We're a world destination with the Sunset Strip, being a gay and lesbian center, and from having the Academy Award parties. It makes us known and it makes our citizens worldly. And that helps us promote a world view," he added.
The Buddy Bear is planned as being a permanent fixture in the city of West Hollywood. It will be on display at West Hollywood City Hall for the next month and then will move to various locations throughout the city.