Scholz & Friends hosts Sophia Emmerichs exhibition „Diversity for Sale“
Scholz & Friends, together with WPP Germany, recently hosted Sophia Emmerich’s exhibition “Diversity for Sale” at its Hamburg office. The opening invited all employees to engage with a topic of immense importance to the agency and the entire industry: diversity and inclusion.
“Hyped Up and Then Let Down”: What “Diversity for Sale” Really Reveals
Sophia Emmerich’s photo series “Diversity for Sale” passionately captures the many facets of queer people and advocates for queerness as a natural part of society. At the same time, it shines a spotlight on a troubling trend: the decline in the importance of diversity and inclusion as companies scale back their public engagement. Sophia’s work highlights the feeling of “being hyped up and then let down.” For the creative and communications industry, this raises the question: Was the engagement of recent years genuine commitment or just a trend-driven strategy?
Why Scholz & Friends is confronting this uncomfortable truth
For Scholz & Friends, it’s about identifying trends, critically examining them, and helping to shape them. The agency thrives on telling authentic stories from diverse perspectives. Without credibly embedding the values of diversity and inclusion in the marketing strategy, this is not possible. Authenticity is crucial for long-term brand success. Advertising shapes public perception. Therefore, it is essential for agencies and advertisers to face Sophia’s critical gaze. To ensure the necessary visibility and to not only communicate but also reflect, Scholz & Friends invited Sophia Emmerich to its Hamburg office with “Diversity for Sale.”
An Evening Full of Meaning: Impressions from the Opening
The opening was more than just an exhibition; it was a vibrant space for dialogue and reflection. The event kicked off with FM Schmidt, CEO of Scholz & Friends, and Rebecca Wanner, Senior Manager of Inclusion & Impact, who framed the topic and emphasized the relevance of diverse perspectives for the creative strength and innovative power of Scholz & Friends as well as the entire industry. Sophia Emmerich then shared personal insights into her work and the background of “Diversity for Sale.” Afterward, Scholz & Friends employees had the opportunity to view the photographs, exchange ideas with Sophia, and discuss the topic. An evening that, through its art, provided relevant food for thought for an important discourse.