RAUM FÜR ZUKUNFT. BILDER DER IN­DUS­TRIE­KUL­TUR IM RUHRGEBIET

In cooperation with the Ruhr Regional Association

Living industrial culture, photographed industrial culture: how do people living in the Ruhr region perceive industrial culture and what perspectives on industrial culture exist? The exhibition "Space for the Future" brings together 34 different photographic works by amateur photographers on the subject of "Industrial Heritage in the Ruhr Area". The images were submitted as part of a photography competition organized by the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) and the Ruhr Museum to mark the 25th anniversary of the Industrial Heritage Route, which links the most important sites of industrial heritage. On display are night shots, atmospheric images of different times of day and seasons, documentation of industrial nature, reuse and conversion of industrial sites as well as images of active and inactive industry in dialog with the urban space.

THE OCCASION

The Industrial Heritage Route is 25 years old. This is an occasion to reflect on the significance of industrial heritage for the Ruhr region. For more than a quarter of a century, the route, with its important anchor points, impressive views of the industrial cultural landscape and vibrant settlements, has condensed the transformation history of the region. Founded in 1999, it brings together the almost 30 special legacies of the industrial past of what was once Europe's largest industrial region and connects them to form a unique historical ensemble, which is complemented by hundreds of other industrial sites. The former industrial plants, which are spread across the entire Ruhr region, not only represent almost all elements of the industrial landscape shaped by mining, but are also eloquent testimonies to the structural change of this landscape in their respective characteristics.

To mark the anniversary, the Ruhr Regional Association and the Ruhr Museum are presenting the photography exhibition "Space for the future. Images of industrial culture in the Ruhr region", which was created as part of a competition with the people of the Ruhr region.

THE EXHIBITION

The photography exhibition "Space for the future. Images of Industrial Heritage in the Ruhr Area" not only marks the 25th anniversary of the Route of Industrial Heritage. Due to its amateur photographic approach, it also sets an important milestone in the documentation and appreciation of the industrial past and present in the Ruhr region. The multifaceted images invite visitors to view industrial culture from a variety of perspectives. Together, they are an impressive result of the connection between the people of the Ruhr area and their region and its history - after 25 years of Route Industriekultur.

The exhibition brings together 34 different works by amateur photographers on the subject of "Industrial heritage in the Ruhr region". The 60 photographs tell stories of former and active industrial plants, of urban developments and of art and culture in the context of industrial history. They show the impressive architecture that has changed over time, as well as the people who live in this environment and have made the places their own. Whether colorful or in black and white, each photograph conveys a unique impression of industrial culture in the Ruhr region.

They show a clear focus on buildings and overall facilities in the cityscape as well as variations on the theme of the industrial landscape. Landmarks illuminated at night, spectacular slag heaps and monumental buildings make excellent photographic motifs. Where people animate the scenery, they are in close contact with the places mentioned. They use them as places of relaxation and leisure, but also as new places of work. Many entries in the competition show how industrial plants blend almost naturally into the cityscape and become part of the normality. Others emphasize how they stand out from their surroundings.

THE COMPETITION

The images were submitted as part of a photography competition organized by the Ruhr Regional Association and the Ruhr Museum to mark the 25th anniversary of the Route of Industrial Heritage via the FUNKE Media Group. Over 1,400 submissions from amateur photographers were carefully reviewed by a curatorial team. The selection of 60 individual images and series by 34 photographers reflects the diversity and multifaceted nature of industrial culture and will be presented on the 24-meter level in the coal washing plant and shown in the catalog during the celebrations.