A portrayal of change in the Ruhr Metropolis

Anyone visiting the old winding towers, redeveloped spoil tips and other elevated sites in the Ruhr Metropolis in May 2010 during the week after Whitsuntide will be confronted by a striking scenario. Around 400 yellow balloons with long ribbons will hover like pins on a pin cushion up to 80 metres above the former mineshafts, the roots of the Ruhr region. 35 of them will be seen in Dortmund.

The yellow helium balloon is reflected in the window of the Hansemann colliery.
Photo: H. Kuhlmann, Schachtzeichen

The balloons are a moving testament to the metamorphosis of the Ruhr Metropolis, identifying those places where it all began - where winding towers once stood, structures that defined the cityscapes for more than a century.

The closer one comes to the individual sites, the more apparent the process of change. The rusting production buildings forming part of huge colliery workings have largely disappeared, leaving behind empty spaces. Some have been put to new use, others remain as yet unoccupied. Parks and industrial zones, roads and housing estates have taken their place alongside acclaimed cultural projects in original buildings restored to serve a new purpose; other areas are still unused and provide a habitat for local flora and fauna.

Project for the people of the Ruhr region

The 4,000 square kilometres art installation based on an idea by Volker Bandelow of Bochum tells of man's power to make change happen and to re-conquer in poetic style a landscape deformed by industry. "Shaft Signs" presents a unifying and buoyant picture. As a joint initiative organised by the participating cities, citizens and businesses, this project is intended for the people of the Ruhr region.

Dozens of these bright orange balloons will decorate the backdrop of industrial culture in May 2010.
Photo: Ujesko

Exhibitions, discussions, talks

From 22 to 30 May 2010, places where workers once toiled will be transformed into stages large and small, formal and informal, familiar to all or yet to be discovered - depending entirely on the creative ideas and initiatives of the local people: exhibitions examining the history of the mines and urban districts, photography, discussions and talks that keep alive the memory of a living history and the stories of the Ruhr region.

Illuminated balloons

Shaft Signs is more than an art happening: it is a community initiative, in which towns, citizens and businesses are taking part. In Dortmund in Shaft Sign Week there will be twelve street festivals under the balloons in twelve city quarters (see below); the organizers are also putting on exhibitions, lectures and tours in the city districts. There will be 35 balloons altogether shining over the roofs of the Westfalian Metropolis.

Shaft Signs from 22 to 30 May 2010, from morning to evening

Night Signs on 24 and 29 May – the balloons will be shining at night