The Living with Water Exhibition Showcases Cross-Border Cooperation: A Spotlight on the Rindern-Millingen Partnership
Art Showcase titled "Living with Water"
The LVR Niederrhein Museum Wesel recently unveiled its new permanent exhibition, "Living with Water," which offers a comprehensive exploration of the Lower Rhine region's history, culture, and everyday life. One of the exhibition's highlights is the focus on cross-border cooperation, particularly the long-standing collaboration between the fire stations in Rindern, Germany, and Millingen aan de Rijn, Netherlands.
The Interplay of Nature, Culture, Technology, and Everyday Life
"Living with Water" delves into the intricate interplay of nature, culture, technology, and everyday life from the High Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibition features various sections, each showcasing different aspects of the Lower Rhine region's rich history and cultural heritage.
The EU in Daily Life: A Testimony to Cross-Border Collaboration
One of the most captivating units within the exhibition is "The EU in Daily Life." This section explores the collaboration that has grown over five decades between the two fire stations, using a bilingual video featuring eyewitness interviews and a multimedia guide with interviews and video sequences. A historical coupling piece, originating from the fire station Rindern, is on display in the exhibition, demonstrating the museum's focus on interactivity and experiences.
A Long History of Cross-Border Cooperation
The partnership between Rindern and Millingen dates back to 1972, following a significant incident near the border. Since then, the partnership has grown through regular deployments, personal contacts, and mutual trust. The collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing emergency response times, resource allocation, and overall safety for citizens on both sides of the border.
The Importance of Cross-Border Cooperation: A Statement by Museum Director Corinna Endlich
Museum Director Corinna Endlich emphasized that understanding the Lower Rhine requires cross-border perspectives, viewing it as a flow of ideas, goods, and cooperation. Endlich's statement underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in understanding the region's complex history and ongoing dynamics.
The Opening Ceremony and Presence of Delegations
The exhibition opening was marked by the presence of representatives from both fire stations. A delegation from the fire station Rindern, led by deputy station commander Tobias Vehreschild, attended the event. The delegation, along with a museum moderator, presented the story of a cross-border neighborhood that transcends boundaries in times of emergency.
The Living with Water exhibition at the LVR Niederrhein Museum Wesel offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the Lower Rhine region's history and the importance of cross-border cooperation. By showcasing the Rindern-Millingen partnership, the exhibition serves as a testament to the tangible benefits of practical cross-border actions for communities.
In the "Living with Water" exhibition, a section named "The EU in Daily Life" highlights the long-standing collaboration between the fire stations in Rindern, Germany, and Millingen aan de Rijn, Netherlands, through the use of technology, namely a bilingual video and a multimedia guide, to showcase the cooperation and demonstrate sustainable living as part of home-and-garden and lifestyle choices in the Lower Rhine region. This collaboration, rooted in cross-border cooperation and history, serves as an example of the interplay of nature, culture, technology, and everyday life, and underlines the importance of such cooperation in fostering a sustainable lifestyle.
