As of this week, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has not only welcomed 778 new students, but also some very special guests: 50 blue sheep will be on the university’s Kleve campus for the next two weeks as a symbol of understanding, tolerance and peace.
The flock of blue sheep has become well known through a performance art project organised by the European Parliament and has been regarded as a symbol of peace for many years. The artist, Rainer Bonk, is delighted that the university is supporting the project ‘Everyone is equal, everyone is important’ and is thus helping to spread the message. “The message could not be more timely or appropriate. The international character and international understanding that the project stands for are part of our university’s DNA,” emphasises University President Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, who personally accepted the flock of blue sheep alongside representatives from the university and the Friends of the University Association.
On behalf of the university, Locker-Grütjen expressed his gratitude to the Friends of Rhein-Waal University – Cleve Campus e.V. for their sponsorship and support. Special thanks go in particular to the chairman, Robert Beinio, who is also managing director of bb med. product GmbH, whose donation made this initiative possible in the first place. Beinio is delighted that the flock of blue sheep has returned to Kleve after nine years. Having travelled far and wide in the meantime, it has now found a temporary home in a meadow very close to the library building.
The campus of the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve will not be the Blue Sheep Herd’s final stop. Next year, they are due to be exhibited in front of Kamp Abbey in Kamp-Lintfort. In the long term, the university plans to present the Blue Sheep to winners as prizes in student competitions or awards, for example. “So although the flock will continue to shrink, it will carry its message out into the world – and that is exactly what we want to achieve,” says Locker-Grütjen happily.
Background
information The herds of blue sheep, which are produced in a Duisburg workshop for people with disabilities, have already made appearances against significant backdrops such as the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Germany’s state parliaments (including Düsseldorf) and the Kleve Forstgarten, and are now making their mark on the grounds of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
