18th ERIH Conference in Esch-sur-Alzette (L) and online: Register now!

Preserving the past and shaping the future – this is a special challenge for Europe's industrial heritage sites. For our perception of the industrial age increasingly involves controversial issues such as ecological impact and colonialism. Both this shift in perspective and the way to deal with it are reflected in the title of this year's ERIH conference: "Industrial Heritage in Midst of the Next Industrial Revolution – New Challenges in Storytelling".

The conference, which will take place from 19 - 21 October 2022 in Esch-sur-Alzette/ Luxembourg as well as online, raises profound questions: How can we approach industrialisation in a less romanticized and backward-looking way? How can we relate our "old stories" to current challenges such as climate change, migration, gender equality and inclusion? And how can industrial heritage sites meet their responsibility as actors and part of the European Green Deal and operate their business more sustainably?

The keynote lectures will address the above questions based on case studies from Germany, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Poland. The topics cover climate change, water management as well as sustainability in the textile sector, but also focus on forward-thinking communication and playful narrative concepts. As always, workshops in the afternoon provide an opportunity for specific exchanges in given thematic groups to develop hands-on storytelling methods and implementations. Traditionally, the conference is flanked by the annual general meeting of ERIH members and a rich sightseeing programme.

Registration is now open for both online participants and those interested in attending the conference at the venue in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.

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