Research project on industrial culture in the German-Polish border region.

The initial point of view of this research project is the thesis that the required social debate about industrial cultural heritage in the German–Polish region has to ensure civic participation, as well. The German-Polish border region is formed by a more than 200 years lasting industrial tradition and their structural heritage. So far, this industrial history is perceived as a lossy development. Only very recently scientific and historical efforts by museums and universities as well as single civic project can be observed, that achieve an intense examination of the industrial past of this region. At this point our research project takes the work up.
It will be examined what kind of cultural debate and acquirement of industrial heritage issues take place in Germany and in Poland, and whether there is a cultural transfer between the countries. It is achieved to compare the attitude towards industrial heritage in three selected border regions along the German-Polish border as well as intergenerational. For this, qualitative interviews with residents of different ages as well as experts, thematic workshops in every region and expert conferences are planned. One of the main issues will be the meaning of civic participation for the management of industrial heritage.

Management: Karolina Hettchen, Heidi Pinkepank
Period: 2011-2012
Organization: INIK e.V.
Topics: Industrial Culture, Cultural Studies, Appropriation, Participation