Revival to Reuse: Can Industrial Heritage save us?

What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution? How can we revive and use its remains for the future?

When West Midlands poet Anna Seward wrote about the effects of industrialisation over 100 years ago, she popularised today’s usage of the word ‘pollution’.

But for all its impacts, industrialisation has also left us with its ruins. Can we use them to heal old wounds? And what are the different models we can use for doing so?

From museums to canals and even geoparks, our panel will discuss how industrial heritage can encourage revival, reuse, and renewal within our communities, particularly in the Black Country.

In this online event, you'll get to:

• Learn about the human and environmental impact of the Industrial Revolution
• Explore different models for how industrial heritage can revive communities
• Discover real examples happening today in Smethwick and the Black Country
• Ask questions to our panel in a live Q&A!

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Our panellists include:

• Malcolm Dick (Uni of Birminhgam)
• Lizey Thompson (Canal and River Trust)
• Graham Worton (Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark coordinator)

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ADDITIONAL INFO

Chance Conversations is a lively series of free, online webinars and panel discussions about the future of industrial heritage, in Smethwick and the wider area.

Taking place from 26 July – 04 August 2022, our speakers will explore some of the biggest current topics in industrial heritage, from different ways that industrial heritage can revive communities, to the global history and connections with empire that a town's most iconic industrial buildings can reveal.

The talks are being hosted by Chance Heritage Trust and DigVentures as part of #MadeinSmethwick - an ongoing programme of public events inspired by stories from Chance Brothers glassworks in Smethwick, and the ongoing mission to give this disused industrial building a new lease of life within its surrounding community.

Want to see more events?

VIEW THE FULL CHANCE CONVERSATIONS PROGRAMME:

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-future-of-industrial-heritage-661909

VIEW THE FULL #MADEINSMETHICK PROGRAMME

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/madeinsmethwick-212039

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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?

Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.

How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?

This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.

Fill out this short survey to have your say!

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HCQXPSR

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THANKS TO…

This programme has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.