Living conditions have changed fundamentally in many respects, not just material conditions but health, work and leisure time as well. The physical remains from the Age of Industry provide starting points for accounts of the industrially organized society, through which people can understand and look back upon their own lives and backgrounds. They make it possible not only to learn about and understand but also to interpret the processes which gave rise to the industrial society. On the other hand, enjoying the cultural heritage is mostly associated with the general public, the citizens. Within the industrial heritage sector though, idealistic and voluntary work is widespread.
People concern themselves with and take great responsibility for their own industrial heritage.
In the future managers and users may, to a larger extent, be the same people. Perhaps the situation will be the same within other sectors of the cultural heritage. The conference will revolve around three themes - Identity, Democracy and Force. For the period 1999-2001 the Swedish Government has decided to effect a special project regarding the cultural heritage of the industrial society. The aim is to increase the accessibility and general knowledge on its background and history.