Do you know the Proscitec network? This association works for the conservation and enhancement of the heritage as well as the memory of the trades in our territory. It conceals many treasures to be discovered throughout our region as well as in Belgium, through its members.
We must save industrial heritage and craftsmanship
As the hourglass ticks away, the tangible and intangible heritage of companies is eroding. Some knowledge and skills are being forgotten, while many buildings, tools, old machines and archives are deteriorating or disappearing. This is why the Proscitec network, for the Promotion of Science and Technology, created in 1984, has set itself the task of safeguarding these activities while ensuring their promotion.
Proscitec is a hundred members, seven business sectors represented
To do this, the association brings together, supports and promotes around a hundred regional players, including a multitude of museums, tourist sites, associations and businesses open to the public. These have as a common denominator the passion and the preservation of industrial memory and artisanal trades through their activities, their daily actions and their collections.
Seven major sectors of activity are represented within the network: mining, textiles, agri-food, transport, glass and ceramics work, science and technology as well as rural life and traditions. We find in particular among the member structures the ecomuseum of Avesnois, the ceramics museum of Desvres, the swimming pool museum of Roubaix, the City of lace and fashion of Calais... More specifically on the territory of the 'Audomarois and its surroundings, we find the association of crystal glassmakers and associates of Arques, the Brigades de l'Aa museum in Ouve-Wirquin, the tourist railway of the Aa valley... And of course... Our shipyard. Boat Makers have been members of the network since 2016.
A mission to promote industrial and craft tourism
Among its actions, the Association publishes publications, initiates inventories, organizes seminars and conferences, as well as cultural exhibitions...
In addition, the members of Proscitec organize each year a calendar of themed events related to the safeguarding of their heritage.
Do you want to discover the know-how and trades of yesterday and today? Enjoy exciting and surprising visits in the company of enthusiasts? A multitude of museums and tourist sites, competing in authenticity, are accessible at a preferential rate thanks to the "Pass'Proscitec", available in particular in digital format on proscitec.hypotheses.org
Author: Jérémie Flandrin – text inspired by the article published in Audomarwouah magazine in September 2018.
