Archives into the future

Archives into the Future is a one-day symposium in collaboration between the British Library and major new projects funded under the auspices of the Arts and Humanities Research Council 'Care for the Future' theme: 'Performing the Jewish Archive' (University of Leeds) and 'The Antislavery Usable Past' (University of Hull), with contributions also from 'Assembling Alternative Futures for Heritage' (University College London).

The day will open with presentations from these teams and their non-HE partner organisations around the subjects of archives in the future, archives of the future, and the future of archives. Starting from the British Library's own archival collections relating to Jewish music and theatre and to the Antislavery movement, the focus will broaden to such topics as community archives, performance archives, digital archives, and informal personal archives. A series of brief 'provocations' from leading scholars and practitioners will form the basis of discussion panels:

• Who owns archives?
• Who decides what is archived?
• How are archives created 'from below' as well as 'from above'?
• What is the status of the informal, community or personal archive?
• What is the future of public engagement with archives?
• What impact does the digitisation of archives have?

These and other questions will form the basis for a stimulating and provocative day tailored to the interests of attendees.

Early-career researchers and doctoral students are particularly welcome, though all interested parties are invited from all career stages. Refreshments, lunch and a closing reception/performance will be provided. Space is limited and attendance is by application. For application details and more information about the programme as it emerges, see Performing the Jewish Archive