The National Archives and
Archiving the Arts
Kate Wheeler - Collections
Knowledge Manager
Archives Definition
An archive is a collection of materials created by a
person or organisation in the course of their business or
their life.
They are preserved because of the evidence and
information they contain.
But what they all contain is stories....
What about Arts Archives? What makes
them special?
For the audience
- ‘Eavesdropping on History’
- Accessible entry point to archives
- Different ways of responding to records
And for archives?
- Chance to connect with new and diverse audiences
- Strong field of research and also general interest
- Dedicated funding streams
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Archiving the Arts
We are:
- DISCOVERING – where archives are held, which collections are at risk
and what questions loom large
- GROWING KNOWLEDGE – through workshops, networking and
establish intra-sector contacts
- BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS – working closely with key organisations like
Arts Council England, prestigious academics and sector leading archives
Archiving the Arts has 4 Key Objectives...
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1) To ensure that arts collections are:
FINDABLE – Listing on databases like the NRA, supporting cataloguing,
using new technology
USEABLE – Helping academics, local historians, community groups and
artists to understand the value of these records and use them
APPRECIATED – Kudos for research, boosting reputation, supporting
activity
We want to support living archives....
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2) To help non-archivists make good
decisions about records in their care
- Enabling individuals /organisations to understand the value
of their records
- Beginning the journey from ‘stuff’ to
‘archive’
- Accessing basic, appropriate, collection
care
- Making good decisions about whether to care for their
records themselves or to deposit at an established archive
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3) To support access to sustainable
funding streams
-Supporting strong relationships with funders
- Growing knowledge of the funding landscape
-Aiding partnerships
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-Supporting appropriate commercial activity
- Working to clarify IP and copyright where needed
4) To encourage dialogue and skills
sharing between artists and archivists
We want to celebrate these vibrant sectors and bring people
together so that:
- New work can flourish
- Trust can be built - leading to new deposits
- enabling better access
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- Artists and archivists can work together to access funding
and gain high-level support
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How can I get involved?
Contact me at: kate.wheeler@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk
Tell me if you are contacting from the perspective of an artist and
an archivist
Share all you can!
Watch out for events in your region
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