the national archives and archiving the arts kate wheeler - collections knowledge manager

The National Archives and Archiving the Arts

Kate Wheeler - Collections Knowledge Manager

Archives DefinitionAn 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?

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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

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...

Archiving the Arts

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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....

1) To ensure that arts collections are:

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- 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

2) To help non-archivists make good decisions about records in their care

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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

-Supporting appropriate commercial activity

- Working to clarify IP and copyright where needed

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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

4) To encourage dialogue and skills sharing between artists and archivists

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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

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