For Malmö University research project Living Archives, the end is just the start. The final event was not just a celebration, but a way to continue the dialogue around digitisation, power and the future of archiving.
Living Archives was started by a team of researchers from very different fields to explore the challenges of working with archives in an increasingly digitised society. They wanted to understand how and why archives are important for public heritage and memory, and how technology has transformed archiving practices.
The project’s final event, held at Malmö Art Museum, included panel discussions and performances, and showcased the many alliances that Living Archives has formed with artists and cultural organisations outside the University. Susan Kozel, professor of new media and project leader of Living Archives, says the event was a way to look forward, rather than looking back.
“We wanted the event to draw in past as well as present collaborators who might be interested in seeing what could possibly come next.”