Nomadic Memory Work Lab
where
Black Women Artists
build their archives
in real time
Week One: Getting Started
You can start building your archive today
Learn how to build a custodial database that fits the current needs of your collections. Whether you are preserving photographs, journals, audio files or emphera, you can begin with one document and make changes later.
Inspired by the embodiment and care practices of bell hooks, tina campt, toni morrison and octavia butler, we believe that archiving is a self-defined praxis of intentional choices and ritual led record-keeping.
Currently Building
Ethelyn Stephens, Retired Atlanta Public School Teacher
Sierra King, Artist and Archivist
Jasmine Nicole Williams, Muralist and Printmaker
Ebony Blanding, Filmmaker and Writer
Contributing Photographers and Documentarians include but are not limited to: Sierra King, John Stephens, Melissa Alexander and Kyle Chattam.
FAQs
What is a Nomadic Memory Work Lab?
Wherever the archive is, we go. In collaboration with the Black Women Artists we are working with we prioritize being mobile, flexible and in transition. We seek artists that also have nomadic practices that may require documentation in locations outside of their home base.
How can I start building my archive?
Copy the airtable base and fill out the first table with your familial and communal relationships. From there you will have an idea of who you need to talk to, reach out to and begin scheduling routine conversations.
Who is Build Your Archive for?
Build Your Archive is for Black Women Artists who are looking to build their archive in real time. We also welcome Black Families, communities and organizations that make up the ecosystems that they live and serve in take advantage of the resources on the site.
What equipment and materials do you recommend?
A few pencils, acid free card stock, acid free manila folders, 4x6in photo sleeves, a 4-5 light tight document boxes.
You can find a comprehensive list here.
Why do you focus on Black Women Artists?
Black Women Artists are the centers of their communities. Their record of choices is valuable information in how the community around them and their work was cultivated. Their legacy and narrative deserves to be protected at all levels of manifestation, creation, documentation, preservation and archiving.
What if I don’t have time?
Personal archiving is a personal routine unique to your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly habits. We also recognize that it is a collaborative process, If you need support in understanding how to make time or creating the habit of personal you can read more in the newsletter.