I Am an Archive, We Are an Archive - 20th Annual Huntley Conference

Conference update

During the planning of this year’s conference, we received the sad news that Eric Huntley — our patron, founder, and mentor — had passed away.

Eric had been actively involved in shaping the conference programme and encouraged us to continue with our plans. While we mourn the passing of dear Uncle Eric, we will also take the opportunity during the day to honour and celebrate his life’s work, which continues to inspire our collective practice.

About the conference

Join us for an interactive, intergenerational gathering exploring Black archives as living, creative, and political spaces. This year’s conference moves from youth-led groundings to artistic interpretation and international dialogue, bringing together young people, artists, archivists, scholars, and cultural institutions from across the UK and beyond.

Through conversation, reflection, and performative sessions, we will explore how archival materials shape identity, belonging, empowerment, and self-reliance across generations and geographies.

Programme highlights include:

• An artist film and talk with Rose Abba (Nigeria)
• Youth-led workshops with Symona Turkson and Drew Iheoma
• Sessions with Pauline Rutter, archival artist and community and organisational poet
• Reflections on artistic practice with acclaimed artist Sharon Walters
• A keynote address by Professor Abdul Alkalimat (USA) on Black Studies, identity, and power in a changing America

The afternoon will close with cultural reflections and celebrations.
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We are deeply grateful for the continued and generous support of The London Archives and our partner organisations. These events would not be possible without the in-kind support, skills, and dedication of the amazing team of FHALMA volunteers, and the generosity of our speakers and contributors.
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Quiet Space – Visitors' cloakroom and luggage drop-off (Mezzanine)

Above images: From the Huntley Archives at the London Archives. Archives Series Ref-LMA/4462/

Eric Huntley at the Huntley Archives (2023) Photo: Beverley Mason